Data from: Feeding impacts thermoregulatory behavior and consistency across day and night in a diurnal lizard

Thermoregulatory decisions impact nearly every aspect of the physiology,
performance, and ecology of ectotherms. Thus, understanding the factors
which influence ectotherm thermoregulatory behaviors across ecological
contexts and environmental conditions is essential in predicting responses
to novel or changing environments. Specifically, quantifying such
behaviors across the entire diel cycle – day and night – is key to
understanding the impact on physiological processes that happen during
periods of inactivity, such as digestion. Utilizing high-resolution
time-series data, we quantified the diel cycle of thermoregulatory
behaviors in fed and unfed common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) over
five consecutives days. We first tested the hypothesis that feeding status
affects diurnal and nocturnal thermoregulation. Second, we quantified the
impact of feeding status on patterns of consistency and correlation within
and among individuals in diurnal and nocturnal thermoregulatory behaviors.
Lizards modulated their behavior in response to feeding status, conserving
energy by choosing lower temperatures when unfed and by seeking higher
temperatures when fed. We observed consistent among-individual differences
(repeatability) in thermoregulatory behaviors across diurnal and nocturnal
periods. Furthermore, diurnal and nocturnal thermoregulatory behaviors
were positively correlated within individuals. We demonstrate that this
diurnal ectotherm actively thermoregulates during the night, a finding
particularly pertinent in urban environments, where artificial light and
heat can prolong the active period of lizards. Overall, this research
provides valuable insight into the flexible thermoregulation strategies of
a species highly successful in expanding its range, demonstrating the
importance of considering both diurnal and nocturnal activity.