The microstructure of scales varies in four lizard species

Abstract

The microstructure of lizard scales carries a phylogenetic signal in traits, reflecting key adaptations with high functional value. Using scanning electron microscopy, we examined the skin surface of four European Lacertidae species which occur in different habitats, as well as climatic conditions. We sampled Podarcis carbonelli and P. virescens from an oceanic-influenced climate, Zootoca vivipara from a temperate climate, and Gallotia galloti from three climatically distinct sites. In all species, dorsal midbody scales were proximally laminated. However, G. galloti differed from the other species, displaying spiny margins on lamellae, whereas Podarcis species and Z. vivipara had smooth margins. Within G. galloti, spiny microstructures were denser and larger in the northern, humid population compared to the high-elevation and southern, drier populations. These differences highlight the potential functional role of microstructures in skin adaptation to environmental conditions and emphasize their ecological significance in lizard species across climatic variation.