Effects of season, sex and age on the diet of Homonota fasciata (Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) from Monte region of Argentina

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the diet of the gecko Homonota fasciata (Duméril & Bibron, 1836) in a population from Monte of San Juan Province, Argentina, and to analyze possible temporal, sexual, and ontogenetic variations in feeding behavior. We determined the total volume, number, and occurrence frequency of each prey item and calculated the relative importance indexes. We also assessed trophic diversity and trophic equity. Homonota fasciata had a generalist and diverse diet based on arthropods, including insects and arachnids. Individuals adopted a passive 'sit and wait' foraging strategy. There were seasonal-, sex-, and age-related variations in the trophic spectra. The results of this study provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of the biology of this species, with implications for the establishment of management guidelines both for the species and its habitat.