Activity metabolism of the lizard Agama stellio stellio

Oxygen consumption and lactate production above resting levels, and selected body temperatures, were measured in the lizard Agama stellio. Active and resting VO2 have low Q10 (1.7, 2.0) in the activity range 30-37 degrees C and higher Q10 (3.8, 4.0) below this. A correlation was found between published resting and active VO2 of lizards, and between VO2 and lifestyle. Four types were recognized, in order of increasing VO2: (a) fossorial; (b) sit-and-wait (including A. stellio); (c) cruising, and (d) widely foraging. A. stellio has a high capacity for lactate production, correlated with its short but rapid bursts of activity. This accounts for 80-90% of the energy used during 30 sec maximal activity.