The Biology of Leiolopisma laterale (Say)

Abstract

Leiolopisma laterale is a common North American lizard, but because of its small size and secretive habits its life history is imperfectly known. The species is found over most of the eastern and southem United States from the Atlantic coast to central Kansas and Oklahoma, and from southern New York to Florida and the gulf coast of Texas. The genus similarly enjoys a wide distribution, Asia, Australia, North and Central America (Smith 1946). In order to review and enlarge upon previous observations, a thriving colony of Leiolopisma laterale within the city limits of Houston, Texas, was studied through 1946-1947. In addition, less extensive notes were made at irregular times previous in North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The Texas population, which is the subject of this report, occupied a wooded area approximately one-half mile square. Field observations were made several times a week, and at varying hours, under varied weather conditions, and in various habitats. The lizards were disturbed as little as possible, notes being made with the aid of a field glass. One quarter of the area was set aside for sampling. This square yielded specimens for dissection, and for maintaining a series of laboratory cages. Specimens were taken at various times throughout the year, and when no longer useful were preserved or released at distant points. Thanks are due to Mr. Bruce Taylor for assistance with the field work, and to Mr. Thomas E. Pulley, University of Houston, who undertook the tedious work of identifying insect fragments in stomach contents. DESCRIPTION