Kleptoparasitism on carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) by Podarcis tiliguerta (Gmelin, 1789) in Corsica and Podarcis filfolensis (Bedriaga, 1876) on the Maltese islands

TL;DR

This study documents kleptoparasitic behavior in two Mediterranean lizard species, Podarcis tiliguerta and Podarcis filfolensis, targeting Camponotus ants, indicating a potential adaptive strategy in these ecosystems.

Contribution

First observation of kleptoparasitism in these Podarcis species on Camponotus ants in Mediterranean environments.

Findings

Kleptoparasitism observed in P. tiliguerta and P. filfolensis.

Behavior suggests adaptive benefit in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Independent occurrences imply evolutionary significance.

Abstract

Kleptoparasitic behavior was observed by the authors in P. tiliguerta and P. filfolensis. That this behavior has been observed in two mediterranean species of Podarcis, independently parasitizing on species of Camponotus ant, suggests there is benefit to kleptoparasitism on Camponotus spp. in Mediterranean ecosystems.