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Feeding responses in young boa constrictors are mediated by the vomeronasal system

Abstract The vomeronasal system has been shown to mediate feeding responses in several species of snakes. Most studies, however, have been done on snakes of the families Colubridae and Crotalidae. The role of the vomeronasal system in mediating feeding responses was examined in a member of the Boidae, Boa constrictor imperator . Young boa constrictors were presented with a mouse model that was either scented with mouse odours or unscented. In addition, the snakes underwent trials with their vomeronasal ducts plugged with glue (VNX) or with glue placed on one side of the mouth (Sham). Young boas responded to scented mouse models by tongue-flicking and striking the model; they responded to the models only under the Sham condition. The VNX condition resulted in no strikes and virtually no tongue flicking, suggesting that boa constrictors show appropriate feeding responses to mouse chemicals presented on a model and only respond when the vomeronasal system is intact.