The kinematics of envenomation by the yellow stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis

被引:0
作者
Ruth Hughes
Kristen Pedersen
Steve Huskey
机构
[1] Western Kentucky University,Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
[2] Western Kentucky University,Biology Department
[3] University of Notre Dame,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
[4] University of Southern California,Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
来源
Zoomorphology | 2018年 / 137卷
关键词
Stingray; Spine; Envenomation; Kinematics; Behavior; Morphology;
D O I
暂无
中图分类号
学科分类号
摘要
The yellow stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis (Cuvier 1817), is a common saltwater stingray species that can administer a fast, venomous sting, usually as the result of being inadvertently stepped upon. This species has been studied by a number of investigators, however, little is known about the kinematics of its strike, or the strike of any other ray species. High-speed cinematography was used to film vertical strikes catalyzed by a foot-like apparatus used to pin the animal down. The average maximum velocity of 213.15 cm/s was found to occur 61.3% through the total strike; strikes lasted, on average, 0.23 s. The average maximum acceleration was determined to be 3067.34 cm/s/s. To accomplish a successful envenomation, a stingray will arc its tail upward then depress the tip of its tail to reveal the venomous spine, forming an angle with the tail with a mean of 35.73°. This angle appears, on average, at a point 58.8% through the path of the strike, or just before the maximum velocity. Morphological analyses determined that this angle is accomplished by a significant reduction in the dorso-ventral height of the vertebral column, as well as spacing between haemal arches and processes, creating a “hinge-like” feature that allows the tail-tip to flex away from the spine. Yellow stingrays are morphologically and behaviorally adapted to deploy their venomous spine as a mean of defense against threats, and a better understanding of this mechanism may aid in the prevention and treatment of stingray-inflicted wounds in humans.
引用
收藏
页码:409 / 418
页数:9
相关论文
共 76 条
[1]  
Amesbury E(1997)Spine replacement in a freshwater population of Atlantic stingray, Copeia 1997 220-223
[2]  
Snelson F(2016)Point of impact: the effect of size and speed on puncture mechanics Interface Focus 6 20150111-493
[3]  
Anderson PSL(1991)Marine envenomations N Engl J Med 325 486-37
[4]  
LaCosse J(2007)Stingray envenomation: a retrospective review of clinical presentation and treatment in 119 cases J Emerg Med 33 33-290
[5]  
Pankow M(1984)Feeding habits and feeding grounds of the northern elephant seal J Mamm 65 281-109
[6]  
Auerbach P(2008)The evaluation, management, and prevention of stingray injuries in travelers J Travel Med 15 102-307
[7]  
Clark R(1996)Clinical aspects of envenomation by marine animals Toxicon 34 145-236
[8]  
Girard R(1947)Is the stingray’s sting poisonous to vertebrates other than men and fishes? Am Nat 81 297-128
[9]  
Rao D(1947)Sizes attained by the large hammerhead sharks Copeia 1947 228-26
[10]  
Ly B(1953)Stingray attacks and their treatment Am J Trop Med Hyg 2 115-583