Ecology and behaviour of burton's legless lizard (Lialis burtonis, Pygopodidae) in tropical Australia

摘要: The elongate, functionally limbless flap-footed lizards (family Pygopodidae) are found throughout Australia, ranging into southern New Guinea. Despite their diversity and abundance in most Australian ecosystems, pygopodids have attracted little scientific study. An intensive ecological study of one pygopodid, Burton's legless lizard (Lialis burtonis Gray 1835), was conducted Australia's tropical Northern Territory. L. eats nothing but other lizards, primarily skinks, appears to feed relatively infrequently (only 20.8% stomachs contained prey). Ovulation mating occur chiefly the late dry-season (beginning around September), egg-laying takes place early middle wet-season (November-January). Females can lay multiple clutches per year, some which may be fertilised with stored sperm. Free-ranging sedentary ambush foragers, radio-tracked moving on average < 5 m/day. Most foraging is done diurnally, active at any time day or night. Radiotracked were usually leaf-litter microhabitats, a preference that also evident habitat-choice experiments using field enclosures. Lizards typically buried themselves 6-8 cm litter; this depth, they detect potential prey items while staying hidden from predators avoiding lethally high temperatures.