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| == Copulation == | | == Copulation == |
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| + | * 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| + | * Hemipene is withdrawn at the end of copulation by contraction of the retractor muscle.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. |