Aspects of the Aquatic Feeding Ecology of the Riparian Skink Sphenomorphus-Quoyii

Abstract

The riparian skink Sphenomorphus quoyii can catch aquatic prey. Aquatic animals represent 26.4% of prey items, and occur in 18% of stomachs. This frequency is much higher than previously recorded for S. quoyii but is similar to that of other small riparian lizards. In laboratory experiments, S. quoyii captured aquatic prey items as they rose to the surface of water-filled containers. The skinks did not forage under water. Damselfly larvae, water beetles and tadpoles, that often swam slowly and near the surface, were easily captured. Snails that remained on the bottom, and mosquito-fish that were too fast, were not often eaten. There was no apparent size selection for either small or large tadpoles.