Geographic variation in field body temperature of Sceloporus lizards

1.. Using data from the literature, I assessed how broad climatic patterns affected field body temperatures (T-b's) Of lizards in the genus SCelopoi us. 2. Sceloporus at temperate latitudes had mean T-b's Of 35 degrees C throughout their elevational range. This pattern is associated with "tropical" temperatures that extend into high north latitudes during the summer and the relatively low elevations occupied by the lizards. 3. At tropical latitudes, mean Tb declined from 35 degrees C at low elevations to 31 degrees C at high elevations. This pattern is associated with low seasonal variation in temperature at tropical latitudes and the relatively high elevations occupied by the lizards. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. Ail rights reserved.