The Red-Sided Garter Snake
The red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) are small, nonvenomous snakes from the common garter snake taxon, and are widely distributed throughout north America1. For many animals, reproduction entails substantial behavioural or physiological changes which are directly associated with mating and reproduction. The red-sided garter snake has intrigued scientists and tourists for years and especially in Manitoba, Canada. Once a year in late April, red-sided garter snakes form a large “mating ball” after they have emerged from hibernation. The environmental cues of warmer temperatures after a long period of winter dormancy start the physiological changes associated with cassation of hibernation. They have developed a disassociated
reproductive pattern, as the males will court the females after den emergence, when the gonads have not developed and are not producing gametes or sex steroid hormones2. At this stage in reproduction in males, the gonads are primarily composed of spermatocytes3. The pineal gland in red-sided garter snakes is directly correlated with reproduction. This is because the pineal gland transduces information about the photoperiod and seasonal information into a neuroendocrine reproductive response
reproductive pattern, as the males will court the females after den emergence, when the gonads have not developed and are not producing gametes or sex steroid hormones2. At this stage in reproduction in males, the gonads are primarily composed of spermatocytes3. The pineal gland in red-sided garter snakes is directly correlated with reproduction. This is because the pineal gland transduces information about the photoperiod and seasonal information into a neuroendocrine reproductive response