Search

The male reproductive cycle of Philodryas patagoniensis in south Brazil was described through morpho-anatomical and histological analysis of individuals deposited in zoological collections. Spermatogenesis occurred during late autumn-winter (June-September) and spermiogenesis occurred in spring-summer (October-March). The volume of the testes was smaller (quiescent) in winter, while the tubular diameter and the epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule were larger in summer (January-March). The ductus deferens presented spermatozoa all over the year and had no seasonal variation in diameter. The length of the kidney was larger in winter-spring (July-December), although the tubular diameter and epithelium height of the sexual segment of the kidney ( SSK) were larger only in winter (July-September). Total testicular regression was observed in late autumn (May), simultaneously with the peak in SSK. Therefore, at the individual level, males exhibit a discontinuous cyclical reproduction. Considering the population level, the reproductive cycle is seasonal semisynchronous, with most of the individuals showing a reproductive peak in spring-summer (October-March). Here, we present evidence to support the importance of the microscopic approach to reproductive cycle studies. Finally, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing P. patagoniensis reproductive patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]