I'm sure this topic has been discussed numerous times on the various forums, but it's a topic that I rarely follow. Recently, on another forum, it was mentioned that a good rule is to use the mean annual temperature from a species native range as a basis for brumation temps. The logic sounds solid.....though I've never tested it.

Of course, many claim that keeping the animals in the dark is more important. I suspect that line of thought comes from those who are keeping subtropical animals, where the mean annual temp is only in the mid 60s, or higher (thus inconclusive results). Certainly that logic would fail when trying to (successfully) cycle vulpina?

I wonder, with some of the northern species, if you can get away with higher than ideal brumation temps, as long as you provide a short cycle or two of lower temps?? Since you guys deal with some of the higher latitude species, I'm curious to know what kind of results you've experienced. I need to start getting a feel for these sorts of things, as I'm sure it will be critical to keeping wild conspics successfully.

I guess now would be as good a time to ask as any........what's the story with wild, adult conspics? The only literature I've read is from the KDS monograph. I don't have it on me right now, but as I recall, the biggest problem was the animals going off feed for extended periods. That, by itself, doesn't bother me, but if their expected mortality rate is anything like wc mandarinus or moelendorffi(sp?), then I will have to seriously reconsider taking any adults that I may find.

Shane




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