Sperm Storage

[MAN OF STEEL]

does anybody know if female jcp's store sperm?
any info or references will help me out. thank you all!

[Jeff_Favelle]

They must. I've never caught any of mine breeding on the day of ovulation (fertilization) so they must store the sperm for a certain period of time.

[gonesnakee]

I can't say for sure for JCP's but can definitely vouch for many Colubrids. I have had multiple Corns & CKs doubleclutch fertile eggs despite only having been bred prior to the first clutch they laid 2-3 months prior. I had my Vietnamese Blue Beauty suprise me this year also laying a second clutch of 14 eggs (only 1/2 fertile) after having not been with her mate for like 4 months, prior the first clutch being laid. I recall a story of a Long Term Captive rattlesnake that had been so for like 7 years having a single baby without having seen a mate since prior capture. I beleive that sperm retention is a very real thing for many species (not just snakes), but the question is for how long can they do it etc. I also had a friend this year that had a clutch of Corns turn out as he described "genetically impossible" without sperm retention from the previous years breeding. Can't remember all the specifics but there was no way the offspring produced were a result of the male used for breeding the female this season, but would make total sense if she had retained sperm from the previous seasons breedings. Anyhow they can retain it for sure, but for how long or which species for sure etc. I don't know, but I do know it happens all the time, around here anyway LOL Mark

[MAN OF STEEL]

hey, thanks guys. i just found the answer in my reproductive husbandry book, its no. thanks for your input.

[Stockwell]

Well that was a bit of a slap in the face... I don't know who's book you're reading but I agree with the other posters. "No" is a pretty quick answer to a complicated question.
Snakes definitely retain sperm, as copulations generally take place prior to the release of ova... This applies to a great many species, not just herps
Even humans retain sperm if you think about it.
The question is the length of time it remains viable, and I'm sure that varies with species and temperature and probably other factors like chemistry in the reproductive tract. I think several months are highly probable for some herps but anything much over a year, quite rare

[gonesnakee]

But Unca Roy "Book Says" LOL I don't read much, but I keep a lot of snakes. As stated I know its a fact, not nessicarily for long periods of time, but definitely for short periods during the breeding season & in cases into the next. Mark
P.S. The whole "Book Says" thing is from a King of the Hill episode where the cops keep having to check the book during a Dale Gribble "sniper" episode. "Book says shoot him in the head" LOL

[JDouglas]

The answer is definitely yes. My Irian Jaya Carpet Python male was in a different room this year when the female ovulated. I have this book but don't remember reading that. What page is it on?

[Katt]

I was reading a great thread on parthenogenisis in snakes. There's a lot we don't know about their reproduction, let's not take it for granted.

How old is that book??

[Vanan]

Here's an anecdote. Had a house snake female 2nd clutch by herself with no reintroduction of the male. First clutch 14 eggs, no slugs. 2nd clutch, 12 eggs, no slugs.