The structure and possible function of the cloacal pouches of male Australian Typhlopids

Abstract

Male typhlopids from Australia and some neighbouring regions are unique among members of the genus Typhlops in possessing an unusual type of hemipenes, and a pair of "cloacal pouches". The histology of the pouches is described for the first time, and the suggestion made that because of their structure, and their position relative to other parts of the reproductive system, they may function as sperm sacs.