Reproductive Cycle of the Ovoviviparous Iguanid Lizard Sceloporus jarrovi Cope
Goldberg SR. 1971. Reproductive Cycle of the Ovoviviparous Iguanid Lizard Sceloporus jarrovi Cope. Herpetologica. 27(2):123-131
Sceloporus jarrovi, at elevations of 5000-7000 ft in southeastern Arizona, undergo a seasonal reproductive cycle in which young are born in late June after a gestational period of about 6.5 months. Testes are at maximum sizes in early fall when mating takes place. Ovulation and fertilization occur in late November to early December. Embryonic development is suspended at the blastoderm stage for 4 months until the end of March. Placental formation and rapid embryonic development commence in April with young born about 10 weeks later. Delayed development ensures an adequate food supply for the young at parturition and eliminates embryonic development during winter when adult food intake is limited.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Goldberg, Stephen
- Units
- CHIR
- Keywords
- Lizards, Reproduction