lizards (Podarcis muralis, Lacertidae) co-varies with local habitat conditions within a Pyrenean population. Materials & Methods. ⢠446 males from 10 localities ...
Adaptive variation of a UV signal of quality: Multiple routes to increasing signal efficacy? A. Badiane1,2, G. Pérez i de Lanuza2,3, J. Ábalos2,3, S. Reguera4, E. Font2, M.J. Whiting1, P. Carazo2 1
Macquarie University, 2 University of Valencia, 3 University of Porto, 4 University of Granada
Introduction Habitat variation can drive the evolution of signal design by affecting selection pressures acting on its strategic (i.e. information content) and/or tactical (i.e. efficacy with which signals are transmitted and perceived by receivers) design. Here, we investigate how the design of a sexually selected UV signal in male common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis, Lacertidae) co-varies with local habitat conditions within a Pyrenean population.
• 446 males from 10 localities along an altitudinal gradient across the Pyrenean northern/southern slopes. • Spectrophotometric data of UV spots & ecological variables.
Results • In the northern slope, males had more but smaller UV spots with higher UV chroma, and more surrounding black, making them more conspicuous against a black background.
• Males from high altitudes had more surrounding black than at low altitudes.
southern slope northern slope
Wavelength (nm)
Average reflectance spectra of male’s UV spots
Discussion: UV signal design shows a complex response to variation in local habitat conditions, which results in an increase/decrease in signal detectability in the northern/southern slope.
