DIEL VARIATION IN PREFERRED BODY TEMPERATURES OF THE MOORISH GECKO TARENTOLA-MAURITANICA DURING SUMMER

We studied diel variation in preferred body temperatures (T-p) Of adul t and subadult geckos (Tarentola mauritanica) in a laboratory thermogr adient. Overall T-p averaged 31.6 degrees C and is significantly highe r that the activity body temperatures recorded in the field. We did no t detect differences in T-p between adult and subadult lizards. T-p va ried according to a diel cycle. There was a gradual increase in T-p du ring the afternoon-early evening period, leading to peak values just b efore the beginning of the night-time activity period. During the subs equent hours, T(p)s decrease again.