The 3 meter virgin anaconda, spawning two children without fertilization

The 3 meter long anaconda python spawns itself without male fertilization, an extremely rare case in this species.

Anna, an 8-year-old python at the New England aquarium in Boston, uses extremely rare reproduction and produces two young pythons. The 3-meter anaconda python, weighing 13.6 kg, was raised in a python-filled barn, so the aquarium workers were surprised to see Anna give birth in January. After eliminating all other possibilities, they doubt this is the result of virginity.

"This process is so different that we need to check to confirm what we are suspecting," said Tony LaCasse, a spokesman for the aquarium.

Anna laid two young pythons in January. (Photo: New England Aquarium)

Two other anaconda pythons in the same cage with Anna were tested to redefine the sex. Anna's biography is also carefully considered to ensure that it does not contact any male python or its cubs from the embryo. Finally, the aquarium sends samples of young python tissue to DNA analysis.

"After weeks, DNA analysis confirmed the suspicion of most aquarium workers. Anna underwent a virginal phenomenon. This result is not only interesting but also helps us successfully explain the mystery." LaCasse said.

Although some of the offspring produced by virgins can possess a different DNA, two of Anna's young live pythons have DNA that exactly matches their mother's. They are like genetic or human copies of pythons. Under the aquarium, virgins are more common in the insect world.

This process allows the individual to replicate itself without male fertilization. Virginity is extremely rare in vertebrate or invertebrate animals.

This is the second case of virginity confirmed in python green anaconda. Another case happened at the Zoo in 2014.

Although Anna lays many babies, some die from the womb. One of the three young offspring died several days after birth. The other two young pythons are now 0.6 meters long. They show different personalities, the thinner ones appear timid while the heavier ones seem to like to explore.

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