Postprandial thermophily in the Danube crested newt, Triturus dobrogicus

摘要

(1) Preferred temperatures were compared between fed and fasted newts with respect to their locomotor activity (LA) in an aquatic thermal gradient (5-32.5degreesC). (2) Locations and LA of 17 newts in postabsorptive phase were recorded over 24 It. (3) Nine randomly chosen newts were fed (10% of their body mass) and behaviour of all newts was recorded over the next 24h. (4) Fasted newts preferred similar water temperatures during periods of both LA and inactivity. (5) Newts preferred 2-3degreesC higher water temperatures after feeding irrespective of the behavioural state.