page_title: Pelvic spur
hierarchical_section_title: Pelvic spur
caption_attribution_description: English: The anal spurs of a Boelen's Python (Morelia boeleni). The specimen was prepared by a colleague and is part of my personal collection.
context_page_description: Pelvic spurs are the externally visible portion of the vestigial remnants of legs found on each side of the cloaca in primitive snakes, such as boas and pythons. The remnants of a pelvis and femur, which have no connection with the spine, simply "float" in the muscle mass. The femur protrudes from the snake's body and is covered by a horny spur, which resembles a spur or claw. Males' spurs are generally longer and more pointed than females', and are used for clasping and tickling during courtship and mating, as well as combat with other males in some species.
context_section_description: Pelvic spurs are the externally visible portion of the vestigial remnants of legs found on each side of the cloaca in primitive snakes, such as boas and pythons. The remnants of a pelvis and femur, which have no connection with the spine, simply "float" in the muscle mass. The femur protrudes from the snake's body and is covered by a horny spur, which resembles a spur or claw. Males' spurs are generally longer and more pointed than females', and are used for clasping and tickling during courtship and mating, as well as combat with other males in some species.
caption: Skeleton of a Boelens python showing the bones inside the anal spurs
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