| | PAGE | | Introduction | 439 | | Acknowledgments | 440 | | Systematic Relationships and Distribution | 441 | | Description | 444 | | Color and Pattern | 444 | | Scutellation | 444 | | Dentition | 449 | | Habitat and Limiting Factors | 450 | | Reproduction | 452 | | Courtship and Mating | 452 | | Reproductive Cycles | 452 | | Embryonic Development | 454 | | Birth of Young | 454 | | Number of Young per Litter | 454 | | Population Composition | 455 | | Reproductive Potential | 455 | | Growth and Development | 456 | | Size at Birth and Early Growth | 456 | | The Umbilical Scar | 457 | | Later Growth and Bodily Proportions | 457 | | Shedding | 459 | | The Shedding Operation | 459 | | Frequency of Shedding | 460 | | Food Habits | 461 | | Methods of Obtaining Prey | 461 | | Food and Food Preferences | 462 | | Mortality Factors | 465 | | Natural Enemies and Predators | 465 | | Parasites and Diseases | 465 | | Miscellaneous Causes of Death | 466 | | Behavior | 466 | | Annual and Diel Cycles of Activity | 466 | | Basking | 469 | | Coiling | 469 | | Locomotion | 470 | | Disposition | 470 | | Defense and Escape | 471 | | "Head Bobbing" | 471 | | Combat Dance | 472 | | The Venom | 473 |
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