OVIDUCTAL SPERM STORAGE AS A REPRODUCTIVE TACTIC OF TURTLES

The oviducts of two species of freshwater turtles were examined throug hout the year to determine the distribution of sperm within the oviduc t, the locations of stored sperm, and the onset of mating. Sperm were stored in undifferentiated tubules and ducts of submucosal glands at t he periphery of large glandular segments of the albumen and uterine re gions of the oviduct. Sperm transfer to females commenced in October i n Sternotherus odoratus and in January in Trachemys scripta. The role of sperm storage in the annual reproductive cycle of freshwater turtle s is evaluated in light of the onset of sperm transfer to females and the timing of ovulation and oviposition. Stored sperm are most likely to be utilized in the fertilization of eggs ovulated in the second and subsequent egg clutches. J. Exp. Zool. 282:526-534, 1998. (C) 1998 Wi ley-Liss, Inc.