Low incubation temperatures negatively influence locomotor performance and behavior of the nocturnal lizard Oligosoma suteri (Lacertidae : Scincidae)

Published source details Hare K.M., Pledger S. & Daugherty C.H. (2008) Low incubation temperatures negatively influence locomotor performance and behavior of the nocturnal lizard Oligosoma suteri (Lacertidae : Scincidae). Copeia, 2008, 16-22.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards Action Link

Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Lizards

A replicated, randomized study (years not provided) in laboratory conditions in New Zealand (Hare et al. 2008, same experimental set-up as Hare et al. 2004) found that incubating lizards Oligosoma suteri at higher temperatures resulted in higher sprint speeds at higher ambient temperatures. At ambient temperatures of 26°C, lizards incubated at 22°C (0.8–0.9 m/s) and 26°C (0.9–1.0 m/s) sprinted faster than lizards incubated at 18°C (0.4–0.6 m/s). At temperatures of 18 and 22°C, lizards incubated at 18°C recorded speeds of 0.3–0.4 m/s, lizards incubated at 22°C recorded speeds of 0.6–0.7 m/s, and lizards incubated at 26°C recorded speeds of 0.6–0.8 m/s. The amount of water added to incubation substrate, lizard sex or size did not affect sprint speed (see original paper for details). Lizard eggs from 58 females were collected from the wild and randomly assigned to be incubated at 18 (20 lizards), 22 (49 lizards) and 26°C (48 lizards), at two water potential levels (-120 and -270 kPa). At 4–6 weeks and four months old, lizards were placed on an oval racetrack and encouraged to sprint using a paintbrush at three different ambient temperatures (18, 22 and 26°C). Lizards sprinted three times/ambient temperature. Maximum speeds were recorded and compared.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)