Mating plugs and male sperm storage in Bothrops cotiara (Serpentes, Viperidae)

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Data

2017-01-01

Autores

Barros, Veronica A. [UNESP]
Rojas, Claudio A.
Almeida-Santos, Selma M. [UNESP]

Título da Revista

ISSN da Revista

Título de Volume

Editor

British Herpetol Soc

Resumo

We describe two new aspects of male reproduction in the pit viper Bothrops cotiara: the formation of mating plugs and epididymal sperm storage. Based on histological analyses of specimens (four males and three females), we propose that long-term sperm storage occurs in the ductus deferens, whereas macroscopic hypertrophy indicates that the epididymis may be a short-term sperm storage site. Secretions of the sexual segment of the kidneys probably form the mating plug that males deposit in the female vagina during copulation. A mating plug without sperm was observed in the spring. Future studies should address the functions and longevity of mating plugs and the role of the epididymis in Bothrops reproduction.

Descrição

Palavras-chave

ductus deferens, ductus epididymis, neotropical region, reproduction, snakes, SSK

Como citar

Herpetological Journal. London: British Herpetol Soc, v. 27, n. 1, p. 115-119, 2017.