Wind of change: a diurnal skink thermoregulates between cooler set-points and for an increased amount of time in the presence of wind.

Wind has the potential to dramatically alter the thermal landscape of habitats, and consequently, to affect how ectotherms thermoregulate. However, few studies have directly assessed if wind alters thermoregulation by ectotherms. We compared the thermoregulation of a heliothermic New Zealand skink under three treatments: no wind, wind at 2 m s-1 and wind at 6 m s-1.

Pregnancy reduces critical thermal maximum, but not voluntary thermal maximum, in a viviparous skink.

Upper thermal limits are commonly measured in ectotherms; however, the effects of life-history stages, and in particular pregnancy in viviparous species, are rarely considered. In this study, we examined whether two measures of upper thermal tolerance varied among life-history stages in a viviparous New Zealand skink (Oligosoma maccanni). First, we measured voluntary thermal maxima (VT) and critical thermal maxima (CT) for four groups: late-pregnant females, newly postpartum females, males, and neonates.

Accuracy of an inexpensive, compact infrared thermometer for measuring skin surface temperature of small lizards.

Studies of thermal sensitivity in ectotherms require accurate measurements of body temperature using a reliable device, including in field situations. In this study, we tested the accuracy of a compact and inexpensive mini-infrared thermometer (mini-IRT, 22.3 g) at close distance (within 5 mm) for measuring skin surface temperature of small lizards or their models (painted copper bars).