The pursuit deterrent function of tail-wagging in the zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides)

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Abstract
The zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus dranconoides) is a small, sit-and-wait predator, which itself is subject to predation by a variety of animals, including other larger lizards. It lives in relatively open, flat habitats, and is well camouflaged. Nevertheless, it has a distinctive black and white banded tail that it exposes by curling and wagging. We demonstrate that tail-wagging is a response to the approach of a potential predator (here, humans). We tested alternative hypotheses regarding the function of this behavior. Our results support the pursuit deterrent hypothesis, namely, that the conspicuous behavior of the lizards is aimed at their predators to communicate the signaler's state of altertness and its relative escape ability, and functions to reduce the likelihood of further pursuit. Alternative hypotheses tested here are not supported. We suggest that such interspecific signals are common in nature.