Acoustic Features of the Weeping Lizard's Distress Call

• DOI: 10.1643/ce-12-026
• Publication Date: 2013-07-09T18:19:55Z
• Authors: Antonieta Labra; Gabriela Silva; Fernanda Norambuena; Nelson Velásquez; Mario Penna
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 01 natural sciences

The study of acoustic communication in lizards has been restricted and mainly focused on Gekkota. rest the lizards, Unidentata, are generally considered voiceless, although there sparse reports vocal sound production members different families. We analyzed spectro-temporal characteristics distress calls emitted by Unidentata lizard, Liolaemus chiliensis (the weeping lizard; Liolaemidae), only species this highly diverse genus (>220 species) that vocalizes. also explored relationships call with sex size individuals. vocalizations L. complex compared to any known produced lizards. They exhibit pronounced frequency modulations, various nonlinear phenomena, harmonics extend into ultrasonic range. Fundamental duration correlated body size, males emit louder but simpler (i.e., less phenomena) than females. Based vocalizations, we discuss their potential role for startling predators and/or alerting conspecifics predation risk.