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1 December 2009 Reproductive Cycle of the Lizard Sceloporus mucronatus with Comments on Intraspecific Geographic Variation
Maricela Villagrán-Santa Cruz, Oswaldo Hernández-Gallegos, Fausto R. Méndez-de la Cruz
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Abstract

Sceloporus mucronatus is a viviparous lizard that inhabits high altitudes in central México. Lizards from Tecocomulco, Hidalgo, México, were collected monthly at 2500 m throughout one year. Macro- and microscopic evidence of gonads showed that both sexes reproduce synchronously during the fall. In males, after a short testicular quiescence in December, the recrudescence begins in winter (January) and continues through spring and summer (July), with maximum activity occurring from late summer to early fall (August–September). Regression takes place simultaneously with copulation during the fall (October–November). In females, vitellogenesis occurs during summer and fall (August–November), with ovulation in the fall (November–December). Gravid females were found throughout the winter, and parturition occurs during spring (May). Litter size was correlated with female snout-vent length. Female reproductive phenology of viviparous Sceloporus species seems to be highly conservative at different altitudes, but male reproductive phenology shifts between spring—summer (in populations higher than 2500 m) and summer—fall (in populations 2500 m or lower), as in the present study. The longer period of testicular recrudescence (January–July) in the studied population from Tecocomulco suggests plasticity in testicular activity.

© 2009
Maricela Villagrán-Santa Cruz, Oswaldo Hernández-Gallegos, and Fausto R. Méndez-de la Cruz "Reproductive Cycle of the Lizard Sceloporus mucronatus with Comments on Intraspecific Geographic Variation," Western North American Naturalist 69(4), 437-446, (1 December 2009). https://doi.org/10.3398/064.069.0403
Received: 25 April 2009; Accepted: 1 July 2009; Published: 1 December 2009
KEYWORDS
geographic variation
reproduction
reproductive phenologies
Sceloporus mucronatus
synchronous cycles
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