Facultative parthenogenesis discovered for the first time in Jamaican boa (Chilabothrus subflavus) using novel microsatellite markers

The mode of reproduction most often seen in snakes is sexual, but studies have noted facultative parthenogenesis in at least six families. Here, we provide evidence for the first observed case of facultative parthenogenesis in a captive Jamaican boa (Chilabothrus subflavus). A 7‐year‐old female Jamaican boa, isolated since birth, was found to have produced a litter of 15 offspring. To provide molecular DNA evidence of parthenogenesis, 13 new microsatellite loci were isolated in the species. All offspring were found to be homozygous at each locus and only possess alleles found in the dam, implicating that they were born from asexual reproduction. Several developmental abnormalities, including stillbirths and spinal deformities, were noted in the litter which may be explained by their increased level of homozygosity. To preserve genetic diversity in the captive population, research should be conducted to understand the prevalence of this mode of reproduction and to guide future management decisions of this IUCN listed Vulnerable species. A female Jamaican boa that was kept in isolation since birth, produced offspring that were found to be homozygous at each microsatellite loci and to only possess alleles found in the mother, providing evidence of parthenogenesis. Research Highlights An isolated female Jamaican boa was found to have given birth to 15 offspring. Each offspring was homozygous across 13 molecular markers, with only alleles present in the mother, indicating that they were produced from parthenogenesis.