Female reproductive characteristics of the Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis taurica) in the northwestern periphery of its range

Abstract

We present data on the female reproductive traits of the Balkan wall lizard in the Deliblato Sand, a large continental sandland in the Pannonian area in the northwestern periphery of the species range. The clutch and egg characteristics of the population were investigated on the basis of clutches laid in laboratory conditions by gravid females captured in one locality. Balkan wall lizards produced at least two clutches in a breeding season. Individual females laid clutches of commonly two (range 1-4) eggs. The female body size had no effect on clutch and egg size. There was no trade-off between egg size and clutch size.