Behavioral Ecology of the Banded Rock Lizard (Petrosaurus mearnsi)

Abstract

Two populations of Petrosaurus mearnsi were studied in southern San <br /><br />Diego County, California. Home range size calculations found those of females <br /><br />larger than those of males (Jc = 98.5 m 2 , x = 86.5 m 2 ). Home range and obser- <br /><br />vational data suggest that the species does not exhibit the home range defense <br /><br />typical of most iguanid lizards. P. mearnsi, like most southwestern iguanids, <br /><br />exhibits highest activity in late morning during cooler months becoming bimodal <br /><br />during the heat of the summer. Activity patterns of individual lizards were found <br /><br />to be very irregular. Feeding behavior is described and diet analysis confirms the <br /><br />species as being insectivorous, favoring dipteran and hymenopteran prey. Social <br /><br />behavior is examined and note made of the lack of knowledge about reproductive <br /><br />behavior. Some data are presented on growth, survivorship, and reproduction. <br /><br />