Variation in body temperatures of mottled rock rattlesnakes from two populations: implications for body size
Beaupre SJ. 1993. Variation in body temperatures of mottled rock rattlesnakes from two populations: implications for body size. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 74(2):159
Study was made of two populations of mottled rock rattlesnakes (Crotalus lepidus lepidus) in Big Bend National Park. The two areas compared were: Boquillas (low elevation, hot and dry) and Grapevine Hills (high elevation, cooler, more mesic). Snakes from Boquillas are smaller, and appear to incur higher maintenance costs than snakes at Grapevine Hills. The data derived from this study shows that local environmental conditions significantly influence available energy for growth. This study helps explain intraspecific geographic variations in body size.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Beaupre, Steven
- Units
- BIBE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Body Temperature, mottled rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus lepidus) - Squamata - Serpentes - Crotalidae, Size