Response of conspecifics to reproductive color of female striped plateau lizards, Sceloporus virgatus

摘要: Several hypotheses have been posed to explain the evolution and current function of bright reproductive color found among females in over 30 species iguanian lizards. I use orange female striped plateau lizards ( Sceloporus virgatus ) address two lesser examined hypotheses: signal sex recognition hypotheses. The hypothesis suggests that functions as a communication conspecific predicts with more developed will dominate less color. addressed this by examining competition for basking sites food resources groups painted express dark orange, pale or no consistent pattern suggest affects these interactions: had slight non-significant advantage obtaining preferred sites, were significantly likely obtain first available prey item, yet there was effect on total number eaten feeding sequence. improve gender identification. Resident males interacted male intruders either male-typical sequential stimulus design. Intruder significant behavior resident. other cues, including chemosensory signals, are important than close-range S. .