Nuptial Coloration and Mate Guarding Affect Escape Decisions of Male Lizards Psammodromus algirus

摘要: Males of many species show conspicuous breeding colours that are important for status signalling, but may decrease crypsis and increase predation risk. However, prey adjust their escape response, such the optimal distance at which an animal starts to flee (approach distance) would be point where costs staying exceed cost fleeing. We examined in field response Psammodromus algirus lizards, test hypothesis more old males, showing orange nuptial coloration on most head, presumably have a higher probability being detected (i.e. increased staying), longer approach distances, independent other environmental variables. As predicted, brightly coloured males had significantly flight distances than young dull ones females. In contrast, neither nearest refuge nor air temperature when lizards escaped were different. addition, although male female differed use microhabitats, did not differ. also found guarding fleeing) shorter alone.