Abstract
The resting metabolic rate of the fan-fingered gecko
Ptyodactylus hasselquistii of various body masses was determined in relation to ambient temperatures ranging from 20 to 35°C during winter and summer acclimatization. Oxygen consumption (ml g
−1 h
−1) decreased with increasing mass at each temperature. The intraspecific exponents of body mass in relation to metabolic rate ranged from 0.62 to 0.79. Winter-acclimatized geckos had significantly lower metabolic rates than summer-acclimatized geckos at different temperatures, especially at low temperature (20°C). The pattern of acclimatization exhibited by
P. hasselquistii may conserve energy during inactivity in winter and make activity more easily achieved during active seasons.