Ecology and life history of the wide-foraging lizard Kentropyx calcarata (Teiidae) in Amazonian Brazil

Abstract

Kentropyx calcarata is a widely foraging terrestrial lizard that is most common in edge situations (riparian, tree falls) in tropical lowland rain forest of South America. Various microhabitats are used, and lizards often forage in vegetation off the ground in a leaf-gleaning fashion. Body temperatures during activity average 37.6 °C in sun and 35.7 °C in shade, body temperature always being higher than that of the substrate or air. Daily activity appears to be associated with availability of direct sunlight. Differences in lizard body size (reflecting age), activity times, prey composition, and prey size are apparent between Rondônia (dry season) and Pará (wet season) populations. Sexual dimorphism is evident in head size, males having longer and wider heads than females, presumably due to sexual selection. Clutch size varies from 4 to 10, and the reproductive season appears to be prolonged. Natural nests occurred in sandy areas exposed to full sun along stream banks. Overall, K. calcarata in the Amazon region is more similar in ecology to other teiid lizards studied in drastically different environments than to sympatric lizards in other families.