Prenatal effects caused by the maternal environment during gestation a
re known to contribute to the phenotype of the offspring. Whether they
have some adaptive value is currently under debate. We experimentally
tested the existence of such a maternal effect (food availability dur
ing gestation) on dispersal of offspring in the common lizard (Lacerta
vivipara). Pregnant females were captured and kept in the laboratory
until parturition. During this period, females were offered two rates
of food delivery. After parturition, we released mothers and offspring
at the mother's capture point. Dispersal of young was significantly a
ffected by the mother's nutrition. To our knowledge, this is the first
evidence of a prenatal effect on dispersal. Offspring of well fed mot
hers dispersed at a higher rate than those of less well fed mothers. A
s current hypotheses clearly predict the opposite result, our evidence
calls for their reassessment. Dispersers are not always the least fit
individuals or those coming from the poorest environments.