Selected body temperature, thermal tolerance and thermal dependence of food assimilation and locomotor performance in adult blue-tailed skinks, Eumeces elegans

Abstract

1. Selected body temperature, thermal tolerance and influences of temperature on food assimilation and locomotor performance were studied in adult blue-tailed skinks, Eumeces elegans, from a population in Zhejiang, eastern China. 2. The selected body temperature (30.4°C) of males was on average 3.6°C higher than that of females (26.8°C). No between-sex differences in thermal tolerance were found, and the critical thermal minimum and the critical thermal maximum averaged 9.3 and 41.9°C, respectively. 3. The passage time decreased with increase in temperature within the range of 22 to 34°C and increased at higher temperatures. 4. The food intake generally increased with increase in temperature within the range of 22 to 30°C and decreased at higher temperatures. 5. The apparent digestive coefficient and the assimilation efficiency were both insensitive to temperature. 6. Eumeces elegans gained mass between 22 and 34°C, lost mass at 36°C and gained relatively more mass at temperatures around 26°C. 7. The sprint speed increased with increase in temperature within the range of 18 to 34°C, and decreased at higher temperatures.