BODY-TEMPERATURE, ACTIVITY CYCLE AND METABOLIC-RATE IN A SMALL NOCTURNAL CHILEAN LIZARD, GARTHIA-GAUDICHAUDI (SAURIA, GEKKONIDAE)

Body temperatures, standard and resting metabolism and diel activity patterns were determined in Garthia gaudichaudi, a small (<1 g) gecko inhabiting a Chilean semi-arid region. Field body temperatures were significantly higher when lizards were inactive during the day than when active at night. In the laboratory, preferred temperatures during scotophase were considerably lower than those selected during the photophase, even wen high temperatures were continuously available. Activity patterns appear to be better correlated with the photoperiod than with ambient temperatures (16-40 degrees C). Under a 12:12 LD photoperiod, 92% of the total daily activity was carried out during darkness. Standard and resting metabolic rates were lower than those predicted for most squamate reptiles of similar size, but appear to be within the ranges reported for other nocturnal xeric geckos.