Seasonal gametogenic cycles in a Cuban tropical lizard, Anolis porcatus

Abstract

Anolis porcatus is a tropical lizard endemic to Cuba. Monthly samples of lizards were obtained from the urban area surrounding Havana, Cuba. Testicular size and weight in males, and oocyte diameter and the presence of oviductal eggs in females, varied with season. Histological examination of gonads indicated a seasonal pattern in mature gametes for both sexes. In males, the spermatogenic process began with early gonadal recrudescence in November and the testes attained maximal spermatogenic activity between March and August. Spermatogenesis diminished during September and ceased in October. In females, only previtellogenic follicles were observed in the ovaries from November through February, and vitellogenesis began in March, and the first oviductal eggs were observed during late April. Vitellogenesis and oviductal eggs were observed from April to October. The timing of the gametogenic events indicates that male and female gonadal cycles are synchronized, corresponding to prenuptial spermatogenesis.