The male reproductive cycle of the Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides scincoides (Squamata: Scincidae)
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Published:1993
Glenn M. Shea, 1993. "The male reproductive cycle of the Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides scincoides (Squamata: Scincidae)", Herpetology in Australia: A Diverse Discipline, Daniel Lunney, Danielle Ayers
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The male reproductive cycle of Tiliqua scincoides scincoides is described on the basis of variation in testis dimensions and testicular and epididymal histology of museum specimens. Sexual maturity occurs at smaller body sizes in southern Australia than in Queensland. Spermatogenesis commences in early autumn, spermiogenesis peaks in early spring, and a resting period occurs in summer. Spermiogenesis in northern populations may peak a few weeks earlier than in southern populations. The pattern of variation in testis size closely parallels the histological changes, suggesting that testis size may be used as an indicator of spermatogenesis in Tiliqua.