Diel Activity and Social Interaction of the Lizard Uta stansburiana stejnegeri

Abstract

Activity of U. stansburiana in its natural habitat varied inversely with temperature and intensity of solar radiation. Courtship and territorial defense occurred throughout the day in a wide thermal range. Strong territoriality promoted a primarily monogamous breeding structure. Activity, though rigorously controlled by climatic factors, facilitated frequent social contacts, thus insuring the high fecundity required by annual turnover in this population.