Prey odor discrimination is highly developed in the scincid lizard Eumeces laticeps.
In an experiment with a randomized blocks design in which each lizard responded to deionized water, cologne, and cricket odors (presented in counterbalanced sequence on cotton-tipped applicators), tongue-flick attack scores (TFAS) varied strikingly among conditions (F = 12.68; df = 2, 22; P < 0.001). Multiple comparisons revealed that responses elicited by cricket odors were stronger than those to the control stimuli (P < 0.01 each) and that responses to the two control odor were not statistically distinguishable. Eight of 12 lizards bit applicators bearing cricket odors whereas only one lizard bit in response to the other stimuli. Ability to detect and identify prey by chemical cues may be especially important in E. laticeps and other skinks that frequently consume concealed prey. That similar abilities have been described in E . fasciatus and Scincella Eateralis and suggested in E . inexpectatus may indicate that prey odor discrimination is widespread in Scincidae. TFAS, a composite of tongue-flicking, biting, and latency to bite, had a strong negative linear