Estrutura ecomorfométrica de cinco espécies de gecos neotropicais (Squamata: Gekkota) no Semiárido Nordestino.

Abstract

The lizards Phillopezus policaris, Phillopezus periosus, Hemidactylus mabouia, Gymnodactylus geckoides and Lygodactylus klugei belong to the Gekkota fault, and are lizards that differentiate much as morphology and ecology. The studied specimens were observed and captured manually at Aba Farm, located in Passagem, Paraíba, northeast semi-arid. Information was collected on the use of microhabitat and habitat of each species, the microhabitat presented the following categories: exposed or sheltered vertical surface stone, exposed or sheltered horizontal surface stone, vertical or horizontal slit, exposed or sheltered trunk, soil exposed or Only covered by foliage. The lizards were separated into three categories of habitat, terrestrial, climbers and arboreal. Subsequently data were collected regarding morphometry, where 27 morphological variables were analyzed. 320 specimens were recorded, 23 specimens of G. geckoides, 35 of H. mabouia, 16 of L. klugei, 43 of P. periosus and 67 of P. polycaris could be captured. Phyllopezus poliicaris and P. periosus presented great morphological similarity and about the use of microhabitat. The arboreal species L. klugei showed great specialization in the arboreal habitat, presenting hands and fingers that favor the sustentation in vertical environments. G. geckoides and L. klugei differed greatly in the use of microhabitat, but they have a great deal of morphological similarity, which can be explained by the phylogeny of these species. The exotic species H. mabouia occupied all categories of microhabitat, showing a greater environmental plasticity.