Male and Female Reproductive Cycles of the Viviparous Lizard, Mabuya capensis (Sauria: Scincidae) from South Africa

Seasonal variation in the male and female reproductive cycle of the viviparous scincid Mabuya capensis is described. Females exhibited a winter to summer vitellogenic period with ovulation occurring during mid-spring to mid-summer. The onset of vitellogenesis coincided with increasing en- vironmental temperatures and photoperiod. Gravid females were collected from October to February, with parturition occurring during December through February. Females produced 8-20 embryos and clutch size was positively correlated with female body size. Males exhibited a basic prenuptial spermatogenic cycle with spermatogenesis commencing during late summer to autumn. Males became reproductively active during a period of decreasing ambient temperature, photoperiod, and rainfall. Peak spermiogenesis oc- curred during late winter to early summer at which time testis volumes were maximal. Testicular regression followed during summer, with testis volumes at minimum values.