Friend-or-foe? Behavioural evidence suggests interspecific discrimination leading to low probability of hybridization in two coexisting rock lizard species (Lacertidae, Darevskia)статьяИсследовательская статья
Статья опубликована в высокорейтинговом журнале
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Дата последнего поиска статьи во внешних источниках: 4 сентября 2019 г.
Аннотация:The parthenogenetic rock lizard Darevskia rostombekowi is considered to be the product of hybridization between female Darevskia raddei and male Darevskia portschinskii. These two species coexist within several secondary contact areas; however, no trace of their hybridization has been previously reported. We conducted focal observations of individually marked lizards in 2017 and 2018 to establish if there is behavioural isolation between these species. We demonstrate that individuals distinguish between lizards of the same and different species. Individuals of both studied species interacted regularly, but we found no evidence of males of either species using interspecific interference competition for resources or for females. Neutral reactions prevailed in the reactions of males to the individuals of the different species; aggressive or submissive behaviour was more common towards males of the same species. The differences in reactions of males to females of the same and different species were less clear and interspecific social interactions were almost as common as intraspecific interactions. Interspecific male mating behaviour was rare and unsuccessful; only a single female with heterospecific copulation marks on the body was found. The mating period in both species overlapped broadly in late May and early June; body size (SVL) in females of both species was equal. Hence, we suggest that the selection of the sexual partner and preference of the conspecific partner for the social and sexual contacts is the most plausible explanation of the revealed behavioural asymmetry in intra- and interspecific relationship.