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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Snake "Steals" Toad Toxins for Defense Against Predators


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The Asian snake Rhabdophis tigrinus obtains toxins from toads it eats and uses the potent chemicals as a defense against predators, a new study shows.

The toxin-containing glands are clearly visible on this juvenile snake from the toad-rich island of Ishima, Japan, as a large ridge on the back of the neck.

Photograph courtesy Deborah A. Hutchinson