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Reproductive cycle of the Namaqua sand lizard, <i>Pedioplanis namaquensis</i> (Squamata: Lacertidae), from southern Africa


Stephen R. Goldberg

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of the Namaqua sand lizard, Pedioplanis namaquensis, from southern Africa is described from histological examination of gonadal material from museum specimens. Males followed a seasonal testicular cycle in which sperm was produced in January–March and September–December. Testes in regression were present in March and May. Females with enlarged ovarian follicles (>4 mm length) or oviductal eggs were collected between November and February. Clutch size for 14 females was 3.8 ± 0.97 S.D. eggs, range 3–5. Histological evidence is presented that two clutches may be produced in the same reproductive season.

Keywords: Pedioplanis namaquensis, Lacertidae, reproductive cycle, southern Africa


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eISSN: 2224-073X
print ISSN: 1562-7020