REPRODUCTIVE AND FAT-BODY CYCLES OF THE LACERTID LIZARD PODARCIS-BOCAGEI

This paper presents data on reproductive and fat body cycles of the ov iparous lacertid lizard Podarcis bocagei in northwest Spain. Testes ex hibited their maximal volume during December-March and decreased in si ze throughout the summer. This pattern agrees with the ''mixed type'' of spermatogenetic cycle proposed by Saint Girons (1963, 1982). Vitell ogenesis started at the end of March or April. Females with oviductal eggs were found from mid-April to mid-July. Oviposition occurs between mid-May and the end of July. Fat bodies of males were smallest during the spring mating period. Female fat body volumes declined during vit ellogenesis. No significant decline of lipid stores was detected durin g the winter period (October-March).