What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the extent of active thermoregulation, preferred body temperature ranges, and thermal exploitation in a small nocturnal elapid snake.

November 1, 1998Physiological Zoology

Thermoregulation by a Nocturnal Elapid Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) in Southeastern Australia

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To investigate the extent of active thermoregulation, preferred body temperature ranges, and thermal exploitation in a small nocturnal elapid snake.
Assessed selected body temperatures and prey-capture strike performance (speed and accuracy across 20°C–30°C) within laboratory thermal gradients.
Monitored 19 free-ranging snakes using temperature-sensitive radio transmitters, recording 7,801 body-temperature measurements alongside operative environmental temperatures.
Snakes selected body temperatures of 28.1°C–31.1°C in laboratory gradients, with strike speed and accuracy improving at higher temperatures up to 30°C.
Snakes spent only 26% of available time within their preferred temperature range and were thermally restricted by adverse weather on 30% of days, rarely emerging to bask.
Selective retreat-site use enabled snakes to maintain set-point body temperatures for 60% of the crucial 2-hour dusk foraging window.

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Implication

Observational telemetry study reveals limited active thermoregulation in broad-headed snakes, suggesting retreat-site selection fulfills thermal needs while minimizing predation risks.

Cite This Study

Webb et al. (1998) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8692aa1d4e7816c90cfa2b https://doi.org/10.1086/515979

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Implication

Observational telemetry study reveals limited active thermoregulation in broad-headed snakes, suggesting retreat-site selection fulfills thermal needs while minimizing predation risks.

Thermoregulation by a Nocturnal Elapid Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) in Southeastern Australia

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Thermoregulation by a Nocturnal Elapid Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) in Southeastern Australia

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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