Kritterz Sauna Zone Heat Mat Mini Reptiles and amphibians are ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals (ecto, outside; therm, temperature). Although they do produce metabolic heat, they have no efficient means of conserving it or of increasing or decreasing its production. This means they have to absorb heat from the surrounding environment. Although unable to maintain a constant body temperature, reptiles (and other ectotherms) use homeostatic regulation to compensate for high and low temperatures. The blood flow to the skin tissues is regulated, increasing heat loss or heat absorption. Reptiles can also regulate the body temperature by simply moving to a cooler or warmer spot, seeking sun or shade. In their natural biotope, reptiles often use surfaces heated by the sun (branches, rocks, sand or the forest floor) as a heat conductor. The Sauna Heat Zone Mat simulates this by heating the substrate of the terrarium. It is important to leave sufficient "cold spots" for the animals and make thermo-regulation possible. Click here |
