Open AccessOntogenetic variation in the autecology of the greater earless lizard Cophosaurus texanus
Author(s) -
Durtsche Richard D.,
Gier Paul J.,
Fuller Michael M.,
Lutterschmidt William I.,
Bradley Rosemary,
Meier C. Kate,
Hardy Steven C.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1997.tb00378.x
Subject(s) - predation , foraging , lizard , ecology , transect , biology , predator , ontogeny , population , juvenile , zoology , genetics , demography , sociology
We investigated the potential for ontogenetic resource partitioning within a population of the Texas earless lizard Cophosaurus texanus Results from focal samples, line transects, haphazard observations, and stomach flushes compiled in summer (July 1993) and autumn (September 1995) revealed differences in microhabitat use and diet between adults and juveniles Juveniles use rock perches more frequently than adult males, and consume smaller prey than adults No ontogenetic differences in thermal ecology were observed Diet differences between juveniles and adults may be attributed to the inability of juveniles to handle large prey items Differences between juveniles and adults in prey size and microhabitat use suggest ontogenetic variation in foraging, predator avoidance, and territory defense