Small Clutch Size in a Mediterranean Endemic Lacertid (Podarcis milensis)
The reproductive strategy of Podarcis milensis exhibits some peculiarities when compared with other congeners. Males and females attain sexual maturity at a minimum body size of 47 and 42 mm SVL, respectively, both at an age of about one year. Podarcis milensis has a very small clutch size, with a mean of 1.73 and a range of 1–3 eggs, and produces multiple clutches annually. Both sexes exhibit a prolonged reproductive period extending from January to August.Abstract
Annual variation of testis volume: SVL ratio in adult males of Podarcis milensis. Sample size is indicated above each month
Seasonal variation in the percentage of sexually mature females in Podarcis milensis (n = 218). Females with (A) oviductal eggs, (B) oviductal and large vitellogenic follicles (> 3 mm), (C) large vitellogenic follicles (> 3 mm), (D) without reproductive activity