An unusual predation event by the Anatolian Rock Lizard, Anatololacerta anatolica (Werner, 1900) on the dwarf snake, Eirenis modestus (Martin, 1838)

Abstract

The members of the Lacertidae are rarely known to prey on snakes or snake-like reptiles. This study presents the first record of snake predation by Anatololacerta anatolica. The stomach content of a female specimen was found to contain a snake of the Eirenis modestus. This study provides some of the first direct data on the feeding biology of A. anatolica. It also contributes to the trophic diversity of the Lacertidae family by highlighting the potential feeding flexibility of the species.

Keywords

• Anatololacerta anatolica
• feeding behavior
• opportunistic predation
• Eirenis modestus
• Türkiye

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