Plasma estradiol and progesterone concentrations during the female reproductive cycle in a highly placentotrophic viviparous lizard, mabuya sp.

•The highest levels of estradiol in Mabuya occur during its preovulatory stage.•The comparatively low E2 levels in Mabuya are related to its short follicular phase.•High levels of P4 are maintained during pregnancy after luteolysis in Mabuya.•Levels of E2 and P4 in Mabuya females vary similarly to other viviparous amniotes.