Social behaviour in snakes

[Zephyr]

I don't have the opportunity to verify that that's why the larvae are doing it, but that would be kin selection. (Kin selection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Doesn't really apply to this case, since you can't assume that the snakes they're with are closely related or even of the same species.

Might apply to my area... I've observed signs of a genetic bottleneck that may have occurred around 40 or 50 years ago. That would mean that most of the garters would be somewhat related... Oi, this makes my head hurt. x.x

[adamanteus]

We're agreed on that. So, what's your take on these two Adders? They are definitely siblings, the author of my original quote marks his subjects by 'ventral scale clipping' in a unique pattern.. so he knows his individuals. Why do you think these two sisters might spend their time together over so many years? I'll be honest, it's thrown me, and made me want to follow these two (if only I could).

[Stefan-A]

We're agreed on that. So, what's your take on these two Adders? They are definitely siblings, the author of my original quote marks his subjects by 'ventral scale clipping' in a unique pattern.. so he knows his individuals. Why do you think these two sisters might spend their time together over so many years? I'll be honest, it's thrown me, and made me want to follow these two (if only I could).

I have absolutely no idea, but I would like to know.

[drache]

We're agreed on that. So, what's your take on these two Adders? They are definitely siblings, the author of my original quote marks his subjects by 'ventral scale clipping' in a unique pattern.. so he knows his individuals. Why do you think these two sisters might spend their time together over so many years? I'll be honest, it's thrown me, and made me want to follow these two (if only I could).

probably recognition of the familiar
I wouldn't necessarily assume that it's because they're sisters
or if it is, perhaps it's just that they ended up with the same scent
is it really so outlandish?

[adamanteus]

is it really so outlandish?

Actually, Rhea, yes it is... it's unprecedented. This behaviour in snakes has (to my knowledge) never been recorded before.

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

The adder behavior has me stumped as well.

Wayne, I do agree with your idea in the "communal choice" in retreats. It is unintentional in regards to one another, and it is usually environmental conditions or the presence of prey which makes most snakes "flock" together. They don't tell everyone else "Hey, there's fat worms and salamanders under that board; come on! Let's go there!" Most snakes can just sense where the good spots are and "Whalah! Presto!" It looks like a party!

[drache]

Actually, Rhea, yes it is... it's unprecedented. This behaviour in snakes has (to my knowledge) never been recorded before.

okay, I used the wrong word
something not previously known about is certainly a bit outlandish
I suppose I meant to say, that it doesn't seem unthinkable to me
just because nobody has ever noted this kind of behaviour, doesn't mean it hasn't happened before
I really would be careful to credit the sciences with an all-seeing eye
"facts" have been revised many times over the centuries, mostly because some overlooked or rejected oddity was finally taken into account

[adamanteus]

Wayne.. go hog it!

[Garter_Gertie]

I think this is just a wonderful thread! Keep thinking you guys!

[adamanteus]

I wonder if a similar thing could be observed in wild Garters, if anybody was bothering to look closely enough.
I wonder, could we....?