Literaturdatenbank
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Etchberger, C. R., & Ehrhart, L. M. (1987). The reproductive biology of the female loggerhead musk turtle, sternotherus minor minor, from the southern part of its range in central florida. Herpetologica, 43(1), 66–73.
Added by: Admin (23 Aug 2008 19:58:23 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Etchberger1987 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Fortpflanzung = reproduction, Habitat = habitat, Kinosternidae, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Sternotherus, Sternotherus minor Creators: Ehrhart, Etchberger Collection: Herpetologica |
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| Abstract |
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Previous reports of loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) reproduction have not attempted to control for variation in latitude, local population differences, and annual variation. This study attempts to control for these variables by analyzing turtles for one population (at the southern edge of its range) for one reproductive season. Female musk turtles mature after 6 yr and at approximately 60 min plastron length. Vitellogenesis begins in mid-September and the first clutch is laid in late October. Oviposition continues until mid-June when follicular regression begins. A brief but distinct ovarian quiescent period is evident in August. Mean clutch size is 3.0 (range = 1-5; mode = 3). Four clutches per year are common and some females probably produce five. Similarities with previously studied populations of S. minor include timing of the reproductive cycle, mean female size, and size and age at maturity. Mean clutch size in S. minor in Central Florida is significantly larger than elsewhere. This difference is explained by more females producing three eggs. Annual reproductive potential is enhnaced in the Central Florida population, presumably due to greater resource availability.
Added by: Admin |