Morph-specific differences in escape behavior in a color polymorphic lizard

Abstract Variation in color morph behavior is an important factor the maintenance of polymorphism. Alternative anti-predator behaviors are often associated with morphological traits such as coloration, possibly because predator-mediated viability selection favors certain combinations and color. The Aegean wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii , polymorphic populations can have up to three monochromatic morphs: orange, yellow, white. We investigated whether escape differ among coexisting morphs, if repeatable across different same predator species. Specifically, we assessed flight initiation distance (FID), nearest refuge (DNR), chosen (DR) two lizards from Naxos island. also analyzed type refugia morphs selected their re-emergence following a standardized approach. found that orange white yellow these differences consistent both sampled. Orange shorter FIDs, DNRs, DRs; select types; re-emerge less after being approached compared morphs. Observed support idea evolved alternative behavioral strategies may play role population-level loss. Significance statement Color species related reproduction, but other relatively underexplored. In this study, use experimental approach natural determine diverged behaviors. By conducting our experiments similar regimes, show for first time intra-specific populations, suggesting Using approach, demonstrate brightest stays closer than uses (vegetation) more (wall crevices), take much longer emerge simulated predation event Thus, selective pressures visual predators between evolution polymorphisms types systems. Our study species, belongs highly genus (19/23 spp. polymorphic) contains thus believe results be relevant just P .