Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,I have a question about open mouth breathing in fencies, Is this normal behavior. They don't do this all day, but once or twice a day. I thought it was because they were to hot, but I don't think this is the case. I never let it get past 86 even in thier basking spot. Temp is usually 82 to 84 in basking area they can also move out of basking area but won't. I noticed this behavior this morning before it was even 72 ish temp. When they first got up, and temps are at night lows. humidity is 60%.They are eating well and acting normal. any advice thanks, doll

In my research I have found that fence lizard don’t need to be at optimum or high temperature to open there mouth to expel heat. I am not sure if other specie are like this. I have observed my wild caught Sceloporus occidentalis With there mouths opened in the basking area in the low 70's For more info on Sceloporus occidentalis you can click on the link below
My reptile collection and research

Although it hasn't been scientifically documented (I'm working on it), open mouth breathing may be a strategy for both warming up and cooling down. It depends upon the body temperature of the reptile in relation to the ambient temperature. If the animal is significantly cooler than the surrounding environment, open mouth breathing could result in faster warming rates as then more surface area is exposed to the warmer temperatures, thereby facilitating increased temperature uptake. If the animal is the same temperature as the environment, or warmer than the environment, open mouth breathing will facilitate heat loss through increased evaporation on greater exposed surface areas.