REPRODUCTION OF PACIFIC POND TURTLES (ACTINEMYS MARMORATA) IN COASTAL STREAMS OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

摘要: We studied the reproduction of Pacific Pond Turtles, Actinemys marmorata, in four coastal creeks central California. Ovigerous females had carapace lengths (CL) between 140 mm and 164 ( = 152 mm). Oviposition occurred from late April to mid-July. The number eggs 97 clutches varied three eight 5.7), 39 laid 0-2 1.3) clutches/yr. average size first clutch was larger than second, but one year did not affect next year. Mean annual egg production per female 7.2 eggs. pond turtles reported here have largest minimum at maturity (140 mm) any population date. breeding season is similar that lowland southern California about a month earlier higher elevations latitudes. Clutch correlated with CL local level, it overall range. may be under tighter genetic control frequency, latter mechanism by which adjust varying environmental conditions such as nutrient levels or temperature.