Physiology of Original and Regenerated Tails in Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii)

Caudal autotomy is a widespread antipredator mechanism among lizards. Thrashing the tail distracts the predator's attention, facilitating the lizard's escape. Regeneration occurs rapidly, but the regenerated tail differs from the original in many ways. In the present study, we examine probable physiological differences between, and the performance of, regenerated and original tails in Aegean Wall Lizard from Aegean islets. Autotomy was induced artificially. There was no difference in duration of tail movement. Moreover, we failed to detect any differences in lactate and glycogen concentrations. Differences in LDH activity and protein levels were not significant. However, lipid levels were higher in regenerated tails. Finally, regenerated tails show higher autotomy percentages when predation was simulated. We failed to detect large-scale physiological differences in regenerated tails (with the exception of lipids) in these particular populations.