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First published online July 25, 2005
Journal of Experimental Biology 208, 2913-2922 (2005)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2005
doi: 10.1242/jeb.01715
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Mechanical properties of the integument of the common gartersnake, Thamnophis sirtalis (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Gabriel Rivera1,*, Alan H. Savitzky1 and Jeffrey A. Hinkley2

1 Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
2 Advanced Materials and Processing Branch, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681, USA

* Author for correspondence at present address: Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA (e-mail: grivera{at}clemson.edu)

Accepted 28 May 2005

The evolution of the ophidian feeding mechanism has involved substantial morphological restructuring associated with the ability to ingest relatively large prey. Previous studies examining the morphological consequences of macrophagy have concentrated on modifications of the skull and cephalic musculature. Although it is evident that macrophagy requires highly compliant skin, the mechanical properties of the ophidian integument have received limited attention, particularly in the context of feeding. We examined mechanical properties of skin along the body axis in Thamnophis sirtalis (Colubridae). Data were collected from tensile tests and were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and post-hoc multiple comparison tests. Significant differences in mechanical properties were detected among regions of the body. In general, prepyloric skin is more compliant than postpyloric skin, consistent with the demands of macrophagy.

Key words: integument, skin, biomechanics, feeding, snake, Thamnophis sirtalis






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2005