A structural colour ornament correlates positively with parasite load and body condition in an insular lizard species.

摘要: Pigment-based ornaments in vertebrates may reflect the body condition or health status of individual correlation with environmental stress and hormonal balance. Among factors shaping sexual colouration, parasitic infections have been stressed as an important evolutionary pressure constraining maintenance pigment-based ornaments. However, honesty structure-based is still under debate. Structural UV-biased Gallotia lizards were described a trait used by conspecifics during mate rival assessment suggesting reliability these signals. We investigated relationship between parasitaemia, structural-based ornament present cheek sexually dichromatic Canarian lacertid galloti population almost 100 % prevalence haemoparasites. Using spectrophotometric techniques, we found that males higher values UV chroma infected more No significant was haemoparasite load condition. showed significantly better In addition, hue related to individuals both sexes. males, reflectivity biased towards range females, those whitish cheeks less serves intersexual signal for sex recognition. conclude positive parasite male compatible differential density melanin iridophore arrangement dermis conveying individual's ability cope stress.