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Behavior Patterns of Three Species of Amphibolurus (Agamidae)

1970; American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists; Volume: 1970; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/1442277

1938-5110

Charles C. Carpenter, Judy A. Badham, Bill Kimble,

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

The three species of the genus Amphibolurus (Agamidae) of Australia, A. barbatus, A. reticulatus inermis, and A. muricatus, are shown to have species-specific display-action-patterns as an expression of aggressive behavior. The displays involve postural changes, foreleg pushups and movements of the head, all of which are consistent in their time relationships. The displays are given primarily by a dominant lizard in enclosed groups. A behavior associated with the display and social position is a circumduction action of one or the other of the forelegs. Circumduction is performed slowly by subordinate A. barbatus. Dominant individuals of A. muricatus and A. reticulatus inermis exhibit rapid circumduction, while subordinates perform slow circumduction. It is also characteristic for the latter two forms to shift foot positions and orientation after displaying. The importance of the species-specific display-action-pattern as an indication of the close relationship between the families Agamidae and Iguanidae is discussed.