Mating plugs and male sperm storage in Bothrops cotiara (Serpentes, Viperidae)
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Data
2017-01-01
Autores
Barros, Veronica A. 
Rojas, Claudio A.
Almeida-Santos, Selma M.
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Coorientador
Pós-graduação
Curso de graduação
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Editor
British Herpetol Soc
Tipo
Artigo
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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
Idioma
Inglês
Como citar
Herpetological Journal. London: British Herpetol Soc, v. 27, n. 1, p. 115-119, 2017.
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Financiadores
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)