Improved nutritional status may promote an \"asset protection\" reproductive strategy in male rock lizards

Investing in the current reproduction requires diverting energy resources from other metabolic functions, which may compromise future reproduction and lifespan. To solve this trade-off, an individual may consider its labile state to decide how much to invest in current reproduction. We tested experimentally whether the \"state quality\" of male rock lizards influences their reproductive strategies. To improve the nutritional status of males before the mating season, we captured and supplemented experimental males (N = 20) with dietary vitamin D3 (an essential nutrient for lizards) and had a control group of males (N = 20). Then, we released all these males and females (N = 31) in a large semi-natural outdoor enclosure where lizards could interact and mate freely during the mating period. Activity levels of males did not vary between treatments, but supplemented males started fewer intrasexual agonistic interactions and made fewer mating advances to females. When the mating season ended, w...