Hibernation in the Lizard Cnemidophorus sexlineatus (Lacertilia: Teiidae)

Abstract

Six-lined racerunners (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus) in east-central Alabama and west-central Georgia constructed hibernation burrows in well-drained, sun-exposed, sandy soil and remained in their burrows for 8-9 months. Adult lizards entered hibernacula within their home ranges in late Aug. and early Sept. Although some juvenile lizards began hibernation in Sept., others were active as late as Nov. Juveniles were the first to emerge from hibernation; active individuals were seen as early as mid-March. Adult males began to emerge in mid-April, approximately two weeks before the adult females. All racerunners were active by mid-May. Mortality during hibernation due to cold or predation was negligible. Experimental evidence indicates that increasing ambient temperatures are the most likely trigger for spring emergence.