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“Male” Snake Gives Birth To 14 Snakelets At Portsmouth College

A remarkable discovery was made at the City of Portsmouth College when a snake believed to be male gave birth to 14 snakelets.

Ronaldo’s Surprising Birth

The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), also called the red-tailed or the common boa on a branch in the middle of the forest. A large snake on a branch in the green of a bright forest. Image via depositphotos.

Ronaldo, a 13-year-old boa constrictor, shocked everyone by producing these snakelets without a mate.

The Caretaker’s Initial Assumption

Red-tailed boa, Boa constrictor imperator, attack. Image via depositphotos.

Pete Quinlan, an animal care technician at the college, had always thought Ronaldo was male until she gave birth.

No Contact with Males

wild boa constrictor
Brown and black python. Image via Unsplash

Quinlan confirmed that Ronaldo had not been in contact with a male snake for the nine years he has cared for her.

Virgin Birth Phenomenon

The common boa, Boa constrictor, isolated on black background. Image via depositphotos.

The process by which Ronaldo gave birth is called parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction.

Rare Occurrence in Snakes

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

Parthenogenesis in Brazilian rainbow boa constrictors, like Ronaldo, has only been documented three times before.

Quinlan’s Rescue Efforts

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

Quinlan rescued Ronaldo from the RSPCA nine years ago, unaware of her true gender.

New Beginnings at the College

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

When Quinlan began working at the college two years ago, he brought his collection of snakes, including Ronaldo, with him.

The Day of the Births

Emerald boa (Corallus caninus) is a non-venomous boa species that inhabits the tropical rainforests of South America. There is no currently recognized subspecies. Image via depositphotos.

On the day the snakelets were born, Quinlan was not present, adding to the surprise.

Alert from a Student

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

A student first noticed the baby snakes moving around inside one of the tanks and alerted a staff member.

Quinlan’s Reaction

Boa constrictors have neither fangs nor venom, but are very effective killers. Coiling around their prey, they literally squeeze the life out, before swallowing the body whole. To digest this meal fully can take up to six days. Image via depositphotos.

Quinlan raced to the scene and was astonished to find baby snakes everywhere.

Snakelets’ Appearance

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

The newborn snakelets displayed a variety of colors, including brown, grey, black, and white.

Occurrence in Invertebrates

The boa constrictor is a fish snake that can reach an adult size of 2 meters (Boa constrictor amarali) to 4 meters (Boa constrictor constrictor). In Brazil, where is the second largest snake. Image via depositphotos.

Virgin births are more common among invertebrates like insects, which can reproduce asexually.

Cloning Process

The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), also called the red-tailed or the common boa on a branch in the middle of the forest. A large snake on a branch in the green of a bright forest. Image via depositphotos.

These invertebrates typically clone themselves, creating genetically identical offspring.

Recent Stingray Example

Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor). Image via depositphotos.

In February, a stingray in the US also became pregnant without a mate, showing parthenogenesis in action.

Novelty Among Vertebrates

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

Virgin births are rare among vertebrates, making Ronaldo’s case particularly fascinating.

Educational Impact

Red-tailed boa, Boa constrictor imperator, attack. Image via depositphotos.

This unexpected event has provided a unique educational opportunity for the students and staff at the college.

Broader Implications

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

Ronaldo’s virgin birth may prompt further studies into parthenogenesis in snakes and other vertebrates.

Future Care for the Snakelets

Boa constrictor. Image via depositphotos.

Quinlan and the college will now have the responsibility of caring for these 14 new snakelets.

A Lesson in Nature’s Wonders

The boa constrictor is a fish snake that can reach an adult size of 2 meters (Boa constrictor amarali) to 4 meters (Boa constrictor constrictor). In Brazil, where is the second largest snake. Image via depositphotos.

This extraordinary event highlights the wonders of nature and the unexpected surprises it can bring. I hope you enjoyed reading about the snake gives birth to 14 snakelets. To read more stories like this, check out the article below:

Sue

Wednesday 10th of July 2024

where the $*%) is the picture(s) of the snakelets???