Ecology of Alopoglossus angulatus and A. atriventris (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) in western Amazonia

Abstract

We studied the ecology of Alopoglossus angulatus and A. atriventris in western Amazonia. Both species are found in leaf litter of lowland tropical forest, but A. angulatus tends to be found near water whereas A. atriventris is found in terra firme forest. Both tend to be active in shade on sunny and cloudy days. Body size of adults differs (A. angulatus larger), but species differences in sizeadjusted morphology are minor. Sexual dimorphism exists in relative head length (males larger) only in A. atriventris. Diets are similar, with roaches, spiders, grasshoppers/crickets, and springtails dominating the diet. Overall, these lizards are similar ecologically even though they occur together at many sites. Leaf litter and shaded forest appear to be requisites for survival at the local level.

Keywords

• Squamata
• Gymnophthalmidae
• Alopoglossus
• microteiid
• lizard ecology
• Amazônia