Latitudinal variation in seasonal activity and mortality in ratsnakes (Elaphe obsoleta)

• DOI: 10.1890/09-1154.1
• Publication Date: 2010-06-04T19:55:37Z
• Authors: Jinelle H. Sperry; Gabriel Blouin-De...; Gerardo L. F. Car...; Patrick J. Weathe...
• Keywords: Ectotherm; Hibernation; Seasonality; Limiting

The ecology of ectotherms should be particularly affected by latitude because so much their biology is temperature dependent. Current latitudinal patterns also informative about how will have to modify behavior in response climate change. We used data from a total 175 adult black ratsnakes ( Elaphe obsoleta ) radio‐tracked Ontario, Illinois, and Texas, distance >1500 km, test predictions seasonal activity mortality vary with latitude. Despite pronounced differences temperatures among study locations, despite Texas not hibernating switching diurnal nocturnal the summer, snake were remarkably similar during months that snakes all populations active. Rather than being function temperature, may driven timing reproduction, which appears populations. Contrary prediction highest most active population, overall did follow clinal pattern. Winter increase latitude, however, consistent limiting northern distribution ratsnakes. This result was opposite found only previous variation winter reptiles, consequence whether or animals exhibit true hibernation. Collectively, these results suggest that, at least part range, able adjust easily to, benefit from, warmer climate, although climate‐based changes snakes' prey habitat, for example, could alter prediction.