Dell,
Have gobs of such data. Actually gave a talk on C. bottae reproduction at a symposium in the Seattle area in June, 1991. The symposium proceeding were published a year later.

Just off the top of my head, the weight loss experienced by females during the reproductive process (onset of gestation to just after parturition) ranged from around 33% to about 56%. Mean weight loss is probably around 45% in relation to the female weight at the beginning of the gestation period for female that fast throughout gestation.

The females of our local NW. Oregon boas fast during gestation whereas females from other boa populations will consume prey during the gestation period.

In determining the total investment a female Rubber Boa undergoes during a reproductive event, I devised a method whereby I could determine the contribution of each component of weight loss during the reproductive process. These components are 1) total loss of body reserves between onset of gestation to parturition, 2) biomass of neonates / undeveloped ova passed during parturition, 3) weight of all embryonic membranes passed and, 4) weight of lost fluid during parturition.

Richard F. Hoyer

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]