Female reproductive cycle of the snaked-eyed Lizard <em>Ophisops elegans</em> Ménétriés, 1832 (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from Lebanon
Author(s) -
Fida Nassar,
Souad Hraoui-Bloquet
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
basic and applied herpetology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2255-1476
pISSN - 2255-1468
DOI - 10.11160/bah.177
Subject(s) - biology , vitellogenesis , lizard , sexual maturity , lacertidae , zoology , avian clutch size , population , reproductive biology , reproductive cycle , reproduction , sauria , ecology , demography , fishery , embryo , oocyte , sociology , embryogenesis
We studied the female reproductive cycle of a population of Ophisops elegans lizard from the herpetology collection of the Natural History Museum of the Lebanese University. Females collected during spring and summer showed vitellogenesis in their ovaries with oviposition occurring from May to July followed by a subsequent quiescent period. They produced up to two clutches. Mean clutch size was 3.2 ± 1, range 2-5 eggs. Clutch size was independent of female body size. The smallest female attaining sexual maturity had a snout vent length of 45 mm. Sexual maturity can be attained within one year of age. We found no significant difference in body size between female and male adult lizards. Seasonal variations in the reproductive activity of females were well synchronized with those of males.
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