Comparative Field Energetics of a Kalahari Skink (Mabuya striata) and Gecko (Pachydactylus bibroni)

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Abstract
Many diurnal lizards maintain comparatively high body temperatures by means of behavioral thermoregulation. They should have higher daily integrated body temperatures, and hence higher daily energy and food requirements than nocturnal lizards, which have lower body temperatures when active. We tested this hypothesis with a diurnal skink and a nocturnal gecko, both of which are arboreal insectivores. Doubly labeled water measurements indicate that field metabolic rates (FMR), water flux rates, and feeding rates do not differ between these two sympatric Kalahari lizards. Our results suggest that geckos: 1) may have higher body temperatures during the daytime; 2) may be more active while abroad; 3) may be abroad longer each day; and, 4) may have different thermal effects on their energy metabolism than previously thought.