The Effects of Temperature on Digestion in Vipera aspis

Abstract

(France) ABSTRACT. -The effects of temperature on digestion were studied in Vipera aspis at different temperatures, between 10 and 35?C. At 10?C, all prey was regurgitated. Regurgitation rate declined to 56% at 15?C and then remained approximately less than 10% at 20, 25, 30 and 35?C. The duration of digestion shortened as temperature rose; the Q 10 decreased progressively between 15 and 35?C. The mass of the prey in absolute terms or as a function of the mass of the viper had relatively little effect on the duration of digestion. The number of fecal pellets decreased with increasing temper- ature, but the percentage of wet initial mass of prey excreted was independent of temperature. Feeding was dependent on the temperature at which the vipers were kept. The incidence of food acceptance increased from 40% and 9% at 15 and 20?C, respectively, to 85% and 100% at 25 and 30?C.