An ethogram for the small scincid lizard Lampropholis guichenoti

Richard Shine, Geordie A. Torr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper describes and interprets the behaviours exhibited by captive specimens of Lampropholis guichenoti. An ethogram containing 45 behavioural acts was compiled. Complex communication displays were lacking in L. guichenoti, although many behaviours exhibited by this species were similar (and perhaps, evolutionarily homologous) to more complex displays in other types of lizards. Head-bobbing occurred but (judging from its context, and the lack of response of other lizards) functioned to enhance visual acuity rather than to serve as a social signal. Similarly, tail-twitching and tail-lashing occurred in both aggressive and submissive contexts, and seemed to express high levels of arousal rather than to act as ritualised social signals. Female L. guichenoti used a hitherto-unreported behaviour pattern (leg-twitching) to express submission.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-34
Number of pages14
JournalAmphibia-Reptilia
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1994
Externally publishedYes

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