Utilization of the termite Hodotermes mossambicus (Hagen) by gekkonid lizards near Keetmanshoop,South West Africa |
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Authors: | AM Bauer AP Russell BD Edgar |
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Institution: | 1. Biology Department, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, U.S.A. Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4;2. University Research Expeditions Program, The University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, U.S.A |
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Abstract: | Five species of primarily nocturnal geckos (Ptenopus garrulus maculatus, Chondrodactylus angulifer angulifer, Pachydactylus bibronii, P. mariquensis latirosths and P. punctatus) collected near Keetmanshoop, South West Africa on the night of 3 October 1987 were found to contain large numbers of the harvester termite Hodotermes mossambicus. The mass of termites consumed ranged up to 61,1% of empty gecko body weight. Termite consumption of this magnitude and extensive above-ground foraging by large numbers of Ptenopus appear to be uncommon and probably reflect gecko usage of a large-scale Hodotermes foraging bout associated with the onset of the rainy season. The availability of such a concentrated food resource may be particularly important for vitellogenic female geckos. |
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