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Snake and Lizard Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 08:36, 25 July 2008
, 08:36, 25 July 2008→Copulation
== Copulation ==
== Copulation ==
* Male initates courtship by moving his body over the female and rubbing his tail against her.
* If female is receptive, she dilates her cloaca and raises her tail.
* Copulation lasts 2-20 hours.
* During copulation one hemipene is evaginated and inserted into the female cloaca.
* Hemipene has spines and ridges that enable it to remain in the cloaca for a long period of time.
* Hemipene is withdrawn at the end of copulation by contraction of the retractor muscle.
* During multiple mating, the male can use the left and right hemipene alternately.