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Preliminary note on the copulatory plugs found in Elaphe quatuorlineata (Bonnaterre, 1790) (Reptilia Serpentes)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: During a study on the reproduction of Elaphe quatuorlineata (Bonnaterre, 1790) (Reptilia Serpentes) bifid clear formations were occasionally observed being expelled by gravid females along with false feces (without the figurative component). These occurrences were typically noted approximately two weeks prior to ovodeposition, often in conjunction with the pre-ovodeposition molt. Through comparative bibliographic research, these structures were identified as copulatory spines or plugs produced by males during copulation. Their expulsion, occurring about two weeks prior to ovodeposition, was likely caused by the pressure exerted by the eggs along the oviducts.

Source: BIODIVERSITY JOURNAL

DOI: 10.31396/biodiv.jour.2025.16.1.131.136

Authors: Augusto Cattaneo, Claudia Eleni, Antonio Pizzuti Piccoli

Institution: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana

Language: English

Topic: Amphibian and Reptile Biology

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $161

OpenAlex ID: W4409058200

FWCI:

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