210 Zoologica: N. Y. Zoological Society [I; 11 



release rodents, but retain the hold upon birds. Despite this vari- 

 ance in subjugation of the prey, we have noted with the members of 

 this family, a feeding trait possible only with the development of 

 the present highly perfected fang mechanism. 



Part II.— The Food of Serpents 



In considering in detail the food of serpents, the writer has 

 placed his observations in the order of classification relating to these 

 reptiles. 



The Typhlopidae and Glauconiidae: These small, lowly and 

 ancient types of serpents are persistently subterraneous and appear 

 to be largely insectivorous. The chitinous coverings of insects are 

 to be found in dissected specimens, and examples are commonly dug 

 from termites' nests, gorged with these insects. 



The Boidae: The Boas and Pythons, of direct ancient lineage 

 as evidenced by their possession of vestigial hind limbs, feed largely 

 upon mammals and birds, although the big tropical lizards are also 

 preyed upon by some of the species. The Anaconda, Eunectes 

 murinus, is by far the largest of the New World serpents, and 

 detailed investigations show the food to consist of wild swine (the 

 peccary), monkeys, the larger rodents and various species of water 

 fowl. Although an aquatic serpent, the anaconda, even in an imma- 

 ture state, does not appear to feed upon fish or amphibians. The 

 various species of South American Boa feed upon the larger rodents 

 and birds. While students of the habits of these big constrictors 

 have alleged that the food is restricted to warm-blooded prey, the 

 investigations of Mr. R. R. Mole, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, have 

 demonstrated a marked appetite among these snakes for iguanas, 

 tegus and other big lizards. The Society is indebted to Mr. Mole for 

 a large number of the tropical American snakes to be exhibited 

 in the Reptile House and for valuable notes on the habits of various 

 South American reptiles. Herewith annotated are several observa- 

 tions by Mr. Mole: 



"I do not know whether you are aware of it, but the great snakes 

 are very fond of lizards. They are more easily digested than mam- 

 mals and birds. Boa constrictors can rarely resist the temptation of 

 a big tegu, and my Indian pythons (molurus) have swallowed many 

 iguanas and one devoured a vigorous four-foot alligator." 



