Sex determination in southern alligator lizards (Elgaria multicarinata; Anguidae)
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Published source details
Telemeco R.S. (2015) Sex determination in southern alligator lizards (Elgaria multicarinata; Anguidae). Herpetologica, 71, 8-11.
Published source details Telemeco R.S. (2015) Sex determination in southern alligator lizards (Elgaria multicarinata; Anguidae). Herpetologica, 71, 8-11.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Alter incubation temperatures to achieve optimal/desired sex ratio: Snakes & lizards Action Link |
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Alter incubation temperatures to achieve optimal/desired sex ratio: Snakes & lizards
A replicated, randomized study in 2010–2011 in laboratory conditions in Iowa, USA (Telemeco 2015) found that the sex ratio of southern alligator lizard Elgaria multicarinata hatchings was not affected by incubation temperature and that hatching success was highest at intermediate temperatures. Sex ratio was not affected by incubation temperature, and overall, 15 of 21 (71%) hatchlings were male. In addition, hatching success was higher at intermediate temperatures (19 of 24, 79% at 26°C; 21 of 24, 88% at 28°C) than at the coolest (2 of 6, 33% at 24°C) or highest temperatures tested (11 of 25, 44% at 30°C; 0 of 6, 0% at 32°C), though this result was not tested statistically. Eggs were incubated in individual glass jars (140 ml), half buried in moist vermiculite (water potential of -150 kPa), and jars were covered with clear plastic wrap. Eggs were split between five temperature treatments: 24°C (6 eggs); 26°C (24 eggs); 28°C (24 eggs); 30°C (25 eggs); and 32°C (6 eggs). Sex was determined by assessing gonadal morphology (at six months) or histology (at 30 days).
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
