Energetics for Activity in the Diamondback Water Snake, Natrix rhombifera

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Abstract
The diamondback water snake, Natrix rhombifera, exhibited significant daily cycles of rate of oxygen consumption ( ) when acclimated at 15 and 35 C but not at 25 C. Routine activity followed the cycles at 15 and 35 C but not at 25 C. Oxygen consumption and total body lactate production during 10 min forced activity showed a high dependence (65.8%-85.9%) on anaerobiosis at all temperatures. The oxygen debt at 25 C could account for all of the energy required for gluconeogenesis of all the lacta te removed during the period of a measurable oxygen debt, but lactate removal and gluconeogenesis continued beyond this time. Muscle lactate was highest and muscle glycogen lowest immediately after activity. Both had returned to resting concentrations by 3 h after activity, at which time blood and liver lactate concentrations were still high. The continued rise in blood glucose during recovery and the lack of any significant change in liver glycogen during either activity or recovery indicate a high dependence on gluconeogenesis to remove the lactate formed and to restore muscle glycogen. The strong dependence on anaerobiosis during activity may be an adaptation to a semiaquatic life-style.