Puffy encounter

[NickGM]

It's not really a case of mimicry of venomous species, rather than uneducated people thinking every snake is some or other venomous specie. 

Many snake species go through ontogenetic colour changes as they mature. Camouflage being the main advantage and driver for an animal that is at the bottom of the food chain, but as it grows and its behavior and environment it occupies changes, evolution will favour those traits that are most successful for its survival.

The dark colouration of Mole snakes on the West coast probably evolved to aid thermoregulation for an animal that spends most of its life in burrows - the quicker it can warm up in the sun, the quicker it can get away into hiding again.

Although in the case of mole snakes (even Juveniles) I assume they'd never be at the bottom of the food chain. Not while there are still moles that breath. 

[stefmeister]

Although in the case of mole snakes (even Juveniles) I assume they'd never be at the bottom of the food chain. Not while there are still moles that breath. 

Yeah, it's a bit of n exaggeration, but they fall prey to almost every opportunist that is bigger than it. 

Edited January 14, 2020 by stefmeister

[DJR]

Although in the case of mole snakes (even Juveniles) I assume they'd never be at the bottom of the food chain. Not while there are still moles that breath. 

I think things like mongoose and raptors will take quite a toll on the juveniles.

[Robbie Stewart]

It's not really a case of mimicry of venomous species, rather than uneducated people thinking every snake is some or other venomous specie. 

Many snake species go through ontogenetic colour changes as they mature. Camouflage being the main advantage and driver for an animal that is at the bottom of the food chain, but as it grows and its behavior and environment it occupies changes, evolution will favour those traits that are most successful for its survival.

The dark colouration of Mole snakes on the West coast probably evolved to aid thermoregulation for an animal that spends most of its life in burrows - the quicker it can warm up in the sun, the quicker it can get away into hiding again.

 

I agree, mostly (_{unconvinced by the evolution theorem though})

[stefmeister]

I agree, mostly (_{unconvinced by the evolution theorem though})

So what theory (or rather hypothesis) would convince you or do you propose?

[Robbie Stewart]

So what theory (or rather hypothesis) would convince you or do you propose?

 

I will believe the evidence. To date, there is none. Evolution remains a hypothesis.

 

edit - but I really don't intend for this to degrade into a discussion on evolution. Let's keep this thread about snakes.

Edited January 14, 2020 by Robbie Stewart

[100Tours]

I will believe the evidence. To date, there is none. Evolution remains a hypothesis.

 

edit - but I really don't intend for this to degrade into a discussion on evolution. Let's keep this thread about snakes.

 

The lack of mountainbikers in the fossil record doesn't present an issue for you? or mole snakes?

[stefmeister]

I will believe the evidence. To date, there is none. Evolution remains a hypothesis.

 

edit - but I really don't intend for this to degrade into a discussion on evolution. Let's keep this thread about snakes.

 

Yeah, no point in furthering the discussion if that's your view.

[Piston ZA]

I will believe the evidence. No you won't. The evidence for evolution is overwhelming, and it doesn't matter what evidence anyone presents to you, you will not accept it.

 

To date, there is none. Evolution remains a hypothesis. As said above, the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. From the fossil record, genetics. biogeography, mathematical modelling to direct observation. It is therefore a fact, and not hypothesis, no matter how many times you say it or what you believe.

 

edit - but I really don't intend for this to degrade into a discussion on evolution. Let's keep this thread about snakes. To late, you brought it up. But keeping it to snakes, here is a recent article on an interesting fossil discovery and the evolution of snakes.

 

https://theconversation.com/extraordinary-skull-fossil-reveals-secrets-of-snake-evolution-127307

 

[Stockman]

My heart would stop. How far is Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth from Marine Drive, Cape Town? I need to move to Iceland

The coastlines are joined! 

[sawystertrance]

Mole snake, not a puffy. A puffy is darker and the head much fatter. It also has chevron markings along the back, that are more pronounced.

 

I am interested to note that a mole snake resembles a puffy as a baby, and a cobra as an adult. Good way to make its enemies think twice before tackling it.

 

 

I cannot find any data to support that. Do you have a source?

 

Edit: There are even YouTube videos of Puffadders giving birth. (Puffies give birth to live young and are not oviviparous) Babies are clearly marked similar to adults.

Edited January 14, 2020 by sawystertrance

[DJR]

Mole snake juvenile

[DJR]

Mole snake adult

[Robbie Stewart]

I cannot find any data to support that. Do you have a source?

 

Edit: There are even YouTube videos of Puffadders giving birth. (Puffies give birth to live young and are not oviviparous) Babies are clearly marked similar to adults.

 

Molesnake:

 

 

Puffy:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubENvStEY0I

[DJR]

Puff adder adult

[Robbie Stewart]