What is the term for hibernation in reptiles?

The term for hibernation-like winter dormancy in reptiles is brumation. The word describes a seasonal slowdown used by ectothermic animals such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and tortoises.

Reptiles cannot generate enough internal heat to remain fully active in cold weather. As temperatures fall, they seek protected sites called hibernacula, including underground burrows, rock crevices, stream banks, and abandoned animal tunnels. Their body temperature, heart rate, breathing, and metabolism decline.

Brumation resembles mammalian hibernation, but the physiology is different. Reptiles may periodically wake and drink water, and they rely more heavily on stored glycogen as well as fat. They can sometimes move during warmer winter spells, whereas many classic mammalian hibernators remain in deeper, more sustained torpor.

“Torpor” is a broader term for temporary metabolic and activity reduction, while “diapause” usually refers to a hormonally controlled developmental pause, especially in insects. “Estivation” is dormancy during hot or dry conditions, so it is the seasonal opposite of brumation.