Thermal Physiology of a Warm-Adapted Temperate Lizard, the Texas Spotted Whiptail

Authors

Infinity Alvarez
Hailey Cruz

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

The Texas spotted whiptail (Aspidoscelis gularis) is a relatively large, diurnal lizard found in various habitats in South Texas. The species is an active forager that tends to move about in the warmest parts of the day. The lizard is known for being notoriously fast and hard to capture. Our research investigated the thermal physiology of Aspidoscelis gularis, including measurements of metabolic rate, thermal preference, and sprint speed at ecologically relevant temperatures. The results of this study showed that A. gularis has a relatively high metabolic rate for its size and maintains a high field-active body temperature. As expected, their thermal performance peaks near their voluntary thermal maximum. These results suggest that A. gularis is well-adapted to life in warm environments. However, the elevated metabolic rate and high field-active body temperature represent a high energy expenditure that must be offset by constant foraging and careful thermoregulation to ensure survival.

Comments

Poster Session
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Recommended Citation

Alvarez, Infinity and Cruz, Hailey, "Thermal Physiology of a Warm-Adapted Temperate Lizard, the Texas Spotted Whiptail" (2024). Student Research Symposium 2024. 52.
https://digitalcommons.tamusa.edu/srs_2024/52