Premium
Male reproductive cycle in A spidoscelis costata costata ( S quamata: T eiidae) from T onatico, E stado de M éxico, M éxico
Author(s) -
GranadosGonzález Gisela,
Rheubert Justin L.,
VillagránSantaCruz Maricela,
GonzálezHerrera María E.,
DávilaCedillo Jessica V.,
Gribbins Kevin M.,
HernándezGallegos Oswaldo
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/azo.12057
Subject(s) - biology , sperm , zoology , lizard , population , reproductive biology , annual cycle , andrology , ecology , botany , microbiology and biotechnology , embryo , embryogenesis , demography , sociology , medicine
The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproductive cycle of a high‐elevation population of A spidoscelis costata costata (1500–1600 m) and compare its reproductive cycle with that of other populations, species, and closely related genera. Adult male A . costata costata lizards were collected, and the reproductive tracts were removed and subjected to histological analyses. Testicular activity commences in M arch with maximum testicular activity and highest sperm abundance (in the epididymides) occurring between M ay and J uly. The testis remains at peak activity until S eptember when a late regression/early quiescent phase is observed. Leydig cells follow this same pattern except these hormone‐producing cells remain at maximum secretory level through S eptember. Sperm are present in the epididymides in A pril– S eptember. This pattern is consistent with the spring recrudescence found in a multitude of male lizard taxa. However, this differs from the continuous cycle observed in some tropical T eiid species and other lizard taxa at high elevation. This study indicates that our knowledge about lizard spermatogenic cycles remains incomplete, and additional studies are required to fully understand the interactions between phenotype, evolution, phylogenetics and environment.