The Male Lizards That Attract Mates And Predators

In the world of lizards, males who have flashier colors are more likely to attract mates. Having flashy colors, however, is a double-edged sword; aside from being able to attract females, flashier male lizards are also more likely to attract predators. A study, which was published in the journal Evolutionary Ecology, proved this phenomenon.

To attract females' notice, male anoles have dewlaps: colorful extendable flaps of skin under their chins. In most species of anole, dewlaps evolved to be as noticeable as possible within the environment, given an environment's predominant colors and lighting conditions.

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While some water anoles have dramatic red-orange flaps, others have more muted colors, more of a dull brownish-red.

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To prove that flashier males face greater risks of being attacked, the researchers created clay models with colored dewlaps—some bright, some more muted…

Learn more about this study over at PHYS.org.

(Image Credit: J. Montemarano/ PHYS.org)