Female–female aggression in the Gila monster ( Heloderma suspectum )

Abstract

Historically, the role of aggression in the social lives of animals overwhelmingly focused on males. In recent years, however, female–female aggression in vertebrates, particularly lizards, has received increasing attention. This growing body of literature shows both similarities and differences to aggressive behaviours between males. Here, we document female–female aggression in captive Gila monsters ( Heloderma suspectum ). Based on four unique dyadic trials (eight adult female subjects), we developed a qualitative ethogram. Unexpected and most intriguing were the prevalence and intensity of aggressive acts that included brief and sustained biting, envenomation, and lateral rotation (i.e. rolling of body while holding onto opponent with closed jaws). Given specific behavioural acts (i.e. biting) and the results of bite-force experiments, we postulate that osteoderms (bony deposits in the skin) offer some degree of protection and reduce the likelihood of serious injury during female–female fights. Male–male contests in H. suspectum, in contrast, are more ritualized, and biting is rarely reported. Female–female aggression in other lizards has a role in territoriality, courtship tactics, and nest and offspring guarding. Future behavioural research on aggression in female Gila monsters is warranted to test these and other hypotheses in the laboratory and field.