Sperm storage in the vagina of the viviparous lizard Sceloporus torquatus (Sauria: Prhynosomatidae)

[摘要] . Females of many lizard species are able to store sperm in a special system of tubules present in the vagina. However, in other species sperm storage occurs in the infundibulum. A quick and simple technique to determine if the vagina of Sceloporus torquatus has the capacity to store sperm was used. In this species the spermatozoa are retained at least during 167 days after mating in a special system of tubules located in the vagina. The amount of spermatozoa observed through vaginal flushing was reduced gradually from December on and the spermatozoa disappeared in late pregnancy. The spermatozoa reached the uterus and infundibulum before ovulation started; however, in these organs there are no special structures for sperm storage.

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] Sperm retention;reptiles;reproductive tract