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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Ecology of the Skink, Mabuya arajara Reboucas-Spieker, 1981, in the Araripe Plateau, Northeastern Brazil

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Author(s):
Ribeiro, Samuel C. [1, 2] ; Teles, Diego A. [3] ; Mesquita, Daniel O. [1] ; Almeida, Waltecio O. [3, 4] ; dos Anjos, Luciano A. [5] ; Guarnieri, Miriam C. [5]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Paraiba, UFPB, Dept Sistemat & Ecol, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Biol, BR-58059900 Joao Pessoa, Paraiba - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Pernambuco UFPE, Dept Zool, Lab Anim Peconhentos & Toxinas, Programa Posgrad Biol Anim, Recife, PE - Brazil
[3] Univ Reg Cariri URCA, Programa Posgrad Bioprospeccao Mol, Crato, Ceara - Brazil
[4] Univ Reg Cariri URCA, Dept Quim Biol, Crato, Ceara - Brazil
[5] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Fac Engn Ilha Solteira, Dept Biol & Zootecnia, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Herpetology; v. 49, n. 2, p. 237-244, JUN 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

We studied diet, reproduction, and sexual dimorphism in Mabuya arajara (Arajara Skink; Scincidae) in a rainforest on the slopes of the Araripe Plateau, northeastern Brazil. Diet was composed mainly of arthropods, mostly termites, when considering both number (93.5%, n = 58) and volume (58.5%, n = 58). Mabuya arajara can be classified as a forager that uses intermediate foraging techniques, as do most of its congeners. Brood size of M. arajara ranged from two to nine neonates (4.8 +/- 1.7), and larger females tended to produce larger broods. The period of parturition occurs between October and December. Adult females of M. arajara were larger and heavier than adult males. There was no significant difference between the body size of males and females, but there was a significant difference in body shape between sexes. The positive relationship between brood size and female size can be considered an important correlate of the sexual selection of bigger females in Mabuya and other South American lizards in general. (AU)