Nematode infection patterns in four sympatric lizards from a restinga habitat (Jurubatiba) in Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil

Specimens of the four most abundant diurnal lizards (Tropidurus torquatus, Cnemidophorus littoralis, Mabuya macrorhyncha and M. agilis) inhabiting the restinga of Jurubatiba, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil were examined for nem atodes. Eight species of nematodes were found. Tropidurus torquatus had the richest (8 species) and most diverse nematode fauna, whereas that of C. li ttoralis was the poorest (2 species) and less diverse. Tropidurus torquatus also had the highest overall prevalence (92%) and mean infection intensity (37.2; standard deviation 82.0; range 2-549). Similarities in nematode fau nal composition between host species was generally low, except between the two Mabuya species.