Body Size Structure and Sex Ratio in a Population of the Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara (Lichtenstein, 1823) from SW Poland

Abstract

We present data on the population structure, body size variations and allometric growth patterns for a common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) population from Southwestern Poland. We measured 339 lizards (89 males, 75 females, 63 subadults and 111 juveniles). The sex ratio did not differ from 1:1; however, we recorded intra-seasonal variations. There was significant sexual size dimorphism (males were smaller in body length), as well as tail length (males had longer tails) and body mass dimorphism (females were heavier). We also found sexual differences in the allometric pattern of tail growth, i.e. there was an isometry for males but a negative allometry for females.