Aspects of the ecology of the semiarboreal lizards Enyalius bilineatus and Enyalius brasiliensis were studied in a montane Atlantic forest region of Espírito Santo State, southeastern Brazil. Individuals of E. bilineatus were collected mainly in a coffee plantation, whereas E. brasiliensis was found only in the forest proper. Enyalius brasiliensis was significantly larger (up to 106 mm snout—vent length, SVL) than E. bilineatus (up to 90 mm SVL). Both species were sexually dimorphic in body size, with females larger than males. The two species consumed a broad spectrum of prey but differed quantitatively in their diet composition. Ants and orthopterans dominated the diet of E. bilineatus, whereas E. brasiliensis preyed mainly on cockroaches and caterpillars. Clutch size of E. bilineatus varied from 2–6 (mean = 4.4) and that of E. brasiliensis from 8–14 (mean = 11.5). Ecological differences between the two species may result in differential susceptibilities to habitat perturbation, with E. bilineatus being more tolerant of disturbed areas and perhaps even benefitting from anthropic action, unlike the forest-dependent E. brasiliensis.
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1 September 2005
Ecological Comparisons between the Sympatric Lizards Enyalius bilineatus and Enyalius brasiliensis (Iguanidae, Leiosaurinae) from an Atlantic Rain-Forest Area in Southeastern Brazil
Rogério L. Teixeira,
Kleber Roldi,
Davor Vrcibradic
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