Insights into Secondary Sexual Dimorphism in a Northeastern Brazilian population of Bogert's gecko, Phyllopezus lutzae

Author(s)

Alexandre, Cesar ; Sole, Mirco ; Paredero, Rafael Carlos Benetti ; Massim, Jayme ; Orrico, Victor G. Dill

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ZOOMORPHOLOGY; v. 144, n. 2, p. 15-pg., 2025-08-01.

Abstract

This study investigated secondary sexual dimorphism in Phyllopezus lutzae (Bogert's gecko), focusing on significant morphological differences between males and females. An integrative approach was applied, combining quantitative morphometric analyses with detailed qualitative anatomical assessments, particularly emphasizing often-overlooked traits. Quantitative analysis revealed a clear Sexual Size Dimorphism (SSD): males exhibited significantly larger snout-vent lengths (SVL), while females had proportionally greater neck width (NW), associated with endolymphatic sac development. Qualitative analyses identified three distinct sex-linked traits: (1) modified scales (MS) in the femoral and precloacal regions of males; (2) pronounced swelling of nuchal endolymphatic sacs (NES) in females; and (3) presence of post-cloacal hemipenial bulges (HB) in males. These features were consistently observed in both freshly collected and museum-preserved specimens. The integration of quantitative and qualitative datasets proved effective, particularly in diagnosing subtle sexual dimorphisms such as neck swelling, offering a practical toolkit for sex identification in this species. This study not only expands the knowledge of secondary sexual traits in P. lutzae, but also reinforces the importance of combining diverse methodologies to uncover complex patterns of sexual dimorphism in other geckos. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/12640-6 - Fieldwork assistance for specimen, venom, and gland collection, curation of the specimen collection, tissues, venoms, and glands (first phase).
• Grantee: César Alexandre
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training