Seasonal variation in field body temperatures of the lizard Mabuya striata punctatissima

Abstract

Field body temperatures (Tbs) were studied in Mabuya striata punctatissima, a high altitude lizard from central Africa. Body temperatures were recorded in the middle of the day when the sun was shining brightly (high activity) and in other weather conditions (low activity). There was a significant correlation between Tb and air temperature (Ta) under both of these conditions, although the slope of the regression was higher in the former. The slope was negative for high activity times during the rainy season. In general, Tbs were higher during high activity than low activity. There were significant differences in the regressions of Tb on Ta between early dry, late dry and wet season. © 1992, Brill. All rights reserved.