Frequencies of movement, as an index of propensity for immobility, of
Takydromus tachydromoides were measured in the encounters with a potential predator
Elaphe quadrivirgata (Session A) or a sympatric non-predator
Eumeces latiscutatus (Session B), or in the absence of other animals (Session C). Frequency of movement in Session A was significantly lower than in Sessions B and C. In Session B,
T. tachydromoides moved significantly less frequently during the first 10min than during the latter 10min. The lizards previously exposed to
E. quadrivirgata reduced their movements in the subsequent Session B with significantly high frequency when compared with animals without such experience. It is suggested that immobility of
T. tachydromoides is an adaptive antipredator behavior to avoid detection by a visually orienting predator.
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