Reproductive biology of the male leaf-nosed bat, Macrotus waterhousii in Southwestern United States

Abstract

The reproductive biology of the bat Macrotus waterhousii was investigated anatomically and physiologically several times monthly throughout the year. The male spermatogenic cycle is initiated in June; sperm are available in August. Testicular hypertrophy is accompanied by increased levels of testicular ascorbic acid and circulating plasma testosterone. Sperm are present in the seminiferous tubules and later the epididymides from August to early December. Regression in testicular size begins in late September and testes are involuted by early December. Levels of testicular ascorbic acid and plasma testosterone decline at this time, although detectable amounts of both are present year-round. Mature sperm are absent from the male tract after late November or early December. The accessory sex gland complex and Cowper's glands undergo an annual cycle in synchrony with the testicular cycle. The accessory complex contains fructose, the concentration of which varies seasonally in direct proportion to glandular hypertrophy. Only trace levels of fructose are elaborated by Cowper's glands undergo an annual cycle in synchrony with the testicular cycle. The accessory complex contains fructose, the concentration of which varies seasonally in direct proportion to glandular hypertrophy. Only trace levels of fructose are elaborated by Cowper's glands. In contrast to vespertilionid bats, where the accessory glands remain enlarged and active when testes involute, those in Macrotus regress. The penis differs structurally from that of other temperate North American bats, primarily by lacking a bony baculum and specialized erectile accessory corpus cavernosus bodies. Males are not reproductively active in their first autumn.