Foraging-mode plasticity in the lizard Platysaurus broadleyi

Lizards are not widely regarded as able to alter their foraging mode substa ntially in relation to the specific food source utilized. Rather, their for aging mode determines the food type that they utilize. We studied Platysaur us brondleyi, a lizard that utilizes food. resources differing in several f undamental characteristics. We found that they maintain this broad feeding niche by altering their foraging behavior. Adult lizards ambushed mobile in sects but searched actively when feeding on stationary figs beneath trees. This flexibility in foraging behavior allowed P. broadleyi to utilize figs, a high energy but ephemeral resource. Lizards did not vary their foraging mode in response to insect-prey density, but attack distances were further at the site with lower insect density, as predicted by optimal foraging the ory. Juveniles adopted an intermediate foraging mode irrespective of the re source utilized.