Abstract
Hemidactylus mabouia Moreau de Jonnés, 1818 is a "fixed" clutch size exotic species well established in Brazil. In this paper we investigate some reproductive strategies adopted to minimize the costs of invariant clutch size to this invader species living in an environment with marked climatic seasonality in Southeastern Brazil (22°56’S; 46°55’W). The study was carried out from April 2002 to March 2003. Females and males attain maturity at 47.9mm and 46.9mm SVL, respectively. Larger females tended to produce larger eggs. The reproduction occurred throughout the year, but only at the wet season the females increase the clutch frequency. There was a significant variation in mean testis volume among the months throughout the year and the largest means were recorded between August and December. Maternal investment on egg size, increase on clutch frequency and seasonal increase on testis volume can represent important reproductive strategies of this invader species living in an non-urban habitat whit climatic seasonality (dry and cold weather season).
Highlights
IntroductionHemidactylus mabouia Moreau de Jonnés, 1818 é uma espécie exótica, com tamanho fixo de ninhada e bem estabelecida no Brasil
We found no difference in the body size between males and females of the population of H. mabouia studied in Valinhos
Sexual dimorphism in body size may result from sexual selection (TRIVERS, 1972, 1976; STAMPS, 1977)
Summary
Hemidactylus mabouia Moreau de Jonnés, 1818 é uma espécie exótica, com tamanho fixo de ninhada e bem estabelecida no Brasil. Investimento maternal no tamanho do ovo, aumento na freqüência reprodutiva e aumento sazonal no volume médio dos testículos podem representar uma importante estratégia reprodutiva desta espécie invasora que habita um campo ruderal com sazonalidade climática marcada (estação fria e seca bem definida). Lizards presenting a “fixed” clutch size tend to maximize their reproductive outcome by increasing the frequency of clutches, increasing egg size, or investing in vitellogenic nutrients (ANDREWS & RAND, 1974; VITT, 1986; DOUGHTY, 1997; SELCER, 1990). In this paper we investigate some reproductive aspects, such as extension of the reproductive period, minimum size at maturity, frequency of clutches and parental investment of a population living in a non-urban area (Valinhos) with marked climatic seasonality in southeastern Brazil
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