Calcium metabolism in embryos of the oviparous snake Coluber constrictor.

Abstract

Total calcium in embryos of an oviparous, colubrid snake (Coluber constrictor L.) rises rapidly during the last half of incubation as the embryos increase in size. Although most of this calcium is drawn from stores in the yolk, hatchlings contain more calcium than was present in yolk of eggs at oviposition. Because shells from eggs incubated to hatching contain less calcium than do shells from freshly-laid eggs, the extra calcium appears to be drawn from the eggshell. Indeed, approximately 20% of the calcium required for development in this snake is obtained from the eggshell, with the remainder coming from the yolk. Thus, embryos of oviparous snakes, like embryonic chelonians, crocodilians and birds, withdraw calcium from their eggshells and do not rely exclusively on calcium supplied in their yolk for support of growth and development.