Ecología trófica de Lacerta lepida en la provincia de León, noroeste de España

Abstract

The diet of Lacerta lepida in the province of León (NW Spain) was studied through the analysis of 286 faecal pellets collected during May-August. Insecta were the numerically most important prey group, and always represented more than 85% of prey numbers. Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were the dominant orders. Other important prey groups were Heteroptera and Arachnida. The number of Orthoptera consumed increased gradually from May to August. With respect to the occurrence frequency of prey in the faecal pellets, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera occurred in more than 75% at all times. The lowest trophic diversity was detected in June-July. Seasonal changes in the diet were noteworthy within short-terms and augmented in the long-term. The average length of the invertebrate prey was within the interval 9-14 mm. In terms of energy content, Vertebrata (43.82%), Coleoptera (15.77%), Orthoptera (14.40%) and Hymenoptera (13.95%) were the principal groups. L. lepida is considered to be an opportunistic feeder, although some prey groups are apparently selected. © 1991, Brill. All rights reserved.