Date of Award

2013

Degree Name

Biology

College

College of Science

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Thomas K. Pauley

Second Advisor

Zachary Loughman

Third Advisor

Frank Gilliam

Abstract

The Queensnake (Regina septemvittata) is a small secretive water snake found throughout the eastern United States. Once common, their numbers have declined to the extent that they are now threatened throughout most of their range, largely the result of pollutant-based reduction in prey species. These snakes are assumed to eat molted crayfish exclusively. For some common crayfish species, molting happens only twice a summer during a two- week period. It has not been documented if Queensnakes eat anything besides crayfish on a regular basis. The purpose of this study was to determine the prey preference of Queensnakes with particular focus on crayfish species. Because Queensnakes are considered to be dietary specialists, they are at great risk of becoming extirpated should their food source diminish and are therefore effective bio-indicators for the streams where they live. Data collected from this study will better enable biologists to determine what habitats and prey items are required to conserve this species.

Subject(s)

Snakes -- Ecology.

Snakes -- Habits and behavior.

Herpetology.

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