Whiting, Martin J., Stuart-Fox, Devi M., O'Connor, David, Firth, David, Bennett, Nigel C. and Blomberg, Simon P.. (2006) Ultraviolet signals ultra-aggression in a lizard. Animal Behaviour, Volume 72 (Number 2). pp. 353-363. ISSN 0003-3472

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Understanding the role of multiple colour signals during sexual signalling is a central theme in animal communication. We quantified the role of multiple colour signals (including ultraviolet, UV), measures of body size and testosterone levels in settling disputes between male rivals in an elaborately ornamented, African lizard, played out in a large 'tournament' in the wild. The hue and brightness (total reflectance) of the UV throat in Augrabies flat lizards, Platysaurus broadleyi, as well as body size, were consistent and strong predictors of 'fighting ability'. Males with high fighting ability were larger and displayed a UV throat with low total reflectance. In contrast, males with low fighting ability were smaller and had violet throats with broader spectral reflectance curves (higher total reflectance). As fighting ability is associated with alternative reproductive tactics in this system (territorial versus floater), we also examined the role of colour signals in predicting male reproductive tactic. Territorial males had UV throats with higher chroma but had poorer body condition than floater males, probably because of the energetic costs of maintaining a territory. Although testosterone was not a significant predictor of fighting ability or reproductive tactic, it was correlated with the hue of the UV throat, suggesting that testosterone may impose some constraint on signal expression. Lastly, we show that within the context of the natural signalling environment, UV-reflective throats constitute a conspicuous, effective signal that male Augrabies flat lizards use to advertise their status honestly to rivals. (c) 2006 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Statistics
Journal or Publication Title:	Animal Behaviour
Publisher:	Elsevier Ltd.
ISSN:	0003-3472
Date:	August 2006
Volume:	Volume 72
Number:	Number 2
Number of Pages:	11
Page Range:	pp. 353-363
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.10.018
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/33131

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

Request changes to a record

Actions (login required)

View Item