Multiple paternity in the Asp viper

Abstract

AbstractMany male reptiles maximize their reproductive success by mating with multiple females. This behaviour has often been observed in female reptiles as well, although one mating would usually be sufficient to fertilize the available female eggs. Using 13 microsatellite markers, multiple paternity (MP) was confirmed for the first time in the asp viper (Vipera aspis) in 47% of the tested clutches, with only up to two different fathers. Phenotypic characteristics (length, weight) of the mother did not influence the number of sires, and the number of young did not differ between litters with one or two sires. Males that sired offspring were larger than males that did not successfully reproduce. Excluding an exceptionally long‐distance movement (2464 m), the distance between fathers and mothers was limited (127 m ± 162). Although males exhibit notable combat behaviour during the breeding season, there was no sexual size dimorphism in the study population.