Predation on Southern Turnip-tailed geckos (<i>Thecadactylus solimoensis</i>) by a Spectacled Owl (<i>Pulsatrix perspicillata</i>)

Abstract

We report on the predation of Thecadactylus solimoensis (Squamata, Phyllodactylidae) by an owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata (Aves, Strigiformes). Examination of pellets collected from a P. perspicillata roost contained a partial left maxilla of a gecko. The maxilla contained the following traits, which confirmed the identification of T. solimoensis: the large size of the maxilla, at least 27 tooth loci, a thickened medial side of the maxillary palatal shelf, a horizontal shelf at the base of the facial process, and blade like posterior process that does not taper abruptly. This is the first report of a gecko in the genus Thecadactylus being preyed upon by an owl.