Partition of trophic niche dimensions of a pair of syntopic lizard species (Squamata, Tropidurus)

摘要

Here, we investigate influences of body sizes, ontogeny and body temperatures on components of trophic niche dimensions of syntopic Tropidurus hispidus and T. semitaeniatus lizards in northeastern Brazil. Divergences in body dimensions allowed differential food consumption between the species and within T. semitaeniatus, which may decrease overlaps in niche dimensions. Ants, termites, beetles and flowers were important food items for both species, as are typically found in Tropidurus. Tropidurus semitaeniatus consumed more plant material as lizards grew in body size, suggesting that consuming such food might be nutritionally and energetically advantageous. A relationship between total food volume and body temperature in T. semitaeniatus may have been associated with requirements for food acquisition and digestion.