Seasonal activity and use of shelters in a population of Aspidoscelis costata (Squamata: Teiidae) in central Mexico

Abstract

We describe the seasonal activity and use of shelters in a population of Aspidoscelis costata in an area of central Mexico. We visited this locality each month from July of 2013 to April of 2015, and during each visit observed the frequency in which the shelters were used and the microhabitats where they were located. We recorded the climatic conditions (dry or rain), use of the shelters (temporary or permanent), and their respective position (sun or shade). The lizards chose to use temporary shelters and those exposed to the sun more frequently (63% and 53% respectely, of 90 lizards), with similar frequencies shown during the dry and rainy seasons. These results suggest that A. costata chooses refuges with characteristics that allow them to maximize such resources as the availability of sunlight, access to food, and protection from predators. Nonetheless, we believe these results should be reexamined in future studies, especially those conducted in different locations.