Artigo
Mating plugs and male sperm storage in Bothrops cotiara (Serpentes, Viperidae)
Fecha
2017Registro en:
Herpetological Journal. London, v. 27, n. 1, p. 115-119, 2017.
0268-0130
WOS000397341600013.pdf
WOS:000397341600013
Autor
Barros, Veronica A.
Rojas, Claudio Augusto [UNIFESP]
Almeida-Santos, Selma M.
Institución
Resumen
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.