Across a given genus, lizards often exhibit a narrow range of foraging strategies. However, in geckos, foraging mode can be quite variable, changing significantly from species to species despite genus homogeneity. Nocturnal geckos often exhibit more of a mixed foraging mode with both sit-and-wait and widely foraging characteristics, while most literature to-date suggest that diurnal geckos rely primarily on sit-and-wait behaviour. This study examined the foraging behaviour of an invasive diurnal gecko, Phelsuma laticauda, at two sites on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Initial surveys were completed at each site to measure and mark individuals before a behavioural study was completed to record movement data.
Results/Conclusions
Findings confirm that P. laticauda is a sit-and-wait predator, although surprisingly at certain times of day it exhibits widely foraging characteristics and is marked by high individual variation. Additionally, this study identified environmental and morphological factors that influence level of diurnal gecko foraging activity. Key behavioural findings include: as the day progressed, geckos remained stationary for longer periods of time; higher temperatures correlated to higher levels of activity; and geckos were found facing down the majority of the time (a posture that prepares them for hunting). In addition to these environmental factors, tail regeneration was also seen to affect the activity of individuals, particularly in males. Overall, findings suggest that P. laticauda could have significant impacts on invaded ecosystems. This could potentially affect native lizards and arthropods, and possible disease introduction could affect even more organisms.