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1 September 2010 Body Temperature Variation in Free-Ranging Hognose Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos)
Michael V. Plummer, Nathan E. Mills
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Abstract

Body temperatures (Tb) of eight free-ranging Heterodon platirhinos were measured with radiotelemetry throughout the year. Body temperature ranged from 5–37°C and varied with air temperature and activity. During the active season, Tb of active snakes (∼30.5°C) averaged about 3°C higher than that of inactive snakes (∼27.4°C). Body temperature did not differ between the sexes or between resident and nonresident snakes. At air temperatures below 30°C, Tb averaged ∼3°C above air temperature; at air temperatures above 30°C, Tb averaged ∼0.2°C below air temperature. Basking appears to be important in the thermal ecology of H. platirhinos. Body temperature of free-ranging active H. platirhinos monitored with radiotelemetry was similar to previous reports on Tbs of active H. platirhinos measured with cloacal thermometers. A thorough knowledge of basic thermal requirements of H. platirhinos may be useful in its conservation.

Michael V. Plummer and Nathan E. Mills "Body Temperature Variation in Free-Ranging Hognose Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos)," Journal of Herpetology 44(3), 471-474, (1 September 2010). https://doi.org/10.1670/09-093.1
Accepted: 1 January 2010; Published: 1 September 2010
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