Hermafroditismo em jabuti piranga (Geochelone carbonaria) / Hermaphroditism in jabuti piranga (Geochelone carbonaria)

ABSTRACT

Hermaphroditism is a term used to describe animals that have genitals of both genders. This anomaly has been described in reptiles such as lizards and snakes. The jabuti species Geochelone carbonaria hull has a high and very concave bone which is covered by corneal plates with yellow spots at the center, and collect the neck caudally into the hull. Although sexual dimorphism is externally quite clear, the females have straight plastron, while the male presents a clear concave plastron that serves to facilitate the mounting and a well developed penis having the size of the animal body. However, hermaphroditism in this species can only be confirmed with additional exams.