MALE AND FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE-CYCLES OF THE VIVIPAROUS LIZARD, MABUYA-CAPENSIS (SAURIA, SCINCIDAE) FROM SOUTH-AFRICA

Seasonal variation in the male and female reproductive cycle of the viviparous scincid Mabuya capensis is described. Females exhibited a winter to summer vitellogenic period with ovulation occurring during mid-spring to mid-summer. The onset of vitellogenesis coincided with increasing environmental temperatures and photoperiod. Gravid females were collected from October to February, with parturition occurring during December through February. Females produced 8-20 embryos and clutch size was positively correlated with female body size. Males exhibited a basic prenuptial spermatogenic cycle with spermatogenesis commencing during late summer to autumn. Males became reproductively active during a period of decreasing ambient temperature, photoperiod, and rainfall. Peak spermiogenesis occurred during late winter to early summer at which time testis volumes were maximal. Testicular regression followed during summer, with testis volumes at minimum values.