The Ontogeny of Spatio‐Temporal Tactics and Social Relationships of Adult Male Iberian Rock Lizards, Lacerta monticola

Abstract

Behavioural aspects of many species may change through their ontogenetic trajectory. Mature males of the lizard Lacerta monticola present two types of colour phase, with bright green males being older, larger and more dominant than dull brown males. We hypothesized those ontogenetic differences in malesÕ competitive ability may lead to differences in spatio-temporal tactics. In a field study, we did not find differences in the size of the home ranges or core areas of green and brown males. However, after controlling for size, green males had more exclusive areas than brown males. Green males also had higher levels of conspicuous activities than brown males. Green and brown males had different spatio-temporal tactics within the day; green males used their home ranges more, were more active and had a higher degree of overlap with other males in the morning than in the afternoon. Brown males did not show these variations through the day. Green males participated in, and won more intrasexual agonistic interactions. Also, green males overlapped more extensively with areas of potential mates, and guarded females more often than brown males. These behavioural differences between males showed plasticity through ontogeny in the use of space, time and types of activity.

Do displays and badges function in establishing the social structure of male toad-headed lizards, Phrynocephalus vlangalii?

“…Previous works studying male northern cardinals Cardinalis cardinalis suggested that redness of breast plumage positively predicts individual body mass, while bill color signals individual body condition (Moller and Pomiankowski 1993;Jawor and Breitwisch 2004). Many studies on lizards have also suggested that badge variations are correlated with individual social status (Zucker 1989;Sinervo and Lively 1996;Aragon et al 2004). For example, throat colors among male Uta stansburiana are correlated with aggressiveness and territoriality.…”

“…Male lizards were characterized as residents or floaters based on the number of sightings observed and their residency on the study plot (Morrison et al 2002;Aragon et al 2004). Residents were defined as individuals with more than three sightings in different days and a residency of at least 15 days.…”

“…Residents were defined as individuals with more than three sightings in different days and a residency of at least 15 days. All other individuals were defined as floaters (Morrison et al 2002;Aragon et al 2004). Residency was calculated as the number of days separating the first and last sightings of each lizard.…”

“…Resident and floater tactics are common and widespread among vertebrates, especially in males (Waltz 1982;Dominey 1984;Morrison et al 2002;Aragon et al 2004). Individuals who take up resident tactics are generally considered to be dominant in social conditions, and they defend either a territory or a group of females.…”

An Ethogram of the Toad-headed Lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii during the Breeding Season

“…According to the method of Aragon et al (2004), a 50 m × 40 m plot was set up and divided into twenty 10 m × 10 m quadrats, to form a grid in the field. This plot provided a relatively stable observation platform for our study.…”