Coiling During Male-Male Combat in Snakes: Differences Between Vipers and Other Groups, and Between Constrictors and Non-Constrictors

During male-male combat (MMC) in snakes, combatants often coil around each other. To determine whether there are differences this behavior between different snake groups, we examined video footage of 100 instances MMC 49 species from six families. Results show that Viperidae, involves smaller numbers loops than the other three clades considered here (Pythonidae+Loxocemidae, Elapidae+Pseudoxyrhophiidae, and Colubridae). In coiling also seems to be an accidental result movements does not involve tightening, whereas it appears deliberate is enhanced by tightening. The duration shorter clade Elapidae+Pseudoxyrhophiidae (most which non-constrictors) Viperidae (non-constrictors) Colubridae (many constrictors) Pythonidae+Loxocemidae (constrictors). It non-constricting colubrids constricting colubrids, although number differ two groups. We conclude lesser importance for clades, maintaining during groups constrictors. These results amount snakes follow phylogenetic lines. videos used study were collected social media demonstrate can useful collecting data scientific studies.