Oviposition site selection inTetradactylus africanus africanus: A relationship with the antAnochetus faurei

Abstract

MASON, M.C., AND G.J. ALEXANDER 1996. Oviposition site selection in Tetradactylus africanus africanus: A relationship with the ant Anochetus faurei. Afr. J. Herpetol. 45(1): 31–37. Data on the oviposition sites of Tetradactylus africanus africanus were gathered on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa. These lizards oviposit exclusively in the nest mounds of the ant Anochetus faurei in the study area. The abundance of nests of A. faurei and other mound constructing ant and termite species was determined. The mounds of A. faurei were found to be relatively common, thus offering numerous suitable oviposition sites. Microclimate variables, including temperature and soil moisture within these mounds do not differ significantly from variables of other possible oviposition sites (grass tussocks, mounds of other ant species and termite mounds). Possible reasons as to why this lizard oviposits in the mounds of A. faurei are discussed in relation to ease of access to the substrate and protection of the eg...