Reproduction and sexual dimorphism in a population of Homonota fasciata (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from Mount of San Juan, Argentina

The aim of this study was to know and describe the reproductive cycle and sexual dimorphism of Homonota fasciata form the Mount of San Juan. To analyze reproduction, females were measured in the length and breadth of yemados follicles and/or eggs in the oviduct, in males testes length and width were measured, in order to estimate their volumes. Sexual dimorphism was examined measuring 10 morphometric variables in 49 individuals (26 females and 23 males). Homonota fasciata started their reproductive activity in spring for 2 years recorded. The smallest size was 1 egg. Females, showed at least a triple posture and the gonadal cycle varied with seasons. In males, testicular development did not exhibit variations, showing a continuous reproductive condition through the activity season. We found sexual dimorphism in 2 variables: radio-ulna length, being higher in females than in males, and tibiafibula length, being this variable major in males and attributing dimorphism found to the marked the territoriality of the species. This study is a valuable contribution to the knowledge of this species in a context of ecology and conservation.