Biologia reprodutiva de Amphisbaena fuliginosa Linnaeus, 1759 (Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae) no Brasil Central

Abstract

The family Amphisbaenidae has a wide geographical distribution and great species diversity. They exhibit fossorial habits, which has resulted in a scarcity of studies on their physiology, behavior, and reproduction in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive biology of Amphisbaena fuliginosa, correlate it with seasonal aspects, and assess the presence of sexual dimorphism. To describe the reproductive aspects of Amphisbaena fuliginosa, 92 specimens were analyzed from four locations in the State of Goiás (Goiandira, Luziânia, São Domingos, and Minaçu). All specimens underwent macroscopic evaluations to determine sex, maturity, and gonad positioning. Measurements were taken for snout-vent and tail length, head length, width, and height for the evaluation of sexual dimorphism. Statistical tests were then conducted to verify differences, and precloacal pores were observed and counted. The analysis revealed a seasonal reproductive cycle in females (from May to September) and an aseasonal cycle in males. Female maturity was determined by the presence of follicles larger than 5 mm and a snout-vent length (SVL) greater than 340 mm, while males exhibited maturity with an SVL between 293- and 358-mm. Gonad positioning showed the right gonad to be superior to the left in both sexes, with varying sizes between sides. No sexual dimorphism was observed in any of the analyzed aspects between male and female A. fuliginosa. These results are novel and contribute to the scientific knowledge of the species, providing a basis for future ecological and conservation studies.