The common side-blotched lizard is a unique animal. The males behave in 3 different ways and also differ in the color of the scales on their throats. There are three different colors: blue, orange, and yellow. Certain behaviors correspond to each color. The different colors have a unique “Rock-Paper-Scissors” form of competition. The Blue-throated males form a group to protect one female. They are beaten by the slightly larger and more aggressive Orange throats, who have groups protecting multiple females. In turn, the Orange-throated males are beaten by the sneakier Yellow throats, who slip past their defense. However, the Blue throats groups are so tight that the yellow throats cannot sneak in. Blue beats Yellow, Yellow beats Orange, Orange beats Blue; Rock-Paper-Scissors.
The Lighthouse 