FALLAHPOUR, K.; ESPINOZA, R.E.; California State University, Northridge; California State University, Northridge: Love sees no color: Indiscriminate courtship in male leopard lizards

Visual signals are important components of social behavior and have important fitness consequences in many animals. Coloration is a common type of visual signal used by many lizards, particularly during courtship. Although less common in females, breeding coloration (red, orange, or yellow) is associated with an increase in hormone levels and a change in behavior. Female breeding coloration is taxonomically widespread in iguanian lizards and is known to influence mate choice in both sexes. We conducted a field study to complement our previous laboratory research investigating the role of female breeding coloration in mate-choice decisions by male long-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia wislizenii). We introduced females and males with and without breeding coloration (using non-toxic decorative paint to conceal or mimic breeding coloration) to wild males during the breeding season. Lizards were introduced to males using a monofilament line from a 3-m fishing rod and the intensity of the focal male�s interest was observed or videotaped for up to 20 min. Males courted and attempted to copulate with females and males, both with and without breeding coloration. There was no difference in the intensity of male behaviors exhibited toward introduced lizards across all combinations of sexes and colors (ANOVA, P = 0.29). After pooling the data into lizards with and without breeding coloration, a t-test also revealed no preference in males for introduced lizards with breeding coloration (P = 0.39). Our field experiments support our previous lab findings that indicate that female breeding coloration in G. wislizenii may not be important in mate selection, or may be a signal that has a role other than advertising female receptivity or rejection.