EXPERIMENTAL INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION IN THE GENUS LACERTA

ABSTRACT

Hybridization experiments of♂ Lacerta Schreiben × ♀ L. agilis grusinica lasted five years and resulted in 22 hybrids, F₁, and backcrosses. Hybridization experiments concerning♂ L. strigata × ♀ L. viridis lasted nine years and resulted in 72 hybrids, F₁, and various backcrosses. In both experimental series, no F₂ could be obtained. All male hybrids had normal-size testes and were regarded as reproductive, while different proportions of sterile females were observed in the different crossing experiments (75% in♂ L. schreiben. × ♀ L. a. grusinica, 21% in♂ L. strigata × ♀ L. viridis). This was used as an indicator of genome divergence and as evidence for the status as biological species. Based on the results of these crosses, L. strigata is confirmed as a distinct species. In the hybridization of♂ L. schreiben × ♀ L. a. grusinica, a characteristic head deformation was observed during growth.The main elements of hatchling color patterns of L. strigata, L. viridis, and their hybrids are described, and the probability of finding such hybrids in nature is discussed.