How to translate text using browser tools
9 June 2021 First Data of Reproductive Biology of Metlapilcoatlus indomitus (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Captivity
Luis Gualberto Zúniga López, Manuel Alejandro Paz
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The Jumping Viper genus Metlapilcoatlus is composed of five species distributed throughout the Mesoamerican region, with M. indomitus being endemic to Honduras. While there have been numerous publications about its distribution, basic data concerning the species natural history (reproduction, diet, and behavior) remain poorly known. Here we expand on the knowledge of M. indomitus through an ex-situ study of two captive individuals inside a herpetarium. Over the course of three years from October 11, 2017, we monitored reproductive patterns of courtship, copulation, and reproductive potential. We register two events of courtship and copulation, and three deliveries with a total of 61 neonates (26, 14, and 21 respectively). We found significant differences in the total length of the neonates between broods (p = 3.557e-12). Our data mark a strong correlation and linear trade-off between the number of offspring per delivery and their length, with neonates of broods containing fewer offspring being of greater length, whereas those neonates from larger broods were shorter in average.

© Copyright 2021 by the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
Luis Gualberto Zúniga López and Manuel Alejandro Paz "First Data of Reproductive Biology of Metlapilcoatlus indomitus (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Captivity," Caribbean Journal of Science 51(1), 92-100, (9 June 2021). https://doi.org/10.18475/cjos.v51i1.a11
Published: 9 June 2021
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top