Hormonal alterations and reproductive inhibition in male fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) infected with the malarial parasite Plasmodium mexicanum

When naturally infected with the malarial parasite Plasmodium mexicanum, Western fence lizards, Sceloporus occidentalis, exhibit numerous reproductive pathologies. Infected males display fewer courtship and territorial behaviors, have altered sexually dimorphic coloration, and have smaller testes. Infected animals store less fat by late summer, which, for females, reduces clutch size in the spring We describe hormonal […]