Thermal biology and mate acquisition in ectotherms

Many elements of the behavioural repertoire of ectothermic animals depend on body temperature. Under differing thermal conditions, behaviours in insects, reptiles and other terrestrial ectotherms may therefore vary widely, and in any given thermal regime there may be simple physical and physiological character differences between individuals that lead to a predictable variation of behaviour. Where mating behaviour patterns are involved, digferential fitness may result. Recent studies show that the interactions of physiology with behavioural ecology should be a fruitful area for future research.