The Influence of Diet on the Composition and Function of Gut Microbiota in Four Snake Species.

ABSTRACT: Diet plays an important role in shaping the intestinal flora, especially as demonstrated in non-mammalian studies. However, the precise associations underlying the interaction between the snake gut microbiota and diet remain poorly understood. Our findings indicate that the gut microbiomes of four snake species exhibit distinct characteristics influenced by their dietary preferences. Significant variations in gut microbial composition were observed among snakes with different diets. Similarities were noted between the gut microbiomes of Jerdon's pitviper (Protobothrops jerdonii: PJ) and Black-browed ratsnake (Elaphe taeniura: ET), which share similar food preferences. Chinese slug-eating snake (Pareas chinensis: PC), which primarily feeds on snails and slugs, displayed

SUBMITTER: Song H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12463458 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature