Reproduction and Sexual dimorphism of the endemic andean Gecko Homonota andicola (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from Central Western Argentina

FERNANDEZ RUBEN; BLANCO GRACIELA; ACOSTA JUAN CARLOS; CORRALES LUCAS; VALDEZ FRANCO; ACOSTA RODRIGO

Herpetological Conservation and Biology

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Año: 2021

1931-7603

Studies of reproductive biology are essential to understanding the life history of species and contributeto determining their conservation status and future protection. The Andean Gecko (Homonota andicola) is a smalllizard endemic to central western Argentina and occurs in Monte, Puna, and High Andes environments. Ourobjective was to determine the reproductive cycle of a population of H. andicola in the Calingasta Department ofSan Juan, Argentina, to establish its reproductive potential, and determine if the sexes are sexually dimorphic,and, if so, its relationship with reproduction. Homonota andicola started its reproductive activity in early spring.A single egg was produced, and we found that at least two clutches were produced per reproductive cycle. Thegonadal cycle varied with the seasons. For males, testicular development exhibited no variation, demonstratinga continuous reproductive state throughout the activity season. We found that sexes were sexually dimorphic inhead length and head width, with these variables being more pronounced in males. We attribute this dimorphismto sexual selection favoring males with larger heads. This study is the frst contribution to the biology of the speciesand its conclusions should serve as a starting point for future research in both an ecological context and in termsof biodiversity conservation.