Temperature-mediated characteristics of the dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) of southern Appalachia

Thermal preference of the salamander Desmognathus fuscus was measured in a linear thermal gradient with floor temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degreesC. Salamanders were acclimated to 21 +/- 1 degreesC and a 12:12 photoperiod with photophase centered at 1200 h for 8 weeks prior to being placed in the gradient. Substrate temperatures were measured under the salamanders' stomachs from 1200 to 2400 h at 2 h intervals immediately after feeding and after seven days fasting. We found no selection for temperature in fasting or postprandial D. fuscus. We compared the rate at which D. fuscus cooled and heated with that of a control and found no significant difference. We determined the desiccation rate of D. fuscus at 16 and 26 degreesC and found a significantly more rapid desiccation at 26 degreesC. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.