EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON OXYGEN-CONSUMPTION IN BULLIA-DIGITALIS MEUSCHEN (GASTROPODA, NASSARIDAE)

1. 1. The oxygen consumption of Bullia digitalis from South Africa's west coast, measured at a fixed activity level at 15°C, does not differ significantly between winter and summer. 2. 2. The adult acute rate-temperature curve is flattened over the temperature range likely to be encountered in the field, there being no significant difference in oxygen consumption between 15 and 22.5°C. 3. 3. Below this plateau the Q10 is normal, giving a value of 2.67 between 5 and 10°C, but at temperatures above 22.5°C the Q10 is less than 2 and oxygen consumption at 30°C does not approach that of the tropical Bullia melanoides at the same temperature. 4. 4. Both field and laboratory acclimated animals provide evidence that the rate-temperature curve is unaffected by such acclimation, either to high or low temperatures. © 1979.