There are over 3,400 recognized snake species, and many of them lay eggs. There are, however, snakes that do not deposit eggs. These animals provide live birth or employ a combination of eggs and live birth! Snakes are a species of reptiles that are quite distinctive when it comes to ma.ting and generating offspring. The method of giving birth in snakes differs between species. Keep reading to learn more about snakes that lay eggs. We also discuss how many eggs they lay, how they lay them and much more…
Do Snakes Lay Eggs or Have Live Birth?
The procedure of giving birth in snakes differs amongst the species. There are three basic methods by which snakes give birth to their progeny. We differentiate between these birthing methods by calling them oviparous, viviparous, and ovoviviparous:
Egg Laying Snakes
The earliest and most usual manner for snakes to give birth is via depositing eggs. Snakes that lay eggs are classified as oviparous. They make up the majority of the snake species, roughly seventy percent. Most types of snakes that are kept as pets lay eggs.
Almost all oviparous snakes lay soft-shelled eggs, also known as pliable-shelled eggs. These leathery eggs are normally flexible and may exchange fluids with the environment.
Most snake eggs seem relatively similar, but, there are minor variances. One of the biggest characteristics of snake eggs is their form and texture. Almost all snakes have an oblong egg form that reflects their body shape. However, other North American snake species, such as Black Rat Snakes, deposit eggs that are more similar in form to bird eggs. There are a few snake species, such as the Eastern Racer, that deposit eggs with microscopic ridges that give them a sandpaper feel.
Another distinction is the number of eggs laid by snakes in a single clutch. Clutches can hold one or two eggs or up to 100 eggs at a time. The average snake may lay between 25 and 100 eggs per year. Each species has a normal range of how many eggs they will deposit at once. The larger the snake, the more eggs it will lay in a clutch. Ball Pythons normally lay one to eleven eggs. The Burmese Python has formed clutches of over 100 snakes.
Live Birth Snakes
Some snakes give birth to their offspring by live birth. These snakes are called viviparous. Viviparous snakes give live birth to a litter of snakes rather than depositing eggs. A litter is formed when a viviparous snake gives birth to its progeny.
When compared to oviparous animals, this way of birth is safer. It helps to keep predators away from em.bry.onic snakes, as opposed to oviparous species, which are more likely to be e.a.ten in their egg stage. Viviparous snakes account for around 20% of all snakes.
Many aquatic snakes exhibit viviparity. Almost all aquatic snakes are viviparous because having a live birth is easier than trying to locate a dry spot to lay and incubate their eggs.
Snakes that are particularly capable of self-defense are sometimes viviparous as well. The size of a litter, like that of oviparous snakes, varies by species. Some snakes may have one to three babies, while others have up to 100. Each species also has a varied gestation period, which is the time between c.on.cep.tion and birth. Most moms will not stay once their children are born. Some do, though, for the first several days to protect their safety from predators.
Ovoviviparous Snakes
Partly live birth is the last technique of reproduction that snakes have evolved. These snakes are classified as ovoviviparous. Ovoviviparous snakes possess characteristics of both oviparous and viviparous species.
The shell around the egg will begin to develop once the egg has been fe.rt.ilized. Inside the mother, the babies will grow and hatch. The mother will keep the eggshell inside her body after hatching. The woman will then live to birth to the children. It is regarded as a half-live birth. Ovoviviparous snakes have evolved to carry their offspring inside them in order to better regulate the temperature of the egg.
The biggest advantage is that these snakes are better at keeping their young warm as they grow. During critical phases of development, the eggs are not exposed to extreme environmental conditions. Ovoviviparous snakes prefer colder weather or harsh desert settings were incubating their young before hatching is more challenging. Another advantage is that the mother does not have to find a safe place to deposit and incubate her eggs away from predators or parasites.
