Cryptic lizards

Effective visual crypsis requires that animals behave in a manner consistent with their camouflage. Individuals who employ background-matching strategies are expected to preferentially occupy substrates that complement their markings. Numerous studies have investigated dynamic background matching, but few have focused on how cryptic animals possessing a fixed pattern select suitable backgrounds. We are working with the Australian dragon lizards (Family: Agamidae) to explore how patterns vary between species. In addition, we are examining within species variation in dorsal patterns of the Jacky dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus) as function of geographic location due to habitat differences, as well as ontogenetic changes in appearance.