Difference between revisions of "Snake and Lizard Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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=== Oviparity === | === Oviparity === | ||
+ | |||
+ | This is the usual state for lizards, including all Geckos and Iguanas. | ||
+ | * Eggs are retained within the mother until birth. | ||
+ | * Normal clutch size is 3-5. | ||
+ | * Eggs covered by a leathery shell | ||
+ | * Can appear shrunken when laid. | ||
=== Viviparity === | === Viviparity === |
Revision as of 08:09, 25 July 2008
Lizards (Squamata)
Male
Testes
- Located cranial to the kidneys.
- Attached to the dorsal wall by a mesochorium.
- In some species, the kidney has a posterior sexual segment that becomes swollen during the breeding season and contributes to seminal fluid.
- Right testis lies cranial to the left.
- Intimately connected to the vena cava by short blood vessels.
- Left testis lies close to the adrenal gland.
- Has its own testicular blood vessels.
Phallus
- Paired hemipenes
- Stored in the base of the tail.
- Visualised externally by bulges at the ventral proximal tail.
- Only one hemipene is used during copulation.
- Erected by vascular engorgement and muscular action.
- Everted to protrude through the cloaca.
- Sperm passes from the ductus deferens into the male urodeum.
- Sperm is then carried in a groove down the hemipene to be deposited in the female cloaca.
Female
Ovary
- Paired
- Consists of a cluster of oocytes lined by a thin mesovarium.
- Right ovary is close to the vena cava.
- Attached to vena cava by tiny blood vessels.
- Left ovary lies close to the left adrenal gland.
- Has its own ovarian blood supply.
Oviduct
- Paired
- Pleated
- Wide infundibulum
Oviparity
This is the usual state for lizards, including all Geckos and Iguanas.
- Eggs are retained within the mother until birth.
- Normal clutch size is 3-5.
- Eggs covered by a leathery shell
- Can appear shrunken when laid.