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MOULTING IN THE ANURA: THE NORMAL MOULTING CYCLE OF BUFO REGULARIS REUSS

1956; Zoological Society of London; Volume: 127; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1096-3642.1956.tb00482.x

0370-2774

Sonya Taylor, D. W. Ewer,

Animal Behavior and Reproduction

SUMMARY The normal behaviour pattern of Bufo regularis while moulting is described. The frequency of moulting has been determined in various conditions. At 20° C. these toads moult once every four to seven days. The frequency of moulting is not influenced by size, age or feeding, nor does there appear to be any difference in this regard between the sexes; any seasonal variation is slight. The frequency of moulting is greater at higher temperatures. Abrupt changes of temperature do not upset the moulting rhythm. At 25° C. less than an hour before moulting the toads pale markedly. The return to normal coloration is slower, taking more than four hours. The frequency of moulting is higher in toads kept in constant light than in those in constant darkness. In conditions of alternating light and dark there is a well marked preference for moulting during the hours of illumination at 25° and 30° C., but at 20° C. the effect is abolished. It is suggested that light can trigger the events which lead to the shedding of the skin.