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Seasonal Sexual Cycle Of Nerodia Taxispilota (Serpentes: Colubridae) At The Northeastern Edge Of Its Range, David Roland White

Master's Theses

The seasonality of the sexual cycle of Nerodia taxispilota at the northeastern edge of its range was elucidated from specimens collected over a two-year period (1978-1979) from the Appomattox River near Hopewell, Virginia. The investigation centered on morphological changes in the testis of males and vitellogenesis and embryo development in females. Related reproductive parameters also studied were body size differences, seasonal sex ratios, comparative tail lengths, and tail mutilation.

Male and female cycles closely resembled those of other temperate zone colubrids. Spermatogenesis began in May and testis size peaked in late August. Testis length showed a time lag when compared …