Polymorphic Sexual Coloration in the Lizard Sceloporus undulatus erythrocheilus

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Two populations of permanently marked red-lipped prairie lizards (Sceloporus undulatus erythrocheilus) were studied for 2 yr to document the development and seasonal timing of the reproductive coloration for which this subspecies is named. With the information collected from these two populations, in addition to samples from 15 other populations, it was determined that most adult males of this subspecies exhibit either orange or yellow coloration on the scales of the face and chin. The exception was in one population where 10.5% of sexually mature males lacked facial coloration entirely. No individuals were intermediate in coloration or switched from yellow to orange or vice versa. Adult orange males did not differ in size (snout-vent length) from adult yellow males and each color morph was evident in subadult males. The proportions of orange and yellow males were highly variable among populations, ranging from 1:0 to approximately 1:1. A seasonal cycle of facial coloration intensity was associated with the testicular cycle in adults, suggesting androgen control.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: