Abstract
The reproductive cycles of lizards, including Tropidurus species, have been widely studied. However, few studies describe in detail the ultrastructure and the epithelial changes in the epididymis. Using histology and trasmission electron microscopy, we show the seasonal changes in the testis and epididymis of the lizard Tropidurus itambere, during its annual reproductive cycle. The reproductive cycle of T. itambere was analysed from June 1988 to June 1989 and from June 2001 to June 2002. While the frequency of reproductive males in the population varied throughout the year, there were reproductive males in most months except for February through April. During this nonreproductive period, there is a reduction in the mean seminiferous tubule volume and few sperm were found in both the testis and the epididymis.
Highlights
Reproductive studies of tropical lizards have dealt with three distinctive aspects of reproduction
While some authors have focused on a single aspect of lizard reproduction, most studies have examined all three (Sherbrooke, 1975)
Tropidurus itambere (Squamata, Tropiduridae) is a medium-sized lizard which belongs to the Torquatus group
Summary
Reproductive studies of tropical lizards have dealt with three distinctive aspects of reproduction. The reproductive period has been investigated to determine whether a species reproduces continuously throughout the year, and if so, whether the level of reproductive activity is constant. Which environmental factors can be correlated with reproduction and may dictate the timing of these activities. Which evolutionarily important selective pressures can be linked with successful reproduction in all period of the year. While some authors have focused on a single aspect of lizard reproduction, most studies have examined all three (Sherbrooke, 1975). Tropidurus itambere (Squamata, Tropiduridae) is a medium-sized lizard (adult mean snout-vent length ±71.8 mm) which belongs to the Torquatus group.
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