Warmth to digest?

[LilyPad]

Are frogs like so many other herps that need warmth to digest? I know my iguana had to have a nice hot basking spot to digest her food, are frogs the same way?

I noticed a trend with my gray tree frog...I couldn't figure out why she always liked her log, now I realize that's the warmest spot in the terrarium. The past few days I notice she always goes to that spot immediately after she eats. Does she need the warmth to help her digest her 3 cricket meal?

[tgampper]

There are studies that conclude that frogs, especially tree frogs seem to have increased growth rates and better digestion if they bask in the sun. I found this study on Hyla cinerea (green tree frog)

Abstract

It was postulated that basking behavior in Hyla cinerea increased digestive rate and resulted in an increased growth rate for basking individuals. Laboratory experiments showed that increased body temperature resulted in an increased digestive rate and was associated with greater feeding rates. The results indicated that total growth (mass and length) was greater in basking than in nonbasking juvenile frogs, but there was no difference in growth conversion efficiencies between these two groups. No significant difference existed in growth rates or growth conversion efficiencies between basking and nonbasking adults. Regardless of sex or size, frogs basked in an all-or-none fashion. Initiation of basking behavior was random and was not associated with either feeding, ambient relative humidity, or availability of standing water. The conclusions drawn are that (1) the occurrence of basking in tree frogs is random, (2) basking increases growth rates, and (3) growth may not be the only advantage derived from basking.

Source: Arthur N. Freed, "An Adaptive Advantage of Basking Behavior in an Anuran Amphibian", Physiological Zoology, Vol 53 No 4, Oct 1980

[LilyPad]

Very nice!! I guess that one is answered I guess it is a benefit to her too that she likes to bask!