NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE GENUS PLETHOLAX COPE (SQUAMATA PYGOPODIDAE)

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 1 decade ago

Abstract - Pletholax is a monotypic genus of pygopods, with two subspecies recognised. The nominate subspecies is an inhabitant of heaths and woodlands, particularly Banksia-dominated associations, on sandy substrates, while P. gracilis edelensis inhabits heaths and tussock grasslands on sandy substrates. Pletholax is active both above and below the soil surface. Size at maturity, sexual dimorphism in adult size and adult sex ratio are documented. The gonadal cycles of both sexes peak in Spring. Clutch size is two. Diet remains unknown, but the species may feed predominantly on termites. Predation by birds is reported. Neither subspecies appears to be endangered.

Author(s) SHEA, GLENN M. AND PETERSON, MAGNUS : Part 3
Page Number
419