Trophic analysis and parasitological aspects of Liolaemus parvus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) in the Central Andes of Argentina

CASTILLO, GABRIEL NATALIO; JUAN CARLOS ACOSTA; GRACIELA BLANCO

TURKISH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

TUBITAK SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL TURKEY

Año: 2019 vol. 43

1300-0179

The objective of this study was to describe temporal variations in the diet and parasitological aspects in Liolaemus parvus. Inorder to examine the diet, we determined the volume, numerousness, and frequency of occurrence for each prey item and calculatedthe relative importance index. We removed nematodes from the stomach and estimated parasitic indicators. Liolaemus parvus presentsan active searching mode. It is a predominantly insectivorous species with low intake of plant material and a specialist in feedingon prey items of the family Formicidae, although it also feeds on other arthropods like coleopterans, hemipterans, and spiders. Wefound temporal variations in its diet. The first record of Parapharyngodon riojensis nematodes is reported herein. Males showed highernematode prevalence than females. We have expanded the number of host species and the distribution range of Parapharyngodonriojensis. The information provided about trophic ecology and parasitism is the first contribution to this lizard species? biology.