How long can a newt/sallie go without eating before death?

[steve]

How long can a newt/sallie go without eating before death? (without hibernation at room temps.)

I know, seems odd, but I just asked myself that question, and I won't sleep until I (you ;-) ) answer it.

steve

 

[erik]

It really depends on the species, what the animal's fat reserves were like before food was withheld and alot of other factors.There are academics that have done this sort of sadistic thing before, but I don't have any references on it.

 

[erik]

I think it would be good to know why you need to know this. Why would you leave your newt/sallie go long without food? There are probably solutions to your problem other than making the poor thing starve.

 

[steve]

It's just a question.

 

[henk.wallays]

In Stebbins book about Ensatina (Berkeley, 1954)there are some references to animals being able to stay without food for up to 8 months. Females having eggs would then resorb the eggs.