What invertebrate frequently constitutes the major component of the whiptail diet, sometimes up to 42.5%?
Answer
Termites
Whiptail lizards are classified as opportunistic insectivores, and their foraging behavior centers heavily on invertebrates found beneath the surface. Termites, including those species that live subterraneously in arid lands, are a critical and quantitatively significant part of their sustenance. Studies have shown that termites can account for as much as 42.5% of the total diet consumed by certain whiptail species. While they also consume other invertebrates like ants, grasshoppers, and beetles, the termite consumption volume often sets them apart as the primary dietary staple.
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