Behavioral Repertoire of Gonatodes Humeralis (squamata, Sphaerodactylidae) from an Urban Area in Northern Brazil

The complex behaviors of lizards remain poorly documented, especially in tropical species. We compiled the behaviors of the diurnal Bridled Forest Gecko Gonatodes humeralis through 52 hours of direct field observations performed during the day. In most observations (11%), we observed G. humeralis in pairs (a male and a female). We recorded nine behaviors from four categories: antipredator behavior, courtship, territorial behavior, and foraging; behaviors were recorded in different situations. Males exhibited all behaviors and interacted with most individuals they encountered. Females did not exhibit tail wagging (antipredator behavior). The most common behaviors were gular extension (territorial) for males and feeding for females (foraging). Tail displays were performed by both males and females and may function during courting, territorial, and antipredator behaviors. Tail displays (undulation, curling, raising, and wagging; this latter is not shown by females) may function during courting, territorial, and antipredator behavior. Our observations expand our knowledge of the complex repertoire of behavior patterns shown in the courtship, territorial, antipredator, and foraging exhibited by G. humeralis, suggesting that intrasexual selection in this species is an important factor.