King cobra can store sperm for several years

For the second time in two years, a female yellow-bellied water snake in Missouri reproduced on her own, a rare occurence called parthenogenesis. For the second time in two years, a captive snake in south-east Missouri has given birth without any interaction with a member of the opposite sex. The snake has been living in captivity, without a male companion, for nearly eight years. An intern who cares for the snake found the freshly laid membranes in July. Conservation Department herpetologist Jeff Briggler said virgin births are rare but can occur in some species through a process called parthenogenesis. It occurs in some insects, fish, amphibians, birds and reptiles, including some snakes, but not mammals.

FAMILY planning campaigners looking for a mascot should consider the eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake. A female of the species can store sperm in her body for at least five years before using it. The rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus in question was collected in Florida in and kept in a private collection for five years, with no contact with other snakes. In late , she unexpectedly gave birth to 19 snakelets. Previous studies have hinted that reptiles can store sperm for several years, but this is the first case confirmed by genetics.

Cobras are a species of snake included in the Elapidae family, and like other venomous snakes in this family, are also known as Elapids. A cobra has a hood around its head that it "spreads" while hissing and rising into a threatening posture. It has only two natural predators: mongoose and humans.

LOL felt so dirty watching this. Checked over behind me four times, even knowing there is a brick wall behind me. Great video!