Fat body and liver mass cycles in S. grammicus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from southern Hidalgo, Mexico
Abstract—We describe changes in liver and fat body mass of males and females of the viviparous lizard, Sceloporus grammicus from southeastern Hidalgo, México. The changes in the masses of the liver and fat bodies of males and females are usually asynchronous. Typically, reproductively active males and females deplete fat body reserves and experience increased liver mass. However, we observed maximum fat body and liver masses during spermatogenesis (July-August) and vitellogenesis (July-November). In females, the liver and fat body masses decreased while carrying developing embryos. This pattern demonstrates the ability of these lizards to bolster energy reserves during reproductive activity and the high energetic cost associated with embryo development. Also, this response pattern is similar to other populations of this species and to some other species of temperate lizards.
A RAMÍREZ-BAUTISTA,D HERNÁNDEZ-RAMOS, AR MARTINEZ, AND JC MARSHALL
Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, A.P. 1-69 Plaza Juárez, C.P. 42001, Pachuca, Hidalgo, México, Department of Zoology, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah 84408, USA
Herpetological Conservation and Biology 4(2):164-170
