Effect of microhabitat exposure and time of day on abundance and microclimatic conditions by age classes in Pseudoeurycea leprosa from a mountain of central Mexico

Plethodontids are organisms highly linked to variations in temperature and moisture in the environment. The major determinant of their body temperature is the interaction between microhabitat preferences and time of day. However, there are proposed differences in moisture and temperature preferences among age classes. This study examines how microhabitat exposure and time of day on the abundance, environmental and microenvironmental moisture and temperature, body temperature, and age demographics of Pseudoeurycea leprosa interact. Hatchlings appeared to be more abundant during the day, and their body temperature varied by microhabitat and time of day, the microenvironmental moisture of the sites that individual used were affected by the interaction between these variables. These results suggest segregation between age classes. Juveniles and adults may benefit by exploiting exposed microhabitats because their body temperature remains stable. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the responses of plethodontids to changes in their environment.