Editing Dormancy (section)

=== Brumation ===
While [[endotherm]]s and other [[heterotherm]]s are described scientifically as [[hibernation|hibernating]], the way [[ectotherm]]s such as lizards become dormant in cold conditions is very different, and a separate term was coined for it in the 1920s: ''brumation''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lllreptile.com/info/library/care-and-husbandry-articles/-/reptilian-brumation/|title=Reptilian Brumation|access-date=2007-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304060505/https://lllreptile.com/info/library/care-and-husbandry-articles/-/reptilian-brumation/|archive-date=2012-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> It differs from hibernation in the metabolic processes involved: energy is stored in [[glycogen]] in addition to or in place of fats, and periodic water intake is required.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://infinitespider.com/hibernating-mammals-brumating-reptiles-whats-difference/|title=Hibernating Mammals and Brumating Reptiles: What's the Difference?|date=20 January 2014}}</ref>

Reptiles generally begin brumation in late autumn (more specific times depend on the species). They often wake up to drink water and return to "sleep". They can go for months without food. Reptiles may eat more than usual before the brumation time but eat less or refuse food as the temperature drops. However, they do need to drink water. The brumation period is anywhere from one to eight months depending on the air temperature and the size, age, and health of the reptile. During the first year of life, many small reptiles do not fully brumate, but rather slow down and eat less often. Brumation is triggered by a lack of heat and a decrease in the hours of daylight in winter, similar to hibernation.{{cn|date=August 2024}}