Thermal constraints on swimming performance and escape response of northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon)

P. J. Weatherhead, I. C. Robertson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Swimming speed increased as a function of water temperature and body size. Swimming speed was less thermally dependent at temperatures approximating the snakes' normal range of activity, suggesting that selection has favoured increased performance breadth at this range. In the field, basking snakes retreated to water when approached. Despite a decrease in swimming speed at lower temperatures, and the cost associated with reduced metabolic rate due to loss of body temperature, however, flight distances were independent of water temperature. Basking snakes retreated to water sooner when perched at lower heights, possibly indicating that N. sipedon are more vulnerable to predators when on low perches. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)94-98
Number of pages5
JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology
Volume70
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

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