The short answer? Yes, reptiles need a distinct day/night cycle in order to thrive in captivity.
The long answer?
Reptiles are incredibly in tune with, and in some ways even dependent on, the rhythms of nature. They are sensitive to more than just temperatures and humidity — they’re also sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, wet and dry seasons, scents, and other factors.
Day/night cycle is just one more variable on that list. Changes in day length are so significant to reptiles that they can trigger breeding behavior and brumation, as well as associated changes in activity and appetite. How? Learn more at the Bio Dude in this article: https://www.thebiodude.com/blogs/helpful-husbandry-faqs/photoperiod-is-important-to-your-pet-reptile-here-s-why.
This article was written by Mariah Healey exclusively for use by The Bio Dude and originally published on December 2, 2020.
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