Channel: Kevin Messenger

Category: Pets & Animals

Tags: nuchalkeelbackreptilessnakered neckedbackreptilepoisonousindiaglandherpetologysubminiatusrednuchal glandsvenomousnatricidaedefensiveanimalsbehaviorwildlifepoisonkeel backkevin messengerasiahong kongneckrhabdophiskeelpoisonous snakechinahelleri

Description: Here is some video of a red-necked keelback (R. subminiatus) performing some of its nuchal gland associated defensive behaviors. This genus of snake is both poisonous and venomous (rear-fanged). The have unique behaviors that are associated with their nuchal glands. In this video, you can see a lot of neck arching and neck butting. The animal being filmed is a juvenile. The testing going on is looking at frequency and use of these nuchal gland related behaviors, by introducing a stimulus (finger), and observing the reaction.