Why Do Lizards do Push Ups

Lizards, those agile and enigmatic reptiles, have long intrigued both scientists and nature enthusiasts with their curious behavior – push-ups. While it may seem like a simple physical exercise, lizard push-ups serve a multitude of purposes that are essential to their survival and communication.

In this in-depth article, we embark on a journey into the fascinating world of lizards, shedding light on the intriguing reasons behind their push-up displays.

Whether you’re a herpetologist, lizard lover, or simply curious about the wonders of the animal kingdom, join us as we unravel the secrets of this unique reptilian behavior.

Information about the individual’s strength and fitness is communicated through this activity, serving as both a deterrent to would-be rivals and an invitation to possible mates.

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The Science of Lizard Push-Ups

Lizard push-ups, also known as “dewlap extensions” or “dewlap displays,” involve rhythmic bobbing or extending of a flap of skin called the dewlap, typically located on the throat or chest of the lizard.

This behavior is not a mere exercise but a complex form of communication and social interaction among lizards. Here are some key aspects of lizard push-ups:

1. Communication: Lizards employ push-ups to convey a range of messages to potential mates, rivals, and predators. The frequency, speed, and duration of push-ups can vary, each carrying a different meaning.
2. Territorial Display: Male lizards often use push-ups as a territorial display, signaling their presence to competing males and prospective mates. A vigorous display can indicate dominance.
3. Courtship Ritual: During courtship, male lizards perform elaborate push-up displays to attract females. The quality of the display can influence a female’s choice of mate.
4. Warning Signal: Some lizards employ push-ups as a warning signal to predators. The rapid extension of the dewlap may serve to startle or deter potential threats.
5. Thermoregulation: In certain cases, lizards perform push-ups to regulate their body temperature. By lifting their bodies off the ground, they can control the amount of heat absorbed or lost through contact with the substrate.

Do All Lizards Do Push-Ups?

Only some lizards perform push-ups, though. The answer is conditional on the type of lizard and its territory. It’s common to see both male and female lizards performing push-ups (to maintain a healthy body temperature), although the males are the livelier of the sexes.

Male lizards are substantially more powerful than females. It’s not true that all lizards engage in push-ups; this behaviour varies according on where they live.

Mating Rituals of Lizards

Push-ups are one method men demonstrate their power, especially to the women they are interested in. In order to impress the female, many male lizards perform a series of push-ups as part of their mating ritual.

Some species of lizard, like the western fence lizard (also known as a blue belly lizard), have a behaviour whereby males compete for females by performing push-ups and displaying their blue bellies.

Comparing the western fence lizard to a male peacock spreading his colourful plumage to attract a mate is a good way to visualise this behaviour. In order to succeed during mating season, male lizards must attract the attention of females, and some find that an extra set of push-ups gives them that extra edge.

Do Both Female And Male Lizards Do Push Ups?

We’ve covered the topic of lizards’ bouncing, but does this hold true for both sexes? A male lizard is more likely to be seen doing push-ups because they are more interested in attention-seeking behaviour.

Although males are more likely to resort to aggressive displays like push-ups, this is not to say that girls never engage in this activity. Females of your species may be seen bobbing up and down in a push-up-like motion, but they aren’t nearly as demonstrative as males.

They’re not as hostile either, but female lizards can and do fight amongst themselves. The results of a fight between women are generally less severe than those of a fight between men.

In response to a male’s courtship display, a female may bob up and down. The same overt display that a male would make is not typical of a female. While women often don’t perform push-ups in public, it is possible to see females doing so on rare occasions.

Lizard Species and Push-Up Variations

Lizard push-ups are not a one-size-fits-all behavior; they vary among species and can even differ within the same species based on context. Here are a few examples:

1. Anoles: Anoles, a diverse group of lizards, are known for their push-up displays. Male anoles perform push-ups to establish dominance and attract females. Different species have their own unique push-up patterns.
2. Iguanas: Some iguana species, like the green iguana, employ push-ups as territorial displays. Males extend their dewlaps and bob rhythmically to communicate their presence to rivals.
3. Agamas: Agamas, found in Africa and Asia, use push-ups as a form of communication during courtship and territorial disputes. The frequency and speed of push-ups can vary between agama species.
4. Collared Lizards: Collared lizards perform push-ups as part of their territorial behavior. Males extend their dewlaps and bob when they encounter intruders or potential rivals.

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