For the second time in two years, the female yellow-bellied watersnake at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center in Missouri has given birth. Prior to the event, the captive snake did not have contact with a male counterpart for at least eight years.
HOW DID THE WATERSNAKE GIVE BIRTH?
Kyle Morton, an intern, had noticed the snake’s membranes during a routine checkup. Initially, he thought someone had placed tomatoes inside the snake’s cages as a joke. The watersnake was acting normal at the time and did not eat the membranes for many weeks.
Researchers from the Missouri Department of Conservation believe that the snake is “the first in her species to reproduce” through “virgin birth.” The process, also referred to as parthenogenesis, is a type of asexual reproduction that occurs when offspring develop from unfertilized eggs. It is particularly common amongst arthropods, but can also be found in species of amphibians, birds, fish and reptiles.
Although the offspring did not survive this year, the two snakes that were born the year prior are in good health today. Researchers believe that the watersnake resorted to asexual reproduction largely because she did not have access to a male, despite being in her prime breeding age. Her body, consequently, “reacted for reproductive survival” according to The Market Business.
CAN A SNAKE REALLY HAVE VIRGIN BIRTHS?
It is unlikely that the watersnake had stored sperm from when she was in the wild, as successful long-term storage has only lasted for three years at the most; prior to giving birth, she had lived in captivity, isolated from male contact for at least eight years.
“Long-term storage is unusual,” said Robert Powell, a snake expert. If nothing else, the event is still an “interesting phenomena” whether or not it is the result of long-term storage or parthenogenesis. It’s “just another sign that nature works in mysterious ways.”
NATURE CERTAINLY DOES WORK IN WAYS WE WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND. PERHAPS THAT’S WHY WERE ARE SO FASCINATED BY IT:
Watersnake Reproduces Through Virgin Birth Twice
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