Seasonal variation in the testicular cycle of the loggerhead musk turtle, Sternotherus minor minor, from central Florida
Seasonal macroscopic and microscopic changes in the testicular cycle of Sternotherus minor from the southern limit of its range are described, and comparisons are made with the female reproductive cycle from the same population and other populations of Sternotherus from various latitudes. Male S. minor in central Florida reach sexual maturity at three years of age and at least 60 m carapace length. Spermatogenesis in S. minor begins in spring when spermatogonia increase and become abundant. Maximum testicular size is attained during August and September and then decreases until March when testicular mass is minimal. As in other chelonians, the male and female cycles do not peak at the same time. The timing of the testicular cycle of this population is similar to populations of Sternotherus odoratus from different latitudes (Virginia, Alabama) and from other populations of S. minor from Florida, yet differs from a population of S. odoratus from the same latitude. Because this population of S. minor inhabits water of seasonally variable temperature (whereas most S. minor are found in constant temperature situations), photoperiod, and not water temperature, may be the most important proximal determinant of the testicular cycle.