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View Full Version : Sperm Retention and infertile clutches


Alicewave
06-09-03, 07:47 AM
It it common for female leos to NOT retain sperm? The reason I ask is that we separated Aurora from the male a while ago and the first clutch she laid since then (two weeks ago) is looking like it's not going to be fertile. I was hoping for a couple more leos this season but it looks like I might be disappointed. Oh well, less geckos to find homes for I guess.

My other question regarding this infertile clutch is that when she first laid it, both eggs appeared to have a single dark red vein. But now the vein looks to have disappeared in both (and both eggs are still glowing yellow). I wonder if all eggs start with a vein and then if there is not an embryo to attach to it, it goes away. Anyone have eperience with this that can help me?
Thanks :)

Samba
06-09-03, 02:42 PM
Hmm, I don't have personal experience with this, but it's possible that Aurora doesn't WANT to retain his sperm? I've heard of reptiles, and even mammals (such as whales) retaining sperm from several different potential fathers, then somehow choosing who they want (and when) to sire their offspring.

I had a female that once laid infertile eggs almost non-stop (even though she wasn't bred), and I'd swear sometimes they'd appear to have a vein. It's hard to tell though... there are still so many things we have yet to learn about these amazing reptiles!