Posted by:
celticvamp
at Mon May 11 22:45:45 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by celticvamp ]
I actually expected to see more replies to this topic than what I have. First I'll address the retention of sperm within the female. I have read that sperm can be retained within a female reptile for up to seven years. I honestly can't say how true it is although everyone I've spoken to about it that is of some authority has told me they are certain it's years anyhow.
Parthenogenesis???? That can become quite a contravercial subject. Many, many who claim their animal has had a virgin birth make this claim after they have had the animal without a mate for a few years.... Thus brings up your other question "sperm retention". Most people aren't aware of how long the sperm can be retained. Parthenogenesis can be proven by way of a DNA test. The offspring will all be replicas of the mothers DNA, and all males or females (I don't remember which). Testing is quite expensive so many retained sperm births are just Parthenogenesis claims. Parthenogenesis in snakes is so rare it's practically impossible to truly study from beginning to birth by the time it's over only study that can take place is the DNA testing. There are claims as to how it happens but I truly don't believe anyone really knows for sure. I actually have a theory that since a snake normally reaches maturity at aproximately two years and sperm can be retained for at least two years it's not completely impossible the snake was born/hatched with sperm retained from their own Sire. The DNA match could be explained by this beings the newborn is match of the mother and fathers DNA combined
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RE: Parthenogenesis in snakes? - celticvamp, Mon May 11 22:45:45 2009