When Basking Is Not an Option: Thermoregulation of a Viperid Snake Endemic to a Small Island in the South Atlantic of Brazil

A critically endangered Neotropical viper, the Golden Lancehead (Bothrops insularis), exhibits unique thermoregulatory strategies on Queimada Grande Island, Brazil. Contrary to expectations for tropical species, its body temperature is largely influenced by environmental variables, particularly air temperature, with some dependence on biotic factors like body size. Unlike many squamates, it avoids basking in open areas, likely due to foraging constraints and increased risks of predation or dehydration. The study found that while thermoregulatory effort was generally lower than expected for tropical species, seasonal declines in habitat thermal quality were compensated by increased effectiveness in thermoregulation, suggesting adaptive behavioral adjustments.

Bovo, R. P., Marques, O. A. V., & Andrade, D. V. (2012). When Basking Is Not an Option: Thermoregulation of a Viperid Snake Endemic to a Small Island in the South Atlantic of Brazil. Copeia, 2012(3), 408–418. https://doi.org/10.1643/cp-11-029