Lizard antipredatory behaviors preventing extraction from crevices

We observed lizards in artificial crevices to examine behaviors that make t hem harder for predators to dislodge from crevices or burrows. We used four focal species and made additional observations of 13 cordyliform species. There were pronounced differences in defensive behaviors within crevices am ong species. Within crevices, representatives of several lizard taxa presse d some portions of their dorsal surfaces against crevice roofs, pushing upw ard with their legs, and used the tail to block access to their bodies. Two species of cordylids also tilted their heads down, bringing the lower jaw into contact with the floor and pressing the neck and posterodorsal head ag ainst the roof. Additionally, Uromastyx aegyptius and Sauromalus ater wedge d themselves into crevices by inflating their bodies. We discuss interspeci fic differences in within-crevice defenses in relation to the unique defens ive repertoires of each taxon.