Physiological, ecological, and behavioural correlates of the size of the geographic ranges of sea kraits (Laticauda; Elapidae, Serpentes): A critique

• Theory of factors determining size of sea kraits' geographic ranges are critiqued.
• Previous theory is based on erroneous measures of size of geographic ranges.
• Other weaknesses are use of annual means and use of proxy temperatures.
• Species with small ranges were ignored in formulating theory.
• Guidelines for approaches to test current theory are proposed.

Recent, more accurate delineation of the distributions of sea kraits and prior dubious use of proxy temperatures and mean values in correlative studies requires re-assessment of the relationships of temperature and salinity as determinants of the size of the geographic ranges of sea kraits. Correcting the sizes of geographic ranges resolved the paradox of lack of correspondence of size of range with degree of terrestrialism, but did not form a definitive test of the theory. Recent ecological, physiological, and behavioural studies provide an example of the kind of approach likely to either validate or refute present theory.