On the Reproductive Cycles of Lampropholis guichenoti and L. delicata (Squamata: Scincidae) in the Sydney Region

Abstract

The reproductive cycles of L. delicata and L. guichenoti were investigated in the Sydney region. It was found that L. delicata produces a single clutch of 2-4 eggs per year whereas L. guichenoti can produce two clutches of 2-4 eggs each in years of good rainfall. Males of both species have two periods of spermatogenic activity, providing mature sperm for a spring and a summer mating. Mating follows oviposition in late summer and the females store sperm for fertilizing the eggs ovulated the following spring.