Effect of Season on Appetite and Food Consumption of the Lizard, Anolis carolinensis

Abstract

Food consumption, measured by weight of meal worms eaten, of adult male lizards at 28[degree]C is maximal in summer (82 calories/g body weight/day) and minimal in winter (less than is required to meet the standard metabolic requirement of 24 calories/g body weight/day). Fat storage process is most efficient in late summer and early fall. When appetite returns in late spring, rapid synthesis of liver protein occurs (between Jan. and Apr. average 0.717 mg liver N/g lipid free body weight; June through Oct. 0.976 mg liver N/g lipid free body weight). Seasonal variation in appetite appears to be correlated with hours of daylight and is responsible for seasonal changes in body composition of this lizard.