Posted by:
RichardFHoyer
at Sat May 31 00:08:50 2008 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by RichardFHoyer ]
SavsRule48, I don't check this site but once in a great while so did not see your question until just now.
Weight is not a big factor with adult males. As for females, there are two size morph of the species with a dwarf form occurring in S. Calif. and the larger morph occurring from about Tulare Co. on north and east throughout the rest of the species' distribution. Dwarf may become adult at below 16 inches although the smallest such female that produce a litter I believe was 17 7/8". The largest females of the dwarf form are close to 22 inches. Small adults of the large morph may be as small as around 20 inches or perhaps even smaller for some populations. Larger females of the large morph go up to and over 30 inches.
In order for females of this species to undergo a reproductive event, they generally need to be a reasonable robust condition. And of course, weight will vary with length.. Smaller adult females of the dwarf form can carry a litter and be as low as around 45 -50 grams. Larger female of the dwarf form may be as heavy as 90 grams or thereabouts. The smaller reproductive females of the large morph may be gravid at around 70 - 80 grams whereas large gravid females of the large morph can go well over 200 grams.
These figures are just off the top of my head so are just general ball park estimates.
Richard F. Hoyer
[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]
|