Do snakes lay eggs or give live birth? This is a question that has long puzzled biologists as snakes are such enigmatic creatures. There are two main theories as to how snakes reproduce: either they lay eggs or they give birth to live young.
The egg-laying theory posits that snakes lay their eggs in a nest which is then incubated by the heat of the sun or the warmth of the ground. When the eggs hatch the young snakes are on their own as their parents abandon them. This theory is supported by the fact that many species of snakes are found in warm climates where incubating their eggs in the sun or ground would be possible.
The live-birth theory on the other hand suggests that snakes give birth to live young which are then able to fend for themselves immediately. This theory is supported by the fact that many species of snakes are found in cool or temperate climates where it would be difficult to incubate eggs. Additionally some species of snakes are known to give birth to large numbers of young at once which would be difficult to achieve if they were laying eggs.
So which theory is correct? The answer is that both theories are correct as there are two different types of snakes: egg-laying snakes and live-bearing snakes. Egg-laying snakes such as pythons and boas are found in warm climates while live-bearing snakes such as vipers and garter snakes are found in cool or temperate climates.
Interestingly some snakes are able to switch between the two reproductive strategies depending on the conditions they are in. For example the common garter snake is a live-bearing snake that is found in cool or temperate climates. However if the common garter snake is born in a warm climate it will lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
So there you have it: snakes can either lay eggs or give birth to live young depending on the species and the conditions they are in.
Do snakes lay eggs?
Some snakes lay eggs but some give birth to live young.
How can you tell if a snake is about to lay eggs?
If a snake is about to lay eggs she will often stop eating and look for a secluded spot.
Do all snakes lay eggs?
No some snakes give birth to live young.
How can you tell if a snake is about to give birth?
If a snake is about to give birth she will often stop eating and look for a secluded spot.
What is the difference between snakes that lay eggs and those that give birth to live young?
Snakes that lay eggs have a cloaca or a common opening for the digestive urinary and reproductive tracts.
This opening is where the eggs are deposited.
Snakes that give birth to live young have two additional openings near the cloaca called hemipenes which are used for reproduction.
How many eggs does a snake usually lay at once?
Depending on the species a snake can lay anywhere from 2 to 100 eggs at a time.
How long does it take for a snake egg to hatch?
It usually takes about 2 to 3 months for a snake egg to hatch.
Where do snakes lay their eggs?
Snakes often lay their eggs in humid dark places such as in rotten logs or under rocks.
Do baby snakes hatch from their eggs fully formed?
Baby snakes hatch from their eggs with their eyes open and their fangs functional.
They are also independent from the moment they hatch.
How big are baby snakes when they are born?
Baby snakes are typically 10 to 20 cm long when they are born.
How long does it take for a snake to give birth?
It usually takes about 2 to 3 months for a snake to give birth.
Where do snakes give birth?
Snakes often give birth in humid dark places such as in rotten logs or under rocks.
Do baby snakes need their mother’s help to survive?
No baby snakes are independent from the moment they are born.
How big are baby snakes when they are born?
Baby snakes are typically 10 to 20 cm long when they are born.
What do baby snakes eat?
Baby snakes typically eat small insects such as crickets or mealworms.
