Selected microhabitat and surface temperatures of two sympatric lizard species

Many small lizards live in structurally and thermally heterogeneous environments where they can select preferred microhabitats surface temperatures to optimize their activity. We examined microhabitat selection analyzed selected by two ecologically similar lacertid species, Iberolacerta horvathi Podarcis muralis, at three sites different ecological contexts: allotopic syntopic conditions. spatial thermal using high-precision geolocation techniques locate the record with temperature data loggers. Microhabitat availability differed among sites: I. site had more rock surfaces was coldest; P. muralis ground warmer; greatest heterogeneity. Our results highlight differences between most notably selection, but also characteristics. preferentially almost exclusively rocks. chose soil, a general use of microhabitats. colder than those available, while higher available. Both species showed no sites, which could not be explained sites. provided new insights into difference lizard that may adapted environments.