Oviducal structure in four species of gekkonid lizard differing in parity mode and eggshell structure.

Abstract

Oviducal structure was analysed in vitellogenic females from four species of gekkonid lizard exhibiting variation in parity mode and eggshell structure: Hemidactylus turcicus (oviparous) which produces a hard, calcareous eggshell; Saltuarius wyberba (oviparous) which produces a soft, parchment-like eggshell; and Hoplodactylus maculatus and Hoplodactylus duvaucelii (both viviparous). Oviducts were analysed by light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The uterus exhibited differences among species that were directly attributable to parity mode. H. turcicus and S. wyberba (oviparous) had numerous uterine shell glands; H. maculatus and H. duvaucelii (viviparous) had very few. The uterus also exhibited differences between the two oviparous species (H. turcicus and S. wyberba) which may be related to the type of eggshell produced. Variations were noted in the staining properties of the uterine glandular and epithelial cells. The structure of the infundibulum, uterine tube, isthmus and vagina also differed among species, but differences could not be directly related to parity mode or eggshell structure. Instead, the differences may be related to how prepared the oviduct is for ovulation in individuals analysed from the different species. This study confirms, in the Gekkonidae, aspects of oviducal structure that have been associated with parity mode in other squamate taxa.