Body temperatures (Tbs) of adult ruin lizards, Podarcis sicula, captured near Pisa (Italy) between February and November ranged from 22.4-38.5°C. There were no significant differences between sexes. Mean body temperatures in February-April and November were significantly lower than those recorded from May-October (29.0 and 32.7°C respectively). The overall relationship between Tb and soil temperature at the point of capture (Ts) showed two components. At Ts<28°C there was a highly significant association and 98% of individuals were recorded with Tb>Ts. At Ts> 28°C the association was less clear and Tb<Ts in nearly 30% of lizards. There were diel differences in exposure to sunshine at all seasons; exposure was greatest during the morning after emergence from overnight inactivity and during the late afternoon, least during the mid-day period.
Body temperatures and sunshine exposure of ruin lizards Podarcis sicula in central Italy.
FOA', Augusto Giuseppe Lorenzo;
1992
Abstract
Body temperatures (Tbs) of adult ruin lizards, Podarcis sicula, captured near Pisa (Italy) between February and November ranged from 22.4-38.5°C. There were no significant differences between sexes. Mean body temperatures in February-April and November were significantly lower than those recorded from May-October (29.0 and 32.7°C respectively). The overall relationship between Tb and soil temperature at the point of capture (Ts) showed two components. At Ts<28°C there was a highly significant association and 98% of individuals were recorded with Tb>Ts. At Ts> 28°C the association was less clear and TbI documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
