Parthenogenetic reproduction in lizards: Histological evidence

Abstract

Hermaphroditism and sex reversal have not previously been ruled out adequately as possible explanations for the existence of unisexual species of reptiles. Therefore, we examined serial histological sections of the complete urogenital systems of nine F₂ specimens belonging to two ontogenetic series of Cnemidophorus exsanguis raised in captivity in isolation from males, as well as the urogenital system of the F₁ mother of one of these series. No evidence of spermatozoa or testicular tissue was found in any specimen. Comparative material reveals that the histology of the urogenital tract, including the mesonephric kidney in adults, is similar to that of females of bisexual species of Cnemidophorus. We conclude that C. exsanguis is a unisexual, parthenogenetic species whose normal reproduction does not involve sex reversal, self-fertilization, gynogenesis, hybridogenesis, or spermatozoa in any way whatsoever.