Abstract
To investigate the impact of nuptial coloration (the badge) on male fitness in the Swedish sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), we conducted a manipulation experiment in a natural population. Males in one group had their badges enlarged by being painted as cheaters and were compared to a control group with respect to mate acquisition, body condition and survival. Badge enlargement did not affect survival, but elevated mate acquisition by almost 400%, and body condition in small males. This increase in condition is likely to stem from greater access to female-associated sites with high food availability.
Full Text
The Full Text of this article is available as a PDF (80.8 KB).
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Olsson M., Madsen T. Promiscuity in sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) and adder snakes (Vipera berus): causes and consequences. J Hered. 2001 Mar-Apr;92(2):190–197. doi: 10.1093/jhered/92.2.190. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]