Eggs of tegu lizard, Salvator merianae (Duméril & Bilbron, 1839) (Squamata; Teiidae) damaged by fungal infections

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract The tegu (Salvator merianae) is the largest lizard found in Brazil and has a wide distribution, occurring in several biomes. The presence of fungi on reptilian eggs initially occurs on infertile eggs, which leads to a subsequent infection in fertile eggs, causing damage and death of embryos. The objective of this study was to identify the fungi that caused lesions in the eggs of tegu in captivity. Swabs were collected on infected and healthy eggshells, in an embryo that died and the substrate of the incubation box. Samples were submitted to saboraund dextrose agar. A total of 93.3% of positive samples were obtained for the fungi Fusarium (11/14), Trichoderma (1/15), Penicilium (1/15), Mucor (1/15), and yeasts of the genus Trichosporon. Therefore, Fusarium was the main agent that caused the lesion and death of embryos in the eggs of the tegu lizard. Sanitary control methods may be taken to avoid fungal infections in the eggs.</jats:p>

Filamentous fungi occurrence on Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1766) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) present in an Atlantic Forest remnant in Southern Brazil

“…For example, a recent study reports that fungal infections in eggs of tegu lizards Salvator merianae (Duméril & Bilbron, 1839) can cause damage and death of their embryos (Carvalho et al, 2020). Moreover, a study performed by Santana-Neto et al (2010) showed that filamentous fungi may have a role in the regulation of field scorpion populations.…”