Dewlap-py Thing-a-ma-jig

 

While spending time in the southern US,

I was fascinated with the little lizards -

anoles and geckos.

 

My challenge was to be quick enough to

photograph them with their dewlap-py thing-a-ma-jigs

displayed.  I don't have a fancy camera

and it wasn't an easy thing to do.

They didn't exactly care for my company

and didn't linger for a photo shoot.

 

 

A dewlap is an inflatable flap of skin under their necks.

It is sometimes referred to as a 'throat fan'.

 

Scientists believe it's display is part of the mating ritual,

as well as to lay claim to their territory

when other males invade their space.

They simultaneously bob up and down, or 'do push-ups', as

a non-verbal form of communication to drive the point home!

 

I believe they inflate their dewlap any time they feel threatened

because whenever I'd come across one, it seemed my presence

triggered a dewlap extension.  Without the push-ups.

Guess that meant I was warned,

but in no danger from these little 4 - 6" reptiles.

Whew!

 

I was thinking that it's too bad humans don't have something similar.

Could eliminate a lot of strife in relationships of all kinds!