Evaporative Water Loss in the Spiny Soft-Shelled Turtle Trionyx spiniferus

Abstract
Evaporative water loss rates are reported for the soft-shelled turtle Trionyx spiniferus at 15 C, 25 C, and 35 C. Area specific water loss rates per unit vapor pressure saturation deficit show no animal size dependence. Skin resistance to water loss also shows no animal size dependence. A method of calculation of skin resistance from water loss rate and temperature measurements is presented.