OVIDUCAL STRUCTURE IN 4 SPECIES OF GEKKONID LIZARD DIFFERING IN PARITY MODE AND EGGSHELL STRUCTURE

Oviducal structure was analysed in vitellogenic females from four spec ies of gekkonid lizard exhibiting variation in parity mode and eggshel l structure: Hemidactylus turcicus (oviparous) which produces a hard, calcareous eggshell; Saltuarius wyberba (oviparous) which produces a s oft, parchment-like eggshell; and Hoplodactylus maculatus and Hoplodac tylus duvaucelii (both viviparous). Oviducts were analysed by light, s canning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The uterus exhi bited differences among species that were directly attributable to par ity mode. H. turcicus and S. wyberba (oviparous) had numerous uterine shell glands; H. maculatus and H. duvaucelii (viviparous) had very few . The uterus also exhibited differences between the two oviparous spec ies (H. turcicus and S. wyberba) which may be related to the type of e ggshell produced. Variations were noted in the staining properties of the uterine glandular and epithelial cells. The structure of the infun dibulum, uterine tube, isthmus and vagina also differed among species, but differences could not be directly related to parity mode or eggsh ell structure. Instead, the differences may be related to how prepared the oviduct is for ovulation in individuals analysed from the differe nt species. This study confirms, in the Gekkonidae, aspects of oviduca l structure that have been associated with parity mode in other squama te taxa.