Novel mating behaviours in male tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) expand our understanding of reptile courtship

Abstract

Observations of reptile courting and mating behaviour are relatively scant in the literature. Here, using the largest sample of observed courting attempts and matings in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) ever published, we describe novel behaviours in this rare species: mirrored head bobbing between courting pairs, purring vocalizations by displaying males, and several potential instances of anejaculation in otherwise normal matings. These results highlight the complexity of reptile mating displays and have implications for how we manage this vulnerable species.