Snakes are often associated with egg-laying because it is a correct assumption. However, this fact cannot fully describe snakes’ biology. There are various forms of snakes’ reproduction.
In particular, there are snakes that give birth alive without laying eggs first. This kind of reproduction is referred to as ovoviviparity or viviparity. Younger snakes develop within the body of a snake mother, who later gives birth.Such a form of snakes’ reproduction is beneficial for snakes living in unfavorable environments because their young are protected from adverse weather conditions and other threats. As stated in the study “Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female Boa constrictor: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations,” viviparity has appeared as an adaptive mechanism providing a better chance of survival in harsh environments.Also, viviparity helps maintain a higher body temperature of developing snakes because they remain in the snakes’ bodies until they grow up. The study “Maternal behavioral thermoregulation facilitated evolutionary transitions from egg laying to live birth” proves the latter.
Why do some snakes give birth instead of laying eggs
There are some snakes that have live births rather than egg-laying since the babies have a higher chance of survival this way. Female snakes keep the embryo in their bodies so that it will be protected from any form of predation or unfavourable climatic conditions.
Live births are helpful to many species.
Boa constrictor
The Boa Constrictor is among the best-known live-bearing snakes. This species of snake lives in Central and South America, and unlike many other snakes, it does not produce venom. The baby snakes come out fully formed and able to survive immediately after birth. A single female can give birth to over fifty baby snakes.
Green anaconda
Another example of a snake that is an ovoviviparous species is the green anaconda.
The green anaconda is the largest snake species in the world and can give birth to more than 20 offspring at once. These baby snakes are well developed when born and have to fend for themselves straightaway.
Garter snake
Garter snakes are some of the most common ovoviviparous snakes, mostly found in North America. In contrast to other reptiles, garter snakes do not reproduce by laying eggs but by giving birth to live offspring. Usually, females can produce as many as ten to forty offspring at once.
Rinkhals
The Rinkhals is an interesting venomous snake from southern Africa, and among all the cobras, this snake belongs to the minority that give live birth rather than lay eggs. Most of the cobras reproduce through eggs, but in the case of the rinkhals, the eggs develop in the snake’s body before hatching.
Gaboon viper
The Gaboon Viper is considered among the most heavy and venomous species of snakes on the African continent. This snake is viviparous.
A female Gaboon Viper can give birth to up to 40 young. The offspring that are born have the same characteristics as the parents and are able to survive from the moment of birth.
Red-bellied black snake
Red-bellied black snake is one more Australian species that gives birth to live young snakes. These snakes are ovoviviparous and do not lay eggs like other snakes but give birth to live young snakes, ranging from 5 to 18 in number. This characteristic helps these snakes adapt to cold environments.
Final thoughts
It is not correct to claim that all species of snakes lay eggs for reproduction. The aforementioned list of features demonstrates the variety of snakes when it comes to their methods of reproduction. There are some advantages of live births of animals in relation to safety, temperature control, and better chances for survival.
