Document Type
Article
Abstract
We used microsatellite DNA markers to identify the extent to which multiple paternity within litters occurs among species of New World natricine snakes. We selected seven species to represent the three major clades of Natricinae and all three subclades of the gartersnake clade. Microsatellite DNA genotyping of dams and litters confirmed multiple paternity within litters of six species, including Thamnophis radix, T. sauritus, Storeria dekayi, S. occipitomaculata, Nerodia rhombifer, and Regina septemvittata. Multiple paternity was not evident in one litter of nine Thamnophis melanogaster. Together with published data documenting multiple paternity in T. bulteri, T. elegans, T. sirtalis, and N. sipedon, these results confirm the phylogenetically widespread occurrence of multiple paternity among New World natricines, emphasizing the need to consider phylogenetic (historical) explanations when analyzing snake mating systems.
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Recommended Citation
Wusterbarth, T.L., R.B. King, M.R. Duvall, W.S. Grayburn, and G.M. Burghardt. 2010. Phylogenetically widespread multiple paternity in New World natricine snakes. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 5:86-93.
Original Citation
Wusterbarth, T.L., R.B. King, M.R. Duvall, W.S. Grayburn, and G.M. Burghardt. 2010. Phylogenetically widespread multiple paternity in New World natricine snakes. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 5:86-93.
Department
Department of Biological Sciences
Legacy Department
Department of Biological Sciences
ISSN
1931-7603
Language
eng
Publisher
Herpetological Conservation and Biology
