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This research investigates the evolutionary function of rattlesnake rattles as a deterrent signal.

March 14, 2026PLoS ONE0 citationsOpen Access

The multimodal display of rattlesnakes is a deterring signal that works best with sympatric species

OCOcéane Da Cunha JMJ. Mead LHL. Miles Horne

Key Points

This research investigates the evolutionary function of rattlesnake rattles as a deterrent signal.
Developed a 3D-printed robotic rattlesnake to simulate multimodal stimuli.
Conducted behavioral trials with 38 species of zoo-housed animals.
Measured aversive responses to the rattlesnake's display.
Animals exhibited significant aversive responses to the rattlesnake signal.
Sympatric species demonstrated even stronger fear responses.
Findings suggest the rattle functions as an effective deimatic signal.

Abstract

The rattlesnake rattle is one of the most iconic communication signals in nature, yet its evolutionary function remains poorly understood. To test the long-standing hypothesis that the defensive display of rattlesnakes acts as a deterrent, we developed a 3D-printed robotic rattlesnake capable of displaying the multimodal sensory stimulus produced by a rattlesnake. This robot was presented to 38 species of zoo-housed animals in a series of behavioral trials. Animals displayed aversive response to the signal, suggesting that this multimodal display functions as a deimatic signal by triggering reflexive avoidance response. Sympatric species exhibited even stronger fear response to the display, suggesting an evolved, innate fear to the signal. These results offer insights into how complex antipredator signals can originate and diversify in the animal kingdom.

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