We assessed Texas tortoise microhabitat use and its relationship with carapace (shell) temperature during their active and inactive seasons. We found carapace temperature was most strongly influenced by hour of day year-round and by air temperature during the inactive season. Tortoises most often used microhabitats with at least double the amount of grass and litter ground cover compared to other microhabitat variables. Land managers should consider microhabitat components that affect reptile success, including temperature and available cover types, in their conservation.
