Zoology Animal Ecology ZAE002
The tiger keelback (Rhabdophis tigrinus) possesses unusual structures known as nuchal glands in the skin of the dorsal neck. Nuchal glands may contain potent cardiac steroids (bufadienolides) that are secreted when this species is attacked by a predator. The unique anti-predator behaviors of R. tigrinus, such as exposing the neck and neck butting, are presumably associated with the chemical defense of the nuchal glands. Caution: R. tigrinus is not only poisonous but also venomous. It is opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged), and its bite can be fatal to humans.
Reptilia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
| Prefecture | Kyoto | Use of Microscope | Don't Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region | Yoshida Campus, Kyoto University | Use of Automatic Shooting Devices | Don't Use |
| Shooting Date | 2012/9/15 | Use of Fluorescent Probe | Don't Use |
| Shooting Time | 12:07 | Use of Infrared | Don't Use |
| Photographer | Yosuke KOJIMA | Shooting Interval (Sec.) | --- |
| Copyright Holder | Yosuke KOJIMA | Shooting Speed | 標準 |
In Japanese