Effect of habitat visibility on movements and displaying by side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana)

Abstract

Male Uta stansburiana exhibit a combination of movements and visual displays while patrolling their territories. We examined the relationship among movements, display behavior, and habitat visibility. Focal males were observed and the rates and timing of both movements and displays determined. We made three assessments of habitat visibility for each observed lizard: vegetation cover, ground contour, and vegetation ceiling height. As vegetation cover decreased, males displayed more often and exhibited greater temporal variation in display rates. In areas with higher vegetation ceiling height, male movements were distributed more uniformly through time. Variation in behavior was linked to vegetation characteristics indicative of habitat visibility.