Have you ever found a bunch of eggs while outside and wondered if they might belong to a snake? Snake eggs are different from the eggs we usually see, like bird eggs. They’re often hidden away in safe places, making them a special find. In this article, we’ll explore what snake eggs look like, how to tell if the eggs you’ve found are from a snake, and why these eggs are so important in a snake’s life.
What Do Snake Eggs Look Like?
Snake eggs are quite different from the hard-shelled eggs you might find in a bird’s nest. Generally, snake eggs are oval or elongated in shape, and they have a leathery texture rather than a hard shell. This soft, flexible texture allows the eggs to absorb moisture from their surroundings, which is crucial for the developing embryos inside.
Snake Eggs Color & Texture
The colour of snake eggs can vary depending on the species, but they are typically white or off-white. Some species of snake eggs vary in colour from white to yellowish or greyish tint due to environmental factors. For example, the age of the eggs and high humidity can cause the eggs to absorb moisture, leading to a yellowish or greyish tint. The material in which the eggs are laid can also sometimes stain the eggs, giving them a different hue. The surface of the eggs is often smooth, but some species might have eggs with a slightly bumpy texture.
Snake Eggs Size
The size of snake eggs can vary widely depending on the species. On average, snake eggs are about 1 to 5 inches (2.5 to 12.5 cm) long. Their width usually ranges from 0.5 to 2 inches (1.3 to 5 cm). Some species lay eggs that are much larger or smaller. For example, a Python’s egg can be quite large, while smaller snake eggs, like garter snakes, are much tinier.
Snake Egg Clutch Size
When snakes lay eggs, they do it in groups called clutches. The size of a clutch can vary quite a bit depending on the type of snake.
For some snakes, a clutch might have just a few eggs, while others can lay many more. For example:
- Small Snakes: Snakes like garter snakes might lay around 5 to 10 eggs in a clutch.
- Medium Snakes: Corn snakes often lay between 10 and 20 eggs.
- Large Snakes: Bigger snakes, like pythons, can lay a lot more—sometimes up to 30 or even 50 eggs in a single clutch.
The number of eggs a snake lays can depend on its age, health, and environment. More eggs generally mean a better chance that some will hatch and survive.
Differences Between Snake & Other Reptile Eggs
| Snake Eggs | Other Reptile Eggs |
|---|---|
| Snake eggs have a soft, leathery shell that feels flexible and smooth. | While other reptiles have a harder shell, like those of turtles and lizards. |
| Snake’s egg shape Usually oval or elongated in shape. | Other reptile eggs shape Can vary; for example, lizard eggs are often rounder, and turtle eggs are more spherical. |
| Snake egg’s colour is usually white, off-white, yellowish or greyish. | Other reptile egg colours, might be brown, grey, or even have patterns. |
| Snake eggs size varies by species but are generally 1 to 2 inches long. | Other reptile eggs size can be larger or smaller; turtle eggs are often bigger, while lizard eggs might be smaller. |
| Snakes lay eggs in hidden or protected spots like under logs or in leaf litter. | While other reptiles lay eggs in sand, in soil or under rocks. |
Snake Egg Development & Incubation
After a snake lays its eggs, the incubation period begins. During this time, the embryos inside the eggs develop into baby snakes. The length of the incubation period can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions, but it typically lasts between 40 and 90 days. During this time, the eggs need to be kept in a warm, humid environment to ensure proper development.
As the embryos grow, the eggs may change in appearance slightly. They might become slightly larger or more elongated as the baby snakes inside grow. The eggs may also develop small dimples or wrinkles, which is normal and indicates that the eggs are absorbing moisture.
Fertilized Vs Unfertilized Eggs
| Fertilized eggs | Unfertilized eggs |
|---|---|
| Unfertilized eggs often smaller and less firm. They may appear more shrivelled or flat and can have a dull, opaque appearance. | Unfertilized eggs are often smaller and less firm. They may appear more shrivelled or flat and can have a dull, opaque appearance. |
| Fertilized snake eggs contain developing embryos inside, which grow and change over time. The eggs will gradually become larger and may show signs of development as the incubation period progresses. | Unfertilized snake eggs Lack embryos and do not undergo development. These eggs remain unchanged and may eventually dry out or become moldy. |
| Unfertilized snake eggs Lack embryos and do not undergo development. These eggs remain unchanged and may eventually dry out or become mouldy. | They don’t need specific conditions for development. |
| They can be identified by their fullness and firmness. If you gently shake the egg, you might not hear movement if it’s close to hatching. | They are lighter and less solid. Shaking might reveal a slight rattling sound, and the egg might appear less developed. |
| Fertilized eggs Will eventually hatch into baby snakes if conditions are ideal. | Unfertilized Eggs Will not hatch and may be discarded or deteriorate over time. |
Snake Eggs Caring: A Guide for Breeders
If you’re a snake breeder or just someone who has found snake eggs and wants to care for them, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Firstly, maintain a temperature between 80 to 85 °F.
- Keep humidity around 70-90% to ensure proper development.
- Handle them gently and avoid unnecessary movement.
- If you need to move the eggs, do so carefully and keep them oriented the same way.
- Keep the eggs in the same position they were laid to prevent disrupting the embryo.
Interesting Facts About Snake Eggs
- Many snakes are oviparous and lay eggs. But some snake species are ovoviviparous, which give birth to live young instead of laying eggs like the boa constrictor, These snakes carry the eggs inside their bodies until they hatch, so the babies are born alive.
- In some snake species, the temperature at which the eggs are incubated can influence the gender of the hatchlings. Warmer temperatures might produce more females, while cooler temperatures can result in more males.
- Snake eggs can increase in size after being laid! As they absorb moisture from their surroundings, the eggs swell and become larger over time.
- Most snake species do not care for their eggs after laying them. The eggs are often left buried or hidden in a safe spot, and the hatchlings are on their own as soon as they emerge.
- Snake hatchlings have a specialized tooth called an “egg tooth” that they use to break through the eggshell. This tooth falls off shortly after it emerges.
- Some snake species, like the Burmese python, can lay enormous clutches of eggs, sometimes numbering over 100 in a single laying!
- In some species, all the eggs in a clutch will hatch at the same time. This helps to overwhelm predators and increases the chances of survival for the newborn snakes.
- While most snakes leave their eggs after laying them, a few species, like the king cobra, will fiercely guard their nests until the eggs hatch, ensuring their offspring have a safe start in life.
Snake Eggs Variations Across Different Species
Snake eggs do have some common features, but they also show interesting differences depending on the species. Here’s a closer look:
- Python Eggs: Pythons lay larger eggs that are oval and somewhat smooth. Female pythons often coil around their eggs to keep them warm.
- Corn Snake Eggs: Corn snake eggs are smaller and more elongated, usually with a smooth texture. Often laid in hidden spots like leaf litter or rotting wood.
- King Cobra Eggs: They are Large with a slightly bumpy surface. Female king cobras build a nest of leaves and guard the eggs until they hatch.
- Rat Snake Eggs: Rat snake eggs are Medium-sized, smooth, and oval. Typically found in decaying vegetation or hidden spots.
Conclusion
Snake eggs may not be as commonly seen as bird or chicken eggs, but they are just as fascinating. From their leathery texture to their hidden nesting spots, snake eggs are a crucial part of the life cycle of these incredible reptiles. Whether you’re a snake enthusiast, a breeder, or just someone curious about nature, understanding what snake eggs look like and how they develop gives you a deeper appreciation for these unique creatures.
