Effect of sloughing and digestion on metabolic rate in the Australian carpet python, Morelia spilota imbricata

Abstract

The standard metabolic rate for juvenile carpet pythons, Morelia spilota imbricata, with a mean body mass of 129.6 g (range 57.7–253 g) increased from 6.75 ± 0.96 (s.e.) mL h^–1 to 42.6 ± 12.40 (s.e.) mL h^–1 in 48 h after ingesting mice equal to approximately 23% of their body mass, at a temperature of 30°C. Sloughing increased metabolic rate to approximately 146% of standard metabolic rate at 30°C. Metabolic rate is elevated before the eyes become opaque and other visual signs indicate that a slough is imminent. The implications of these two factors when measuring standard metabolic rate are discussed.