Inverse Relationship Between Temperature and Shyness in the Lizard Anolis Lineatopus

Abstract

An increase in flight distance with a decrease in body temperature in 32 male Anolis lineatopus at Mona, Jamaica, supports more casual field observations that these lizards are shier when they are cold than when they are warm. It is suggested that this increased shyness compensates for the slowing effects of lower temperatures on biological processes and so helps protect these arboreal lizards from warm—blooded predators.