Body temperature and standard metabolic rate of the female viviparous lizard Eremias multiocellata during reproduction

The body temperature (Tb) and standard metabolic rate (SMR) of female Eremias multiocellata Gunther, 1872, a viviparous lizard, were measured at 25, 30, and 35 C during pregnancy and after parturition to assess energy requirement of reproduction. The results showed that the Tbs of female lizards were slightly higher than actual ambient temperature in the 25 and 30 degrees C groups, while they were slightly lower than ambient temperature in the 35 degrees C group. Ambient temperature significantly affected SMR and gestation period of females. Energy requirement was constant in nonpregnant females, whereas it was increased in pregnant females. The maximal estimates of maintenance costs of pregnancy (MCP) were 4.219, 4.220, and 4.448 mg CO2.min(-1), which accounted for 19.40%, 14.15%, and 12.32% of the total metabolic rate in the 25, 30, and 35 degrees C group, respectively. The results indicated the MCP was an important component of total energy cost for the lizard E. multiocellata and the MCP in this lizard incurs a relative fixed energetic cost irrespective of ambient temperature.