Dieta de Phyllopezus pollicaris (SPIX, 1825) na Floresta Nacional de Palmares, Piauí, Brasil

Abstract

Trophic webs or food interactions between living beings regulate ecosystems and lizards play an important role in these relationships. Despite this, the diet of some species remains unknown. This study investigated the diet of the lizard Phyllopezus pollicaris in the Palmares National Forest, a transition region between Caatinga and Cerrado in Piauí, Brazil. Collection took place over 10 days in February and March 2024, covering day and night periods. Of the 23 lizards collected, 21 had prey in their stomach, totaling 31 preys distributed in nine categories, with greater consumption of termites (Blattaria), spiders (Araneae) and beetles (Coleoptera). The diet did not vary significantly between males and females, nor was it influenced by the size of the lizards. This study indicates the adaptation of P. pollicaris to different environmental conditions, and its high consumption of termites suggests that it may act as an active forager on some occasions, although more research into its foraging behavior is needed. The research highlights the relevance of regional ecological studies for the conservation of lizards in transition zones.