Seasonal acclimation in resting metabolism of the skink, Mabuya brevicollis (Reptilia: Scincidae) from southwestern Saudi Arabia

•The resting metabolic rate of seasonally-acclimated Mabuya brevicollis increased as temperature increased.•The exponent of mass “b” in the metabolism-body mass relation ranged from 0.41 to 0.61.•Winter-acclimated skinks had the lowest metabolic rates at different temperatures.•The pattern of acclimation exhibited by M. brevicollis may represent a useful adaptation for lizards inhabiting subtropical deserts to promote activity during their active seasons.

The resting metabolic rate (RMR) of seasonally-acclimated Mabuya brevicollis of various body masses was determined at 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C, using open-flow respirometry. RMR (ml g−1 h−1) decreased with increasing mass at each temperature. RMRs increaProd. Type: FTPsed as temperature increased. The highest and lowest Q10 values were obtained for the temperature ranges 20–25 °C and 30–35 °C for the summer-acclimated lizards. The exponent of mass “b” in the metabolism-body mass relation ranged from 0.41 to 0.61. b values were lower in the autumn and winter-acclimated lizards than in spring and summer-acclimated lizards. Seasonal acclimation effects were evident at all temperatures (20–40 °C) for M. brevicollis. Winter-acclimated skinks had the lowest metabolic rates at different temperatures. The pattern of acclimation exhibited by M. brevicollis may represent a useful adaptation for lizards inhabiting subtropical deserts to promote activity during their active seasons.