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Sexual dimorphism in the Neotropical lizard, Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae)

In: Amphibia-Reptilia
Authors:
Adriana C.S. Pinto
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Helga C. Wiederhecker
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Guarino R. Colli
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Online Publication Date:
01 Jan 2005
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Abstract

We describe the sexual dimorphism in coloration, body shape, and body size in Tropidurus torquatus, a widely distributed lizard species in central Brazil. Adult males have colored patches varying from yellow to yellow-and-black, and black on the abdomen, ventral aspect of the thighs, and pre-cloacal flap. Adult females lack ventral colored patches. During ontogeny, there is a gradual darkening of the patches, but no modification either in patch size or color is associated with the reproductive cycle. Adult males have wider heads and thinner bodies than females of the same body size. Males and females grow at the same rate prior to sexual maturity, but males take longer to reach sexual maturity, maturing at a larger body size than females.

Title:
Sexual dimorphism in the Neotropical lizard, Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae)
Article Type:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/1568538054253384
Language:
English
Pages:
127–137
In:
Amphibia-Reptilia
In:
Volume 26: Issue 2
Publisher:
Brill
E-ISSN:
1568-5381
Print ISSN:
0173-5373
Subjects:
Biology & Environmental Sciences, Biology

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