Reproduction and parasitism in lizards of the genera Ameivula and Glaucomastix (Squamata: Teiidae) in
Northeast, Brazil
Caatinga; Infestaction; Pirambu; Restinga; Santo Inácio; Trade-off.
Squamata exhibit a wide range of reproductive patterns, from continuous to seasonal
reproduction. The organisms have limited resources, which can be competitively allocated
to different functions, leading them to the trade-off. The high reproductive activity can
make the organisms more susceptible to parasitism, which can also affect the hosts
reproduction. The abundance and composition of parasitic faunas are influenced by
morphological and environmental characteristics. Thus, we described the reproductive
activity of Ameivula ocellifera and Glaucomastix itabaianensis. In addition, we evaluated
whether parasites infection/infestation causes negative effects on the reproductive
conditions of these lizards species. Finally, we investigated how the geographic
distribution (Caatinga and restinga) and the size of the lizards Ameivula nigrigula and A.
ocellifera affect the abundance and composition of their parasites. Our results showed that
despite being sympatric species, A. ocellifera and G. itabaianensis have continuous and
non-continuous reproduction, respectively. The oviposition of G. itabaianensis was
recorded in the transition period, between the dry and rainy seasons, which may be
associated with the presence of microclimate conditions favorable to the embryonic
development and survival of the offspring. As for A. ocellifera, its reproductive activity
showed a phylogenetic relationship at the species level, and with temperature, an important
factor in regulating the testicular activity of the lizards. The species studied showed
different prevalence of endo- and ectoparasites that may be associated with differences in
the space use by these hosts. In general, there was no effect of infection/infestation on the
reproductive patterns of G. itabaianensis and A. ocellifera. However, the reproductive
females of G. itabaianensis showed a high rate of infection, indicating that the
reproductive activity could make them more susceptible to infection. For the abundance of
parasites in A. nigrigula and A. ocellifera, this biological condition was not influenced by
the body size of the lizards. Environmental factors such as temperature, light and humidity
are considered variables that explain the distribution, survival and development of
parasites. Thus, the two microhabitats studied (Caatinga and restinga) presented different
environmental variables that may explain the differences found in the abundance of
parasites in A. nigrigula and A. ocellifera.