Anaerobic Metabolism in a Lizard (Anolis bonairensis) under Natural Conditions

Abstract

Lactate contents of Anolis bonairensis (Sauria: Iguanidae) were measured to determine the extent of anaerobic metabolism under a variety of laboratory and field conditions. Groups of lizards in the laboratory which were resting quietly or active for 3 min contained an average of 0.55 and 1.45 mg lactate/g body mass, respectively. Anoles sampled in the field at four different times of day had a mean lactate content of 0.75 mg lactate/g, a value significantly greater than that of resting animals in the laboratory. Individual lizards in each field group exceeded lactate contents of 1.0 mg/g at all times of the day. Lactate accumulation was proportional to intensity of territorial defense in a separate series of territorial intrusion experiments. This anole commonly undertakes bouts of anaerobic metabolism under natural field conditions, and its behavioral repertoire is considerably extended by this anaerobic ability.