Abstract
The tropical Brazilian skink Mabuya heathi is viviparous, producing ova which increase in wet mass by 53 800% and in dry mass by 38 400% during gestation. Ovulation occurs during October–January, rapid growth in embryos takes place during June–October, and parturition occurs in September–November, between 9 and 12 months after ovulation. Female and male reproduction is cyclic and is synchronous between the sexes. Brood size is 2–9 [Formula: see text] and is significantly correlated to female size. Fat bodies of females are largest when embryos are small, and decrease in mass as embryos increase in size. Testes in males are largest during September–February, associated with a decrease in fat body size. Mabuya heathi is the second species of lizard in the caatinga herpetofauna shown to be strongly cyclical in reproduction and to reproduce only once per year.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
