Chin Movements?

[stefanie]

I'm wondering what the newts (I have red efts) are doing when they move their chins? As if filling it with air. Frogs do this too. Sometimes I see them do it at different rates, and different sizes. Does this reflect their breathing? Or temperament? Thanks.

 

[andy]

Hi Stefanie,
This should explain it for you...


"Many caudate species also respire through gas exchange in the buccal cavity and pharynx (buccopharyngeal respiration). This is accomplished by rapid throat pulsations (buccal pumping) that move atmospheric gases over the buccopharyngeal membrane, a semi-permeable membrane lining the mouth and pharynx. This is often seen in newts, especially when excited or stressed. Other species, such as the Plethodontids, also partake in buccopharyngeal respiration in addition to their main source of respiration, cutaneous. In a sense, buccopharyngeal respiration can be considered a form of cutaneous respiration. Buccal pumping is also used in pulmonic respiration to receive and expel gases".

Amphibian biology
Taken from living underworld

 

[cameron]

Is this why my Firebellies chirp whenever I walk in the room? They are startled when I come in?