Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the spontaneous magnetic alignment in lacertid lizards, focusing on how these reptiles align their bodies in relation to Earth's magnetic field during various behaviors.

Findings

• Magnetic Sensitivity: Provides new insights into magnetoreception and extends our understanding of magnetic sensitivity in animals.
• Specific Species Studied: The research monitored two species of lacertid lizards, Podarcis muralis and Podarcis lilfordi, during their sun basking periods.
• Data Collection: Behavioral alignment of 255 P. muralis and 456 P. lilfordi was recorded over a 5-year period, assessing the influence of the sun's position and geomagnetic field values.
• Significant Findings: Both lizard species showed a strong bimodal orientation aligning primarily along the north-northeast and south-southwest magnetic axis.
• Geomagnetic Influence: The orientation was significantly correlated with geomagnetic field values at the time of each observation, rather than the sun's position.

Conclusion

The study conclusively demonstrates magnetic alignment behavior in free-living lacertid lizards, suggesting that this behavior provides a constant directional reference which could assist in spatial orientation and efficient escape behavior during sun basking.