Standard metabolic rate and preferred body temperatures in some Australianpythons

Pythons have standard metabolic rates and preferred body temperatures that are lower than those of most other reptiles. This study investigated metabo lic rates and preferred body temperatures of seven taxa of Australian pytho ns. We found that Australian pythons have particularly low metabolic rates when compared with other bold snakes, and that the metabolic rates of the p ythons did not change either seasonally or on a daily cycle. Preferred body temperatures do vary seasonally in some species but not in others. Across all species and seasons, the preferred body temperature range was only 4.9 degrees C. The thermal sensitivity (Q(10)) of oxygen consumption by pythons conformed to the established range of between 2 and 3. Allometric equation s for the pooled python data at each of the experimental temperatures gave an equation exponent of 0.72-0.76, which is similar to previously reported values. By having low preferred body temperatures and low metabolic rates, pythons appear to be able to conserve energy while still maintaining a vigi lant 'sit and wait' predatory existence. These physiological attributes wou ld allow pythons to maximise the time they can spend 'sitting and waiting' in the pursuit of prey.