Water loss and locomotory activity in Agama persica and Diplometopon zarudnyi from Kuwait

Abstract

Evaporative water loss in dry, still, air was measured from both species, and found to be surprisingly low in Diplometopon zarudnyi —despite its subterranean mode of life. The eggs of Agama persica, however, rapidly lost and absorbed water. A. persica is day-active and showed a marked endogenous rhythm which could easily be synchronized by reversed lighting. In contrast, D. zarudnyi showed no periodicity even in alternating light and darkness. Although more active at higher temperatures D. zarudnyi is unusual in that it does not possess an endogenous circadian activity rhythm.