Studies on the embryology of microchiroptera Part II. Reproduction in the male vespertilionid bat Scotophilus wroughtoni (Thomas)

Abstract

1. Twenty-nine male specimens of the bat Scotophilus wroughtoni were collected during the different months of the year. Collection were made during two successive years from May 1945 to April 1947. 2. The weight of the testis of these bats increases from the month of December and reaches a maximum weight during February. There is an increase nearly four times in the testis-weight from September to February. 3. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules also increases corresponding to the increase in the testis-weight and progressively vigorous spermatogenetic activity is seen in the germ cells. The diameter of the tubules of the epididymis also increases during' these months. The occurrence of sperms in the tubules of the testis and the epididymis indicates that the breeding season is confined to these months. 4. The males, like the females, probably attain their sexual maturity in their first season,i.e., before they are one year old.