Thermal Ecology of the Striped Racer, Masticophis lateralis

Thermal responses of the striped racer, Masticophis lateralis, were studied by radio telemetry in an outdoor enclosure. The pattern of thermoregulatory behavior was similar to that of various heliothermic lizards. Mean body temperature ( Tb) values of active snakes (33.0-34.1°C) were higher than those reported for any snake species adequately studied under natural or semi-natural conditions. Diurnal Tbvalues of fasted and recently fed snakes were not significantly different. Mean Tbvalues under different weather conditions were remarkably consistent indicating a high degree of flexibility in thermoregulatory behavior. The results indicate that the concept of a preferred body temperature is applicable to M. lateralis under realistic environmental conditions.