During the last two decades, regional exploration coupled with dense geographic sampling, new mol... more During the last two decades, regional exploration coupled with dense geographic sampling, new molecular techniques, and phylogeographic approaches have led to the discovery of unexpected hidden diversity. These data have expanded inferences about evolutionary and demographic processes to explain patterns of geographic genetic distribution, phylogenetic history, and morphological characteristics. This chapter summarizes current knowledge of species boundaries and possible underlying processes, highlighting the extent of hybridization and its possible role for the lack of strongly supported phylogenetic relationships within several species groups.Fil: Morando, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; ArgentinaFil: Medina, Cintia Débora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagonico. Unidad de Administracion Territorial.; ArgentinaFil: Minoli, Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Cristian Hernan Fulvio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Confluencia. Unidad de Administración Territorial; ArgentinaFil: Sites, Jack W.. University Brigham Young; Estados UnidosFil: Avila, Luciano Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentin
Reptiles have physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to survive... more Reptiles have physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to survive in desert environments, at high altitudes and in cold climates, such as the Patagonia region in southern Argentina. Knowledge of the ecology of Patagonian lizards is limited and fragmentary. The objective of this chapter is to present a synthesis of the current state of knowledge of the ecology of Patagonian lizards with regard to the use of (1) spatial resources (home range, use of microhabitats), (2) temporal resources (daily and seasonal patterns of activity), and (3) trophic resources (diet and nutrition strategies). We also discuss inter-and intra-species interactions, including predation, seed dispersal, parasitism, behavior, and resource partitioning.
WGS 84) with a visibly distended abdomen, dense upon palpation (Fig. 1). The animal was euthanize... more WGS 84) with a visibly distended abdomen, dense upon palpation (Fig. 1). The animal was euthanized. Dissection revealed a giant, putty-like mass similar to that previously described in this species (Claunch and Crowe-Riddell 2018. Herpetol. Rev. 49:118-119). The other internal organs had visibly atrophied, notably the liver and ovaries. The fecal bolus was weighed intact in the GI tract at a mass of 22 g. This fecal bolus weighed approximately 78.5% of the animal's total body mass (Fig.
A summary of the parasitic nematodes of reptiles from Argentina is presented. It is a compilation... more A summary of the parasitic nematodes of reptiles from Argentina is presented. It is a compilation of 29 parasitological papers published between 1992 and May 2020. This review includes information about 40 species of reptiles (4 snakes, 3 turtles, 1 anfisbaenian and 32 lizards). Twenty-six nematodes species have been reported from reptiles. The present review provides data on hosts, geographical distribution and site of infection. A host/parasite list is also provided.
Nematodes are little known in the Argentine herpetofauna. In order to increase and contribute to ... more Nematodes are little known in the Argentine herpetofauna. In order to increase and contribute to the knowledge of parasitism in reptiles, we studied nematodes found in three species of lizards (Aurivela longicauda, Liolaemus darwinii, and L. riojanus) and one species of snake (Philodryas trilineata) from the Monte desert of center-west Argentina. We registered generalist nematodes commonly found in reptiles, belonging to three taxa: Physaloptera sp. (larvae), Physaloptera retusa (adults) (Physalopteridae) and Parapharyngodon riojensis (Pharyngodonidae) (adults). Liolaemus darwinii had the lowest prevalence of Physaloptera sp. (larvae) (30%) and a mean intensity of 1.3±0.4 (1-2). The lizard A. longicauda had the highest parasitic diversity (2 taxa) with prevalence (50%) and mean intensity (4±3.5) of Physaloptera retusa (adults), also with prevalence (12.5%) and mean intensity (20±0) of Parapharyngodon riojensis (adults). Due to the low number of studied specimens, precise conclusions cannot be drawn for Liolaemus riojanus (n = 2) and P. trilineata (n = 1). However, because the hosts were previously fixed, the results probably may do not represent real infection patterns.The four reptile species correspond to new host records from Argentina, and the information provided contributes to the knowledge of endoparasitism in reptiles of the Argentine Monte region.
HOMONOTA HORRIDA (South American Marked Gecko). AQUATIC LOCOMOTION. Homonota horrida has crepuscu... more HOMONOTA HORRIDA (South American Marked Gecko). AQUATIC LOCOMOTION. Homonota horrida has crepuscular and nocturnal habits, is insectivorous, and is common in rocky mountains and cracks of urban constructions. It occurs in the phytogeographic provinces of Monte and Chaco up to 2500 m elev.
Incluye trabajos científicos relacionados con todos los aspectos de la investigación en Anfibios ... more Incluye trabajos científicos relacionados con todos los aspectos de la investigación en Anfibios y Reptiles, abarcando tópicos como: sistemática, taxonomía, anatomía, fisiología, embriología, ecología, comportamiento, zoogeografía, etc. Comprende las siguientes secciones: Trabajos, Puntos de Vista, Notas, Novedades Zoogeográficas y Novedades Bibliográficas. Publica en formato digital online y en formato impreso artículos científicos originales asegurando a los autores un proceso de revisión por evaluadores externos sólido y trasparente más una alta visibilidad internacional de sus trabajos. Para los lectores, se garantiza el acceso libre a los artículos. Los idiomas aceptados son castellano, portugués e inglés.
Thermoregulation of Liolaemus chacoensis lizard (Squamata: Liolaemidae) during its reproductive c... more Thermoregulation of Liolaemus chacoensis lizard (Squamata: Liolaemidae) during its reproductive cycle, in the Western Chaco, Argentina. Regulation of body temperature in lizards plays a key role in the survival of species. Their physiological condition, in reference to their dependence on the ambient temperature makes them an excellent study model. Also, changes in the reproductive cycle cause changes in thermophysiological parameters. This study is the first to address the relationship of thermoregulation with reproductive activity and sex, for a species of Liolaemus from the Chaco ecoregion. The aim of this work was to determine how the reproductive, recruitment and post-reproductive periods influences, as well as the effect of sex and snout-vent length on the thermoregulation of Liolaemus chacoensis. Individuals were captured by hand in the Southern sector of Valle Fertil, San Juan province, Argentina. A total of 44 individuals were captured during the months of November 2014, February 2015 and March 2015. Body (T b), substrate (T s) and air (T a) temperatures were recorded. Also, biophysical models were used to record operative temperatures. Later selected temperatures (T sel) were evaluated at the laboratory. Finally, thermoregulatory efficiency index was calculated. Results indicated that L. chacoensis T b was positively related to T a , presenting a heliothermic behavior that was maintained during periods and sex. Also, T b was higher in reproductive and recruitment periods than in post-reproductive period. In particular, only sex had an effect on T sel , however for the interquartile range of T sel both the period of reproductive cycle and sex had an effect. The thermoregulatory efficiency index indicated that L. chacoensis is an absolute thermoconformist. However, in the reproductive period both males and females change towards active thermoregulation. These results show that thermophysiological parameters vary in different periods of reproductive cycle and the active microsite selection would be a mechanism in maintenance of body temperature of this species.
Reptiles are important models for understanding fundamental aspects of physiological ecology and ... more Reptiles are important models for understanding fundamental aspects of physiological ecology and for assessing how environmental change can impact biodiversity. Abiotic factors (micro-environmental temperatures, operative temperatures, thermal quality) may vary geographically along an altitudinal and latitudinal gradient, and therefore the different thermal resources available for thermoregulation also vary. Comparative analyses among populations provide an opportunity to understand how variation in abiotic factors can affect different ecophysiological traits of a species at different geographical points. Our objective was to carry out a comparative study between two populations of Pristidactylus scapulatus in the Puna region of Argentina, providing the first data available on thermal ecophysiology, thermoregulatory efficiency and locomotor performance of the species. We determined field body temperature, micro-environmental temperatures and operative temperatures. In the laboratory, we measured preferred temperatures and calculated the index of thermoregulatory efficiency. In addition, we recorded critical temperature (minimum and maximum) and we estimated the thermal sensitivity of locomotion by measuring sprint speed at different body temperatures; based on these data we calculated the optimal temperature for performance, the optimal performance breadth and thermal safety margin. Air temperatures and operative temperatures were different between sites. However, we only found differences between populations in the minimum critical temperatures, with these being lower at higher latitude. We note that P. scapulatus populations adjust optimal temperatures of performance to field body temperatures and preferred temperatures, which could reduce the costs of thermoregulation in lizards with limited daily activity and who inhabit sites with variable and unpredictable environment temperatures. We conclude that Pristidactylus scapulatus has thermal sensitivity in locomotor performance, is a moderate thermoregulator with respect to the environment and is a eurithermic lizard, which has thermal flexibility in the cold.
Este trabajo ha sido aceptado para publicación en Caldasia al haber completado el proceso de eval... more Este trabajo ha sido aceptado para publicación en Caldasia al haber completado el proceso de evaluación por pares y su respectiva corrección, pero no se ha preparado para diagramación ni corrección de estilo. Por tanto, se pueden encontrar diferencias entre esta versión y la publicación final. Esta versión está disponible al público, pero recomendamos fuertemente que se haga referencia al pdf final para propósitos de citación. Early view This paper has been accepted for publication in Caldasia after completed the peer review process but has not been through the layout and proofreading processes. Thus, differences between this version and the final file may be found. This version is available for the public, but we strongly encourage use the final pdf for approved citation.
Reproductive strategies are the combination of physiological, morphological, and behavioural trai... more Reproductive strategies are the combination of physiological, morphological, and behavioural traits interacting to increase species reproductive success within a set of environmental conditions. While the reproductive strategies of Leiuperinae are known, few studies have been conducted regarding the reproductive behaviour that underlies them. The aim of this study was to document the structural characteristics of nesting microsites, to describe the process of foam nest construction, and to explore the presence of male agonistic and chorus behaviour in Pleurodema tucumanum. Nests were found close to the edge of a temporary pond and the mean temperature of the foam nests was always close to the mean temperature of the pond water. Our observations corroborate that the foam nest construction phases for P. tucumanum are similar to those described for other Leiuperinae, including dispersion and the beating of the foam, realized by male hind limbs. We also recorded the first scientific obs...
Body temperature is the most important ecophysiological variable affecting reptiles&a... more Body temperature is the most important ecophysiological variable affecting reptiles' life history. Moreover, thermoregulation in ectotherms implies a struggle to reach preferred temperatures in natural conditions due to the influence of biotic and abiotic factors. Our objective was to evaluate and compare the thermal biology of two syntopic species, Phymaturus extrilidus and Liolaemus parvus, in the Puna region of San Juan, Argentina. We determined body temperature (Tb), micro-environmental temperatures (Ta and Ts) and operative temperatures (Te) in the field. In the laboratory, we measured preferred temperatures (Tpref) and calculated the index of thermoregulatory efficiency (E). Neither body temperatures in the field nor preferred temperatures varied between seasons and sexes. Body temperatures were lower than preferred temperatures for both species. Nevertheless, regardless of the low thermal offer available in habitat, both species did achieve body temperatures higher than operative temperatures during activity. Thermoregulatory effectiveness was moderate in P. extrilidus (E=0.65), while L. parvus presented greater thermoregulatory efficiency (E=0.78). We conclude that under the rigorous climate conditions of the Puna, Phymaturus extrilidus and Liolaemus parvus are able to actively and efficiently thermoregulate, maintaining body temperatures close to the preferred and higher than those of its habitat. Differences in thermal characteristics between Phymaturus extrilidus and Liolaemus parvus are a consequence of differential limitations imposed on each species by the environment and of forces inherent to their life histories.
Thubunaea eleodori sp. nov. is described from the stomach of Liolaemus eleodori (Sauria: Liolaemi... more Thubunaea eleodori sp. nov. is described from the stomach of Liolaemus eleodori (Sauria: Liolaemidae) from San Guillermo National Park, Province of San Juan, Argentina. T. eleodori is most similar to those species lacking spicules, T. cnemidophorus, T. fitsimonsi, T. parkeri, T. schukurovi, and T. smogorzhewskii. T. eleodori is separated from these species based on the papilla pattern. T. eleodori has 12 pedunculate papillae and 14 sessile papillae, T. smogorzhewskii lacks pedunculate papillae, T. fitsimonsi and T. parkeri lack sessile papillae, and T. cnemidophorus has14-16 pedunculate papillae and 12 sessile papillae. T. eleodori represents the first member of the genus to be reported from Argentina.
During the last two decades, regional exploration coupled with dense geographic sampling, new mol... more During the last two decades, regional exploration coupled with dense geographic sampling, new molecular techniques, and phylogeographic approaches have led to the discovery of unexpected hidden diversity. These data have expanded inferences about evolutionary and demographic processes to explain patterns of geographic genetic distribution, phylogenetic history, and morphological characteristics. This chapter summarizes current knowledge of species boundaries and possible underlying processes, highlighting the extent of hybridization and its possible role for the lack of strongly supported phylogenetic relationships within several species groups.Fil: Morando, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; ArgentinaFil: Medina, Cintia Débora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagonico. Unidad de Administracion Territorial.; ArgentinaFil: Minoli, Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Cristian Hernan Fulvio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Confluencia. Unidad de Administración Territorial; ArgentinaFil: Sites, Jack W.. University Brigham Young; Estados UnidosFil: Avila, Luciano Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentin
Reptiles have physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to survive... more Reptiles have physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to survive in desert environments, at high altitudes and in cold climates, such as the Patagonia region in southern Argentina. Knowledge of the ecology of Patagonian lizards is limited and fragmentary. The objective of this chapter is to present a synthesis of the current state of knowledge of the ecology of Patagonian lizards with regard to the use of (1) spatial resources (home range, use of microhabitats), (2) temporal resources (daily and seasonal patterns of activity), and (3) trophic resources (diet and nutrition strategies). We also discuss inter-and intra-species interactions, including predation, seed dispersal, parasitism, behavior, and resource partitioning.
WGS 84) with a visibly distended abdomen, dense upon palpation (Fig. 1). The animal was euthanize... more WGS 84) with a visibly distended abdomen, dense upon palpation (Fig. 1). The animal was euthanized. Dissection revealed a giant, putty-like mass similar to that previously described in this species (Claunch and Crowe-Riddell 2018. Herpetol. Rev. 49:118-119). The other internal organs had visibly atrophied, notably the liver and ovaries. The fecal bolus was weighed intact in the GI tract at a mass of 22 g. This fecal bolus weighed approximately 78.5% of the animal's total body mass (Fig.
A summary of the parasitic nematodes of reptiles from Argentina is presented. It is a compilation... more A summary of the parasitic nematodes of reptiles from Argentina is presented. It is a compilation of 29 parasitological papers published between 1992 and May 2020. This review includes information about 40 species of reptiles (4 snakes, 3 turtles, 1 anfisbaenian and 32 lizards). Twenty-six nematodes species have been reported from reptiles. The present review provides data on hosts, geographical distribution and site of infection. A host/parasite list is also provided.
Nematodes are little known in the Argentine herpetofauna. In order to increase and contribute to ... more Nematodes are little known in the Argentine herpetofauna. In order to increase and contribute to the knowledge of parasitism in reptiles, we studied nematodes found in three species of lizards (Aurivela longicauda, Liolaemus darwinii, and L. riojanus) and one species of snake (Philodryas trilineata) from the Monte desert of center-west Argentina. We registered generalist nematodes commonly found in reptiles, belonging to three taxa: Physaloptera sp. (larvae), Physaloptera retusa (adults) (Physalopteridae) and Parapharyngodon riojensis (Pharyngodonidae) (adults). Liolaemus darwinii had the lowest prevalence of Physaloptera sp. (larvae) (30%) and a mean intensity of 1.3±0.4 (1-2). The lizard A. longicauda had the highest parasitic diversity (2 taxa) with prevalence (50%) and mean intensity (4±3.5) of Physaloptera retusa (adults), also with prevalence (12.5%) and mean intensity (20±0) of Parapharyngodon riojensis (adults). Due to the low number of studied specimens, precise conclusions cannot be drawn for Liolaemus riojanus (n = 2) and P. trilineata (n = 1). However, because the hosts were previously fixed, the results probably may do not represent real infection patterns.The four reptile species correspond to new host records from Argentina, and the information provided contributes to the knowledge of endoparasitism in reptiles of the Argentine Monte region.
HOMONOTA HORRIDA (South American Marked Gecko). AQUATIC LOCOMOTION. Homonota horrida has crepuscu... more HOMONOTA HORRIDA (South American Marked Gecko). AQUATIC LOCOMOTION. Homonota horrida has crepuscular and nocturnal habits, is insectivorous, and is common in rocky mountains and cracks of urban constructions. It occurs in the phytogeographic provinces of Monte and Chaco up to 2500 m elev.
Incluye trabajos científicos relacionados con todos los aspectos de la investigación en Anfibios ... more Incluye trabajos científicos relacionados con todos los aspectos de la investigación en Anfibios y Reptiles, abarcando tópicos como: sistemática, taxonomía, anatomía, fisiología, embriología, ecología, comportamiento, zoogeografía, etc. Comprende las siguientes secciones: Trabajos, Puntos de Vista, Notas, Novedades Zoogeográficas y Novedades Bibliográficas. Publica en formato digital online y en formato impreso artículos científicos originales asegurando a los autores un proceso de revisión por evaluadores externos sólido y trasparente más una alta visibilidad internacional de sus trabajos. Para los lectores, se garantiza el acceso libre a los artículos. Los idiomas aceptados son castellano, portugués e inglés.
Thermoregulation of Liolaemus chacoensis lizard (Squamata: Liolaemidae) during its reproductive c... more Thermoregulation of Liolaemus chacoensis lizard (Squamata: Liolaemidae) during its reproductive cycle, in the Western Chaco, Argentina. Regulation of body temperature in lizards plays a key role in the survival of species. Their physiological condition, in reference to their dependence on the ambient temperature makes them an excellent study model. Also, changes in the reproductive cycle cause changes in thermophysiological parameters. This study is the first to address the relationship of thermoregulation with reproductive activity and sex, for a species of Liolaemus from the Chaco ecoregion. The aim of this work was to determine how the reproductive, recruitment and post-reproductive periods influences, as well as the effect of sex and snout-vent length on the thermoregulation of Liolaemus chacoensis. Individuals were captured by hand in the Southern sector of Valle Fertil, San Juan province, Argentina. A total of 44 individuals were captured during the months of November 2014, February 2015 and March 2015. Body (T b), substrate (T s) and air (T a) temperatures were recorded. Also, biophysical models were used to record operative temperatures. Later selected temperatures (T sel) were evaluated at the laboratory. Finally, thermoregulatory efficiency index was calculated. Results indicated that L. chacoensis T b was positively related to T a , presenting a heliothermic behavior that was maintained during periods and sex. Also, T b was higher in reproductive and recruitment periods than in post-reproductive period. In particular, only sex had an effect on T sel , however for the interquartile range of T sel both the period of reproductive cycle and sex had an effect. The thermoregulatory efficiency index indicated that L. chacoensis is an absolute thermoconformist. However, in the reproductive period both males and females change towards active thermoregulation. These results show that thermophysiological parameters vary in different periods of reproductive cycle and the active microsite selection would be a mechanism in maintenance of body temperature of this species.
Reptiles are important models for understanding fundamental aspects of physiological ecology and ... more Reptiles are important models for understanding fundamental aspects of physiological ecology and for assessing how environmental change can impact biodiversity. Abiotic factors (micro-environmental temperatures, operative temperatures, thermal quality) may vary geographically along an altitudinal and latitudinal gradient, and therefore the different thermal resources available for thermoregulation also vary. Comparative analyses among populations provide an opportunity to understand how variation in abiotic factors can affect different ecophysiological traits of a species at different geographical points. Our objective was to carry out a comparative study between two populations of Pristidactylus scapulatus in the Puna region of Argentina, providing the first data available on thermal ecophysiology, thermoregulatory efficiency and locomotor performance of the species. We determined field body temperature, micro-environmental temperatures and operative temperatures. In the laboratory, we measured preferred temperatures and calculated the index of thermoregulatory efficiency. In addition, we recorded critical temperature (minimum and maximum) and we estimated the thermal sensitivity of locomotion by measuring sprint speed at different body temperatures; based on these data we calculated the optimal temperature for performance, the optimal performance breadth and thermal safety margin. Air temperatures and operative temperatures were different between sites. However, we only found differences between populations in the minimum critical temperatures, with these being lower at higher latitude. We note that P. scapulatus populations adjust optimal temperatures of performance to field body temperatures and preferred temperatures, which could reduce the costs of thermoregulation in lizards with limited daily activity and who inhabit sites with variable and unpredictable environment temperatures. We conclude that Pristidactylus scapulatus has thermal sensitivity in locomotor performance, is a moderate thermoregulator with respect to the environment and is a eurithermic lizard, which has thermal flexibility in the cold.
Este trabajo ha sido aceptado para publicación en Caldasia al haber completado el proceso de eval... more Este trabajo ha sido aceptado para publicación en Caldasia al haber completado el proceso de evaluación por pares y su respectiva corrección, pero no se ha preparado para diagramación ni corrección de estilo. Por tanto, se pueden encontrar diferencias entre esta versión y la publicación final. Esta versión está disponible al público, pero recomendamos fuertemente que se haga referencia al pdf final para propósitos de citación. Early view This paper has been accepted for publication in Caldasia after completed the peer review process but has not been through the layout and proofreading processes. Thus, differences between this version and the final file may be found. This version is available for the public, but we strongly encourage use the final pdf for approved citation.
Reproductive strategies are the combination of physiological, morphological, and behavioural trai... more Reproductive strategies are the combination of physiological, morphological, and behavioural traits interacting to increase species reproductive success within a set of environmental conditions. While the reproductive strategies of Leiuperinae are known, few studies have been conducted regarding the reproductive behaviour that underlies them. The aim of this study was to document the structural characteristics of nesting microsites, to describe the process of foam nest construction, and to explore the presence of male agonistic and chorus behaviour in Pleurodema tucumanum. Nests were found close to the edge of a temporary pond and the mean temperature of the foam nests was always close to the mean temperature of the pond water. Our observations corroborate that the foam nest construction phases for P. tucumanum are similar to those described for other Leiuperinae, including dispersion and the beating of the foam, realized by male hind limbs. We also recorded the first scientific obs...
Body temperature is the most important ecophysiological variable affecting reptiles&a... more Body temperature is the most important ecophysiological variable affecting reptiles' life history. Moreover, thermoregulation in ectotherms implies a struggle to reach preferred temperatures in natural conditions due to the influence of biotic and abiotic factors. Our objective was to evaluate and compare the thermal biology of two syntopic species, Phymaturus extrilidus and Liolaemus parvus, in the Puna region of San Juan, Argentina. We determined body temperature (Tb), micro-environmental temperatures (Ta and Ts) and operative temperatures (Te) in the field. In the laboratory, we measured preferred temperatures (Tpref) and calculated the index of thermoregulatory efficiency (E). Neither body temperatures in the field nor preferred temperatures varied between seasons and sexes. Body temperatures were lower than preferred temperatures for both species. Nevertheless, regardless of the low thermal offer available in habitat, both species did achieve body temperatures higher than operative temperatures during activity. Thermoregulatory effectiveness was moderate in P. extrilidus (E=0.65), while L. parvus presented greater thermoregulatory efficiency (E=0.78). We conclude that under the rigorous climate conditions of the Puna, Phymaturus extrilidus and Liolaemus parvus are able to actively and efficiently thermoregulate, maintaining body temperatures close to the preferred and higher than those of its habitat. Differences in thermal characteristics between Phymaturus extrilidus and Liolaemus parvus are a consequence of differential limitations imposed on each species by the environment and of forces inherent to their life histories.
Thubunaea eleodori sp. nov. is described from the stomach of Liolaemus eleodori (Sauria: Liolaemi... more Thubunaea eleodori sp. nov. is described from the stomach of Liolaemus eleodori (Sauria: Liolaemidae) from San Guillermo National Park, Province of San Juan, Argentina. T. eleodori is most similar to those species lacking spicules, T. cnemidophorus, T. fitsimonsi, T. parkeri, T. schukurovi, and T. smogorzhewskii. T. eleodori is separated from these species based on the papilla pattern. T. eleodori has 12 pedunculate papillae and 14 sessile papillae, T. smogorzhewskii lacks pedunculate papillae, T. fitsimonsi and T. parkeri lack sessile papillae, and T. cnemidophorus has14-16 pedunculate papillae and 12 sessile papillae. T. eleodori represents the first member of the genus to be reported from Argentina.
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