RT Journal Article
T1 The microstructure of scales varies in four lizard species
A1 Zagar, Anamarija
A1 Konc, Katja
A1 Hocevar, Matej
A1 Dajcman, Urban
A1 Perc, Valentina
A1 Megia Palma, Rodrigo Manuel
A1 Carretero, Miguel A.
A1 Drobne, Damjana
A1 Novak, Sara
AB 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.
PB Brill
SN 0173-5373
YR 2025
FD 2025-05
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/125371
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/125371
LA eng
NO Žagar A, Konc K, Hočevar M, Dajčman U, Perc V, Megia-Palma R, Carretero MA, Drobne D, Novak S. The microstructure of scales varies in four lizard species. Amphib-Reptilia 2025:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685381-bja10231.
NO AcknowledgementsA. Žagar, S. Novak, D. Drobne and M. Hocevar were financially supported by ARIS (P1-0255, P1-0184, P2-0132 and J1-2466). M.A. Carretero was supported by FCT (2022.03391.PTDC).
NO Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (Slovenia)
NO Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 22 ene 2026