Observations on parturition in two Liolaemus species of the archeforus group (Iguania: Squamata: Liolaemidae)

Abstract

The viviparous reproductive mode is very common among iguanian lizards of the genus Liolaemus, where viviparity occurs in almost half of all species. However, detailed observations about parturition are only available for a few species. The aim of this work is to provide detailed observations of the parturition of three females of Liolaemus scolaroi and one female of L. zullyae under captivity conditions, and then to compare our observations with the information available for other species of the genus. The viviparous reproductive mode is confirmed for L. scolaroi and L. zullyae, with births in the end of March and early April, respectively. The litter size recorded for L. scolaroi was three neonates and for L. zullyae was two neonates. When our results were compared with studies reported in other species of the genus under captivity conditions, differences were found in the litter size and date of birth.