Researchers finally find the clitoris in snakes
A team of researchers led by the University of Adelaide have recently published the first anatomical description of the clitoris of a death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) and nine other Australian snake species.
Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
In a statement to the University of Adelaide, PhD Candidate Megan Folwell from the School of Biological Sciences said: “Across the animal kingdom female genitalia are overlooked in comparison to their male counterparts. Our study counters the long-standing assumption that the clitoris (hemiclitores) is either absent or non-functional in snakes.”
Although there are many different variations of hemipenes (penises) described of snakes until now there has been no description of a clitoris. Megan examined several species of snakes and their genitalia to draw comparisons between male and female specimens. The examination process required dissection, micro-CT and histology. Megan writes: “The hemiclitores in Australian death adders showed erectile tissue and strands/bundles of nerves, but no spines (as is found in male hemipenes). These histological features suggest the snake hemiclitores have functional significance in mating and definitively show that the hemiclitores are not underdeveloped hemipenes or scent glands, which have been erroneously indicated in other studies.”
Associate Professor Kate Sanders, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, said: “We found the heart-shaped snake hemiclitores is composed of nerves and red blood cells consistent with erectile tissue - which suggests it may swell and become stimulated during mating. This is important because snake mating is often thought to involve coercion of the female – not seduction.”
This study may open more doors to develop our understanding of sexual reproduction in reptiles whilst highlighting areas that are understudied due to historical bias and taboo.
The other snakes assessed included: Acanthophis antarcticus, Pseudechis colleti, Pseudechis weigeli, Pseudonaja ingrami, the Agkistrodon bilineatus, Bitis arietans, Helicops polylepis, Lampropeltis abnorma and Morelia spilota.
The study was published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B Journal and can be read here.