Meet the 'virgin' python who produced 6 offsprings

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ANI London
Last Updated : Oct 27 2014 | 11:00 AM IST

A reticulated python, who belongs to the species of world's longest snake, has had a "virgin birth" as she gave birth to six babies, but without a male partner, it has been reported.

Thelma, measures 20 feet and weighs more than 14 stone, performed the mystery feat in June 2012, the Daily Star reported.

And a new study has confirmed that despite the snakezilla's brood varying in colour and patterns, Thelma was the sole parent.

Dubbed a "virgin birth," the phenomena could occur in some species when cells that would normally die within the egg actually act like sperm and fuse with the egg.

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First Published: Oct 27 2014 | 10:45 AM IST

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