Evolutionary and biogeographical support for species-specific proteins in lizard chemical signals

Abstract The species-specific components of animal signals can facilitate species recognition and reduce the risks mismatching interbreeding. Nonetheless, empirical evidence for in chemical is scarce mostly limited to insect pheromones. Based on proteinaceous femoral gland secretions 36 lizard (Lacertidae), we examine component potential proteins signals. By quantitative comparison one-dimensional electrophoretic patterns protein fraction from secretions, first reveal that composition specific, accounting a large part observed raw variation allowing us discriminate this basis. Secondly, find increased pattern divergence sympatric, closely related species. Thirdly, profiles show low phylogenetic signal, recent steep increase relative disparity high rate evolutionary change compared with non-specifically signal traits (i.e. body size shape). Together, these findings provide support specificity vertebrate lineage.