Caloric Content of Lizard and Snake (Reptilia) Eggs and Bodies and the Conversion of Weight to Caloric Data

Abstract

Information on caloric, ash and water content of 19 lizard and 4 snake spp. is presented. Although differences were apparent between species and populations in calories/mg ash-free dry-weight (AFDW), these were obscured by differences in total clutch and body calories. Means for all species eggs (6537 cal/g AFDW) and bodies (5562 cal/g AFDW) may be applied to future lizard energetic studies. Formulae are presented for conversion of weight to caloric data, and for conversion of weight (wet or dry) ratios (clutch/total) to caloric ratios (clutch/total).