The iconic Australian frillneck lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is well-known for displaying its frill when threatened and in aggressive displays. Researchers David Hamilton and Sarah Pryke of the Research School of Biology, ANU, together with Martin Whiting of Macquarie University, have established that the orange and red colours of the frill are carotenoid-based, unlike most lizards which have pterin-based pigment. The carotenoid-based colours of the frillneck’s aggressive signal were shown to be a predictor of contest success, with those possessing more colourful displays dominating size-matched competitors in 90% contests between two male lizards.

Related links

• Hamilton, D.G., M.J. Whiting, and S.R. Pryke. 2013. Fiery frills: carotenoid-based coloration predicts contest success in frillneck lizards. Behavioral Ecology doi: Article first published 20 May 2013
• Frill color linked with fighting abilities for Australia's iconic lizard Nature World News
• Researchers find lizards’ frilled neck is more than just for show Maquarie University News
• Fiery frills win more contests in the Australian frillneck lizard The Pryke Lab