Diet and endoparasites of the lizard Gymnodactylus darwinii (Gekkota, Phyllodactylidae) from an Atlantic Rainforest area in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

ResumoDieta e endoparasitas do lagarto Gymnodactylus darwinii (Gekkota, Phyllodactylidae) de uma área de Mata Atlântica no sudeste do Brasil. Neste estudo disponibilizamos informações sobre dieta e endoparasitismo de indivíduos da espécie Gymnodactylus darwinii em uma área de Mata Atlântica no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Em relação à dieta, ortópteros e isópodes foram as presas mais importantes. Uma espécie de nematódeo (Physaloptera sp.) foi encontrada associada ao estômago de um indivíduo, representando um novo registro de hospedeiro para o gênero. Nossos resultados indicam que G. darwini tem uma dieta similar a outras espécies de lagartos da Mata Atlântica, embora diferente da de outras espécies congêneres habitando ambientes abertos. Palavras-chave: Hábitos alimentares, Lacertilia, Nematoda, Phyllodactylidae AbstractIn this study we provide information on diet and endoparasites of individuals of the species Gymnodactylus darwinii in an Atlantic Rainforest area in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Regarding diet, orthopterans and isopods were the most important preys. One nematode species (Physaloptera sp.) was found associated to the stomach of an individual, representing a new host record for this genus. Our results indicate that G. darwinii has a similar diet to other lizard species from the Atlantic Rainforest, although different from that of other congeneric species inhabiting open areas.

Trophic ecology, microhabitat specificity and morphology of Gymnodactylus darwinii Gray, 1845 (Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) in an Atlantic Forest remnant in north‐eastern Brazil

“…The ecological characteristics of the population studied in the northeast were somewhat similar to those of other populations from the complex in the southeast region (Almeida‐Gomes et al, 2012; Teixeira, 2002). In addition, the present study also reinforces the importance of understanding the ecological aspects of species, as well as population in a given domain and climate conditions.…”

“…The study did not reveal the presence of intraspecific competition, thus territoriality, which is reinforced by the lack of sexual dimorphism (Colli et al, 2003; Vitt & Zani, 1998). Nevertheless, it is necessary to consider the conservation of rocky outcrops to perpetuate this lizard, since this microhabitat seems to be associated with feeding (Almeida‐Gomes et al, 2012), reproduction (Oitaven et al, 2022; Oitaven, Ribeiro, et al, 2019) and thermoregulation, considering G . darwinii .…”

“…Gymnodactylus darwinii is one such lizard species presenting few studies and is restricted to the Atlantic Forest morphoclimatic domain (Costa & Bérnils, 2018;Oitaven et al, 2022), is considered a terrestrial, nocturnal and small size lizard (~ 45 mm of SVL) (Oitaven et al, 2022;Teixeira, 2002). Despite many studies about G. darwinii, the ecological studies remain restricted from populations in the south-eastern region of Brazil, without considering the microhabitat use (Almeida-Gomes et al, 2012;Guedes et al, 2020;Oitaven et al, 2022;Teixeira, 2002), while morphological aspects remain restricted to phylogeographic and taxonomic studies (Casimiro & Rodrigues, 2009;Freire, 1998;Pellegrino et al, 2005Pellegrino et al, , 2009.…”

“…Despite many studies about G . darwinii , the ecological studies remain restricted from populations in the south‐eastern region of Brazil, without considering the microhabitat use (Almeida‐Gomes et al, 2012; Guedes et al, 2020; Oitaven et al, 2022; Oitaven, Ribeiro, et al, 2019; Teixeira, 2002), while morphological aspects remain restricted to phylogeographic and taxonomic studies (Casimiro & Rodrigues, 2009; Freire, 1998; Pellegrino et al, 2005, 2009).…”

Herpetofauna of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA) and its surrounding areas, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Besides, there are isolated occurrence records and ecological observations on some species of frogs (Weber et al 2007, Silva-Soares et al 2008, Klaion et al 2011, MaiaCarneiro et al 2012a, b, 2013, Salles et al 2012), lizards (Goyannes-Araú jo et al 2009, Maia et al 2011, Almeida-Gomes et al 2012, and snakes (Alves et al 2005, Silveira et al 2010). Here, we present the list of amphibian and reptile species based on records obtained during nearly ten years of surveys at REGUA and its surroundings.…”