Crescimento de lagartos na Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso e Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Abstract

We studied the growth of Cnemidophorus ocellifer, Cnemidophorus cf. parecis, Anolis meridionalis and Micrablepharus atticolus lizards in an area of cerrado in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso and Cnemidophorus ocellifer in an area in the Pantanal, Mato Grosso Sul. The growth rate was analyzed by the square minimum method. The growth coefficient (K) and asymptotic length (L∞) were estimated by the von Bertelanffy equation. The growth rate and the mean snout-vent length had a negative linear relationship, with smaller individuals showing a higher growth rate for all species. Significant differences were found between growth rates of C. ocellifer in the two localities studied, with individuals from Chapada dos Guimarães showing growth superior to those from Corumbá. Male C. ocellifer from Chapada dos Guimarães and C. parecis presented growth numerically superior to females. Female A. meridionalis showed growth numerically superior to males. Significant differences were not found between the growth of male and female C. ocellifer at the Corumbá locality. Anolis meridionalis and Micrablepharus atticolus had growth rates inferior and velocity of growth superior to lizards from the genus Cnemidophorus. A linear negative relationship between growth rate and mean snout-vent length is a pattern commonly found in reptiles. Individuals of C. ocellifer e C. parecis have a low growth velocity and attain a high longevity, which suggests a longer live cycle. Individuals of M. atticolus and A. meridionalis present higher growth rate, with lower longevity, suggesting a short life cycle. The numerical similarities in growth rate and in growth parameters presented by species of the Teiidae family suggest influence from Phylogenetic factors in growth patterns. Growth parameters differ numerically between species and also vary intra-specifically. Understanding how environmental and phylogenetic factors behave act in molding and creating variations in growth patterns is the most important proposal for studies of lizard growth.