Spontaneous arousal in reptiles? Body temperature ecology of Rosenberg's goanna, Varanus rosenbergi

Rosenberg's goanna showed arousal from Low body temperatures throughout the autumn and winter months. Frequency of arousal was significantly correlate d to photoperiod, decreasing with shortening daylight hours and increasing several weeks after the winter solstice. Arousal increased in August three and six-fold over June and July despite lowest mean air and ground temperat ures for the year and numerous rain days. Rates of heating. were not signif icantly different throughout the winter months, but showed variations depen ding on daily fluctuations in environmental temperatures.