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

Autor(es)

Barros, Veronica A. ; Rojas, Claudio A. ; Almeida-Santos, Selma M.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL; v. 27, n. 1, p. 115-119, JAN 2017.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

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. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 12/15037-4 - Evolução das estratégias reprodutivas no gênero Bothrops (Serpentes, Viperidae)
• Beneficiário: Verônica Alberto Barros
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado