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

Authors

GABRIEL NATALIO CASTILLO
JUAN CARLOS ACOSTA
GRACIELA MIRTA BLANCO

DOI

10.3906/zoo-1812-33

Abstract

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

Keywords

Diet, endoparasites, foraging strategy, helminth, Parapharyngodon riojensis

First Page

277

Last Page

286

Recommended Citation

CASTILLO, GABRIEL NATALIO; ACOSTA, JUAN CARLOS; and BLANCO, GRACIELA MIRTA (2019) "Trophic analysis and parasitological aspects of Liolaemus parvus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) in the Central Andes of Argentina," Turkish Journal of Zoology: Vol. 43: No. 3, Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3906/zoo-1812-33
Available at: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/zoology/vol43/iss3/3