Microhabitat Use and Preference of Liolaemus nigroviridis Müller & Hellmich 1932 (Squamata, Liolaemidae): spatial, seasonal, daily and age differences

Abstract

This study focuses on the use and preference of microhabitats by Liolaemus nigroviridis, an endemic lizard of Chile. We quantify whether this species is indeed predominantly saxicolous, and if such behavior varies by analyzing spatial, temporal, daily, and ontogenetic factors. We demonstrate that adults of L. nigroviridis are clearly saxicolous, regardless of location, season, and time of day (with rock usage ranging from a minimum of 52% to a maximum of 88%), and that in Farellones prefer rocks over bushes and ground. Conversely, juveniles of L. nigroviridis exhibit a more irregular behavior, as they are predominantly saxicolous regardless of the season (although to a lesser extent than adults, with lower % usage), but depending on the time of day.