Female common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) typically reproduce annually and lay more than one clutch per season. In this study, we tested whether females store sperm between clutches and between years by manipulating mating opportunities of females through appropriate experiments. Our results revealed that females are definitely unable to store sperm for medium or long-term, suggesting they necessary need to repeatedly mate with males to fertilize their eggs. Finally, by comparing our results to other similar multi-clutched species, we conclude that sperm storage probably does not constitute a selective advantage for species with a promiscuous reproductive system based on multiple mating in populations with high densities

Pellitteri Rosa, D.; Sacchi, R.; Pupin, F.; Bellati, A.; Cocca, W.; Gentilli, A.; Galeotti, P.; Fasola, M. (2012). Testing the ability to store sperm: an experimental manipulation of mating opportunities in the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis. Acta herpetologica, 7 (1): 111-118.

Testing the ability to store sperm: an experimental manipulation of mating opportunities in the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis

PUPIN, FABIO;
2012-01-01

Abstract

Female common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) typically reproduce annually and lay more than one clutch per season. In this study, we tested whether females store sperm between clutches and between years by manipulating mating opportunities of females through appropriate experiments. Our results revealed that females are definitely unable to store sperm for medium or long-term, suggesting they necessary need to repeatedly mate with males to fertilize their eggs. Finally, by comparing our results to other similar multi-clutched species, we conclude that sperm storage probably does not constitute a selective advantage for species with a promiscuous reproductive system based on multiple mating in populations with high densities
Biodiversità Tropicale
articolo in rivista
2012
pubblicato
7
1
111
118
No
con Impact Factor
si
Pellitteri Rosa, D.; Sacchi, R.; Pupin, F.; Bellati, A.; Cocca, W.; Gentilli, A.; Galeotti, P.; Fasola, M.
Pellitteri Rosa, D.; Sacchi, R.; Pupin, F.; Bellati, A.; Cocca, W.; Gentilli, A.; Galeotti, P.; Fasola, M. (2012). Testing the ability to store sperm: an experimental manipulation of mating opportunities in the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis. Acta herpetologica, 7 (1): 111-118.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10991/94
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