FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS IN AGAMA LIZARDS (FEMALE)
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Abstract
A total of thirty (30) female Agama lizards were investigated to determine their diet. They were obtained from the Faculty of Life Sciences University of Benin, halls of residence and the University of Benin Food court. Specimens were collected between
the hours of 8-10am when they are not so active and easier to catch. The standard stomach flushing method was used in obtaining the contents of their stomach after which they were poured into a test tube with 10ml formalin added as preservative before it was taken for identification. A magnifying lens and microscope were used to identify micro and macro organisms respectively. Results from the investigation carried out shows the recorded prey categories in the stomach contents of Agama to be Orthoptera (n=13), Coleoptera (n=2), Diptera (n=38), Hymenoptera(n=17), Dictyoptera (n=3), Aranae (n=2) and Lepidoptera (n=1). The highest population was present in Diptera and lowest o in Lepidoptera. The results also showed high diversity in diptera which suggest that the Agama species is mainly insectivorous. Additional research needs to be carried out to further understand the in depth feeding habit of Agama in relation to seasons and how it helps them adjust to new habitats as this well help protect and conserve the Agama species in the ecosystem.
the hours of 8-10am when they are not so active and easier to catch. The standard stomach flushing method was used in obtaining the contents of their stomach after which they were poured into a test tube with 10ml formalin added as preservative before it was taken for identification. A magnifying lens and microscope were used to identify micro and macro organisms respectively. Results from the investigation carried out shows the recorded prey categories in the stomach contents of Agama to be Orthoptera (n=13), Coleoptera (n=2), Diptera (n=38), Hymenoptera(n=17), Dictyoptera (n=3), Aranae (n=2) and Lepidoptera (n=1). The highest population was present in Diptera and lowest o in Lepidoptera. The results also showed high diversity in diptera which suggest that the Agama species is mainly insectivorous. Additional research needs to be carried out to further understand the in depth feeding habit of Agama in relation to seasons and how it helps them adjust to new habitats as this well help protect and conserve the Agama species in the ecosystem.
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