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1 August 2016 Male Reproductive Cycle of a Neotropical Snake, Lygophis anomalus (Dipsadidae), in a Temperate Geographic Distribution
Jaim Sivan, Alejandra Panzera, Raul Maneyro
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Abstract

The pattern of the testicular cycle and spermatogenic activity of the Neotropical yellow-striped snake Lygophis anomalus in Uruguay was investigated. We gathered data on testicular size, seminiferous tubules, and histological samples of preserved specimens. Testis volume and seminiferous tubule diameter did not differ significantly over the year, and individuals with sperm cells were found all year round. Nevertheless, histological observations show individuals in different stages of spermatogenetic cycle within a single month sample. Our results show that, despite their continuous sperm production, males of L. anomalus populations in Uruguay exhibit a seemingly seasonal cycle, as reflected by changes in testicular volume. Reproductive pattern, even if related to evolutionary lineage, is possibly regulated by environmental factors such as low winter temperatures.

© 2016 Brazilian Society of Herpetology
Jaim Sivan, Alejandra Panzera, and Raul Maneyro "Male Reproductive Cycle of a Neotropical Snake, Lygophis anomalus (Dipsadidae), in a Temperate Geographic Distribution," South American Journal of Herpetology 11(2), 114-118, (1 August 2016). https://doi.org/10.2994/SAJH-D-15-00021.1
Received: 25 July 2015; Accepted: 1 May 2016; Published: 1 August 2016
KEYWORDS
environmental factors
natural history
reproduction
Seasonality
Testicular cycle
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