Etude Biotelemetrique de la Thermoregulation Chez Vipera aspis (L.) Elevee on Conditions Artificielles

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Abstract
Body temperature was measured by a 108 mHz transmitter inserted into a mouse subsequently consumed by a snake. The transmitter assumed a fixed position in the gut and did not interfere with the digestion or elimination of food. Light and heat were provided by a 100 W bulb located at one end of the cage providing a temperature gradient from 22-45.degree. and of light from 40-3900 lx. Continous recordings of temperature were made on 3 male and 3 female vipers under conditions of continuous light, darkness or a dark-light rhythm of 12 h. In the dark body temperature was the same as substrate; in day-night the vipers had a rhythmicity of body temperature; in permanent light the body temperature showed very little variation (1.29.degree.) but was significantly higher during the normal day (8 AM-8 PM), indicating an innate internal rhythm. The mean body temperature was higher in a pregnant female than other females, and higher in females than in males. Digestion of the mouse lasted 5-6 days under day-night conditions but only 1.5-3 days under permanent light.

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