Seasonal changes in the testis of the musk turtle, Sternotherus odoratus L.

The spermatogenetic cycle of the testis of the musk turtle is limited to the summer months of the year, and closely parallels that of the anuran Amphibia. Spermatozoa are present in the testis from September to May, and breeding may occur in either fall or spring. A pronounced increase in the size of the epididymis and a corresponding decrease in the size of the testis occurs at the end of the cycle (September). During the months of March, April and May, all spermatozoa are eliminated from the seminal tubules, and the germinal epithelium is built up in preparation for spermatogenesis. Spermatogonial divisions occur in small numbers in May, and the division tempo increases during June. Primary spermatocytes and maturation divisions appear after the middle of June, and continue through July and August. Spermiogenesis begins in late July, is in full progress in August, and is practically completed by October. Laboratory specimens usually show an active spermatogenesis in winter, but it is not probable that a second spermatogenetic cycle occurs in specimens under normal hibernating conditions. No seasonal changes are observed in the interstitial cells of the testis, and no seasonally variable secondary sex characters are known for turtles. Special studies of the problem are being conducted.