Contrasting Color and Pattern as Enticement Display in Snakes

Kingsnakes observed in the process of locating nests containing young birds were apparently aided in their search by the relative intensity of the attacking response by the parents. The vivid marks and coloration of these snakes appear to serve as reinforcement signals to maintain the intensity of the attacks, as well as to provide directional signals to the snake. It is believed that this phenomenon is described for the first time and may be an additional explanation for the presence of vivid marks and colors in some snakes.