Description of life cycle and mating behavior |
Females are larger than males (Ref. 2359). Australia: It is a viviparous snake, which bears 1 to 5 large offspring, with an average of 3 offspring (Ref. 2357, 2355). Gestation period is around 9 months and only 50% of females seem to be gravid at the same time (biennial reproduction), suggesting that a full year is required for adipose tissue renewal (Ref. 2361). Reproduces throughout the year. One or even more males with frenzied appearance than usual start protruding and retracting their tongues very rapidly every time they meet. Become more frenzied when they encounter a receptive female, which also protrudes and retracts its tongue. Chosen male and receptive female coil and uncoil together. During mating, couple completely wraps and coils together while male hits the female's nape several times with its head (Ref. 2352).
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