Species Recognition, Dewlap Function and Faunal Size

Although having a number of functions in reproductive, territorialand aggressive behavior, Anolis dewlaps are only one means ofintraspecific signaling and they are always present in smallanole faunas (e.g., those of one or two species islands) buthere, in contrast to the situation in large faunas, their colorand pattern appear usually very similar and appear to be unimportantfor species (or population) recognition. The latter functionis then performed by such characteristics as adult size andbody color and pattern. Where, however, numerous species abutor overlap, dewlap color and pattern tend to be diverse anddiagnostic (particularly between overlapping forms). Even here,however, adult size, body shape and body color often redundantlyreinforce the species and population recognition function ofeven marked dewlap difference. In certain cases in complex faunas,size and/or body pattern substitute for the species recognitionfunction of reduced or absent dewlaps.