Biology ETDs

Publication Date

7-6-1973

Abstract

The reproductive cycles of the prairie rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis, and the glossy snake, Arizona elegans, in New Mexico were studied. In addition, experiments were conducted to determine the environmental cues that affect the reproductive cycle of the prairie rattlesnake and the effects of mammalian hormones FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) on female prairie rattlesnakes.

The reproductive cycles of male prairie rattlesnakes and glossy snakes conform to the general pattern described for temperate zone snakes. The testicular tubules contain a sertoli syncytium during the winter and in the spring spermatogenesis begins. By midsummer sperm are present within the tubules and continue to be produced at least in the early part of hibernation. Follicular growth in the prairie rattlesnake and the glossy snake differs primarily in the time of initiation. Female prairie rattlesnakes begin follicular enlargement in the late summer and fall, retain follicles within the ovary during hibernation without apparent growth and then resume follicle growth in the spring. Ovulation occurs in late June or early July and parturition occurs apparently in late August. In the glossy snake follicles do not enlarge in late summer or fall; instead, the follicles are retained at an intermediate resting size. In early spring follicles enlarge rapidly, with ovulation in late June and oviposition in mid-July.

Spermatogenesis of the prairie rattlesnake appears to be stimulated primarily by temperature. Photoperiod has no apparent effect. The experiments on the effects of photoperiod and temperature on follicular growth and ovulation in prairie rattlesnakes are inconclusive. Mammalian FSH stimulates enlargement of follicles while HCG had no discernible effect on the reproductive cycle of female prairie rattlesnakes.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

William George Degenhardt

Second Committee Member

Clarence Clayton Hoff

Third Committee Member

Gordon Verle Johnson

Fourth Committee Member

Albert Ratner

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