Promiscuity and high level of multiple paternity in common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis): Data from microsatellite markers

Abstract

Little is known about the mating system of the common wall lizard Podarcis muralis. Behavioural and observational data have demonstrated that females frequently mate with multiple males. However, the possible occurrence of multiple paternity has never been investigated. By using microsatellite paternity analysis in a wild population, we document this species indeed mate promiscuously and these matings resulted in multiple paternity in at least 87% of the clutches examined. © 2007 Brill Academic Publishers.