Resumen

QUATRINI, RAQUEL; ALBINO, ADRIANA  y  BARG, MÓNICA. Morphological variation and diet in two Liolaemus elongatus Koslowsky, 1896 (Iguania: Tropiduridae) populations from northwestern Patagonia. Rev. chil. hist. nat. [online]. 2001, vol.74, n.3, pp. 639-651. ISSN 0716-078X.  doi: 10.4067/S0716-078X2001000300010.

Morphology and diet of two Liolaemus elongatus populations from northwestern Patagonia, consisting of a steppe and a forested patch, and 30 km apart from each other, were studied. The variation between populations and sexes of the coloration and design pattern, the most relevant metrical parameters, and that of composition and diversity of the digestive contents was examined in 22 steppe and 25 forest adult specimens. Populations differed in coloration, design pattern and average body size, with individuals from steppe being larger. Variation in color could be related to either genetic or selective factors. The lower altitude of the steppe zone might account for the bigger size of individuals therein. No sexual dimorphism was detected either in coloration or body size in individuals of both populations. Regarding diet, individuals from both populations appeared to feed mainly on ants (Formicidae). Nonetheless, plant material was frequent, which contradicts previous opinions that considered the species as being exclusively insectivorous. Availability of plants could therefore be a major influence on the tendency of this species towards omnivory. Differences in diet between the two populations could be related to different ecological parameters and/or to intrinsic characteristics of the populations

Palabras clave : diet; morphology; Liolaemus elongates; Tropiduridae.