Claudia Eleni

• Biodiversity Journal, 16 (1): 131-136

  Augusto Cattaneo, Claudia Eleni & Antonio Pizzuti Piccoli
  Preliminary note on the copulatory plugs found in Elaphe quatuorlineata (Bonnaterre, 1790) (Reptilia Serpentes)
  https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.1.131.136

  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.

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