THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF Peltocephalus dumerilianus (TESTUDINES PODOCNEMIDAE)

Objective. To analyze the feeding behavior of 50 Peltocephalus dumerilianus hatchlings (Testudines Podocnemididae) under different temperature conditions in laboratory. Materials and methods. The individuals for this experiment were obtained by incubation in the laboratory. They were divided randomly into 5 groups. Temperature trials were conducted for 2 months with 3 repetitions per week, using electric heaters. Temperatures were recorded continuously using a digital thermometer - 10 to + 60°C (± 0.1°C). Temperatures were increased 0.25°C every 10 minutes until reaching the selected temperature, which was then maintained for 60 minutes for each test. The temperatures selected for tests, were 26°C, 30°C, 34°C, 38°C, with an ambient temperature of 26.8°C. We evaluated: feeding duration (in minutes), consumption (in volume), the time which turtles began agonistic behavior, and two characteristic displays: biting and disputes over food. Results. In general all parameters were significant, the higher the temperature the longer the time of ingestion; the lower the temperature the lower the consumption volume; the lower the temperature the greater the time to initiation of agonistic behavior, demonstrating an inverse relationship. Conclusions. There was a direct relationship between environmental temperature and feeding processes. Temperature was also related to basic aspects of behavior during agonistic displays.