Embryonic development of the scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) bred in captivity.

Background: The developmental biology of Kinosternon scorpioides is described, based on the phenotype. This species is important for the flora because they are excellent seed disseminators. In addition, basic embryological information is not yet fully clarified, and this research provides unprecedented information on the chelonian embryology of the Amazonian fauna. Aim: The present study aims to identify the embryology of K. scorpioides in captivity during different periods. Methods: Females were monitored throughout the reproductive cycle, by video monitoring, to identify nests and the presence of newly laid eggs. At regular weekly intervals, embryo samples were collected fixed in a 4% paraformol solution and preserved in 70% alcohol. For the embryonic characterization, we used a stereomicroscope and the scanning electron microscopy method. Results: We describe 15 embryonic stages for a 15-week (105-day) incubation process. Only at 42 days (6th week) was the morphological characterization of a chelonian observed and at the 12th week (Stage XII), the phenotypic characterization of the species K. scorpioides. Conclusion: In view of the evidence, we found that these phases are similar to the other turtles, with structural variations in the appearance and disappearance of structures due to the specific characteristics of the species.

Seasonal morphological variation of the vas deferens of scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) / Variação morfológica sazonal dos ductos deferentes de tartaruga jurará (Kinosternon scorpioides)

This study aimed to characterize the morphology of the vas deferens of Kinosteron scorpioides by macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Were used 20 adult male jurarás collected at regular intervals during the year and divided into four experimental groups in the rainy and dry seasons, being processed for light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Morphometry for tubular and luminal diameters and epithelial height were also performed. On rainy season, vas deferens presented pseudostratified epithelium with cylindrical cells, spermatozoids and milky fluid in the lumen, with cytoplasmic organelles and lipid vesicles. On dry season, epithelium was pseudostratified with cuboid cells, with cellular debris and no spermatozoids. There was significant variation (p<0,05) for morphometry of vas deferens, with lower values of tubular and luminal diameters on rainy season, and higher epithelial height on dry season.

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a morfologia dos ductos deferentes de Kinosteron scorpioides por meio de análise macroscópica e microscópica. Foram utilizados 20 machos adultos, coletados em intervalos regulares durante o ano, os quais foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais nas estações chuvosa e seca. Os ductos deferentes foram processados para análise por microscopia de luz, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Morfometria para diâmetros tubular e luminal e altura epitelial também foram realizadas. Na época das chuvas, o ducto deferente apresentou epitélio pseudoestratificado com células cilíndricas, espermatozoides e líquido leitoso no lúmen, além de com organelas citoplasmáticas e vesículas lipídicas. Na estação seca, o epitélio do ducto deferente foi do tipo pseudoestratificado com células cuboides e debris celulares, sendo que nenhum espermatozoide foi encontrado nesta estação. Houve variação significativa (p <0,05) para a morfometria dos ductos deferentes, com menores valores de diâmetros tubular e luminal na estação chuvosa, e maior altura do epitélio na estação seca.