Fig. 7. Thamnophis elegans strike. Shown is a sequence from a predatory strike in dorsal view. t = time in seconds. At t=0, a strike is elicited from a motionless individual in an ambush position. Note the presence of small amplitude loops in the neck. Most of the long axis of the body is directed away from the direction of the strike. In the first 100 ms, head acceleration is accomplished by straightening of small loops in the anterior trunk as well as by the initial uncoiling of a large loop in the posterior trunk. As the strike proceeds, the large posterior coils continue to straighten, driving the largely straight anterior trunk towards the prey.