Structure of shells of eggs of Callisaurus draconoides (Reptilia, Squamata, Iguanidae)

Abstract

Female zebra-tailed lizards (Iguanidae: Callisaurus draconoides) lay roughly ovoid eggs with thin, highly extensible shells. The outer surface of the eggshell is a thin, calcareous crust of calcium carbonate in the calcite morph. Immediately beneath the crystalline matrix is a shell membrane composed of multiple layers of fibres organized into an undulating series of troughs and crests, apparent in both cross-section and surface view. The outer surface of the shell membrane is differentiated into a tightly woven fibrous mat that may serve to anchor the calcareous layer to the membrane. Organization of the eggshell into a series of troughs and crests serves to increase the surface area available for contact with the substrate and, presumably, to increase the capacity of the eggshell to stretch as the egg absorbs water.