Researchers give penises a lot of attention, historically speaking. This is especially true in snakes, as scientists know a good deal about the animals’ male reproductive organs, but relatively little about the females’ organs, especially the clitoris. This led some scientists to conclude that the structure has little to do with mating in snake species, and some doubted that it exists at all.
Now, a study published today (December 13) in Proceedings of the Royal Society B sets the record straight: the snake clitoris not only exists, it may also play important roles in reproduction. Researchers at the University of Adelaide have, for the first time, described the striking diversity of snake hemiclitores in nine snake species. In doing so, they’ve provided evidence that the structure is widespread among snakes and likely has a vital function. This study adds to the growing pile of evidence that the clitoris is likely ...
