DOI: 10.5061/dryad.c04tj85
title: Data from: Combinations of reproductive, individual, and weather effects best explain torpor patterns among female little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)

description: Heterothermic mammals can use torpor, a state of metabolic suppression, to
 conserve energy during times of limited food and poor environmental
 conditions. Females may use torpor throughout gestation and lactation;
 however, there are associated physiological and ecological costs with
 potential fitness consequences. Previous studies have controlled for, but
 not quantified the impact of interindividual variation on torpor patterns
 and understanding this may provide insight on why certain thermoregulatory
 responses are employed. The objective of this study was to identify and
 quantitatively characterize the intrinsic variables and weather conditions
 that best explain variation in torpor patterns among individual female
 little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus. We used temperature‐sensitive
 radio‐transmitters affixed to females to measure skin temperature patterns
 of 35 individuals roosting in bat boxes in the spring and summer. We used
 Bayesian multi‐model inference to rank a priori‐selected models and
 variables based on their explanatory power. Reproductive condition and
 interindividual effects best explained torpor duration and depth, and
 weather best explained torpor frequency. Of the reproductive conditions,
 lactating females used torpor for the shortest durations and at shallower
 depths (i.e., smallest drop in minimum Tsk), while females in early spring
 (i.e., not‐obviously‐pregnant) used torpor for the longest and deepest.
 Among individuals, the greatest difference in effects on duration occurred
 between pregnant individuals, suggesting interindividual variation within
 reproductive condition. Increases in precipitation and wind were
 associated with a higher probability of torpor use. Our results provide
 further support that multiple variables explain torpor patterns and
 highlight the importance of including individual effects when studying
 thermoregulatory patterns in heterothermic species.
description: MYLU Skin Temperature
 DataSkin temperature data,
 torpor onset temperature, and reproductive status of individual little
 brown bats at Salmonier Nature Park, Newfoundland from June to August 2016
 and 2017.Besler_Broders_SkinTemperature.csvAmbient Temperature and Humidity DataThe ambient temperature and humidity at Salmonier Nature Park, Newfoundland from June to August 2016 and 2017. Data includes descriptions of the locations that Hygrochron iButtons were placed.Besler_Broders_AmbientTemperature_Humidity.csvWind and Precipitation DataThe wind and precipitation data in the Avalon region of Newfoundland from June to August 2016 and 2017. Data was recorded from a weather station in St.John's in 2016 and in Brigus Junction in 2017.Besler_Broders_Wind_Precipitation.csvGlobal Model Multiple Linear Regression CodeCode for the global models for the multiple linear regression analyses (torpor duration and depth).Besler_Broders_global_model_multiple_linear_regression.RGlobal Model Logistic Regression CodeCode for the global model for the logistic regression analysis (torpor frequency).Besler_Broders_global_model_logistic_regression.R