Understanding Ectotherms
Terminology
Ectotherm: an ectotherm is an animal that’s body temperature is dependant
upon the surrounding environment, gets heat from the outside, cold-blooded.
Endotherm: an evdotherm obtains eat from within itself, a result of metabolic
reactions inside the animal, almost entirely independent of the surrounding
environment.
Thigotherm: a thigotherm is a type of ectotherm that gets its heat from an
object that has already been heated by the sun earlier in the day. Most
thigotherms are nocturnal ground dwelling animals such as the ball python or
leopard geckos.
Heliotherm: a heliotherm is an ectotherm that primarily obtains heat through
basking. However, heliotherms often use all forms of behavioral
thermoregulation to control their internal temperature.
Behavioral Thermoregulation: this is a term used to describe when an
ectotherm moves to a warmer area when it’s too cold, and to a cooler area
when it’s too hot, therein regulating its temperature through behavior.
Thermal Gradient: a thermal gradient is essential for any ectotherm to thrive.
As in nature, temperatures inside an enclosure should vary from top to bottom,
side to side, and consequently diagonally. This is especially important in
arboreal species who will be up, down, and all around!
P.O.T.Z.: preferred optimum temperature zone, the range of temperature in
which the ectotherm’s body will function best. Every animal’s p.o.t.z. is different
for its specific needs! See the Know Your Species section blow for more
information.
Nocturnal: an animal that is most active during the night.
Diurnal: an animal that is most active during the day.
Hypothermic: when an animal’s body temperature drops dangerously low, the
animal may become hypothermic.
Hyperthermic: when an animal’s body temperature gets too high it can become
hyperthermic, overheated.
The Four Types of Behavioral Thermoregulation
Conduction: conduction is where heat is directly transferred from objects in the
environment to the body of the animal on contact, and vice versa. Most of the
ectotherms that use this form are thigotherms. Nocturnal animals such as ball
pythons come out after dark to sit on a rock that is still holding heat from the
daytime sun.
Convection: this is when air or water passes over the body and warms or cools
it. This form is mostly used by amphibians and aquatic reptiles such as frogs,
newts, turtles, ect…
Evaporation: heat is lost through evaporated water on humid body surfaces.
Evaporation can be very dangerous for some ectotherms. For instance a
stranded aquatic reptile or amphibian may lose a dangerous of fluids this way.
Radiation: heat is emitted as waves from the sun, a heat lamp, or another
animal, and warms the ectotherm. Heliotherms use radiation as there main
form of warmth.
Health
The right type and amount of heat is absolutely essential to keep captive
reptiles and amphibians healthy. Neglecting temperature needs can result in
serious issues such as hypothermia, too cold, and hyperthermia, overheating.
It can also cause poor function of the immune and digestive systems. All of
these things are the first step in a series of health issues that can ultimately
result in the death of your reptile or amphibian. The most important part of
understanding ectotherms is to understand the specific needs of each
individual species!
Know Your Species
The most important thing to know when setting up an enclosure is the
specific needs of your species. For instance, the cool side of an Uromastix
shouldn’t drop below 80 degrees, and the hot side of a Crested Gecko cage
shouldn’t go above 85 degrees. Varying species have different p.o.t.z..
Knowing what your animals needs are could mean the difference between life
and death for your ectotherm. To find specific information on a particular
animal, I always recommend getting a book on that species. Most pet shops will
carry books on your common species of reptile or amphibian. Online is another
place to find good books! Research on the internet is usually faster and
easier, but not as sound. If you do decide to use the internet to do your
research, be sure to look at multiple sites and care sheets to be sure you have
the right information before setting up your ectotherms enclosure.
In conclusion, keeping and heating your reptile or amphibian is not as
simple as throwing a heat lamp on top of the cage. However, With a little
research and the right equipment, housing you favorite reptile or amphibian
can be a wonderful experience lasting years into the future! Once you’ve done
your homework, you’ll learn how fun and easy reptiles and amphibians are for
the whole family!
Eric Angelo Lunetta
Auburn Reptile Company
References:
Multiple Advanced Vivarium Systems Publishing’s
Christina Miller……Reptiles USA
Bill Love……Reptiles USA
Robbie Hamper……Breeders Guide