Induction of Female Behavior in Male Anolis carolinensis with Testosterone Propionate.

SummaryTestosterone propionate, introduced in pellet form into intact, castrated or partially hypophysectomized immature male Anolis carolinensis, elicits both male and female sexual behavior, the latter including submission to copulation and display of a distinctive neck reflex. Testosterone-treated males fight more actively than controls, and the assumption of male or female behavior is apparently related to position as dominant or subordinate in fights among the group. Testosterone affects the reflexes involved in the copulation posture so that they are maintained in exaggerated form after the escape of the partner.