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Snake eggs are generally oblong-shaped with rubbery shells, and are usually light-colored, white, off-white, or beige. They are typically just over 1 inch long, although their size can vary depending on the snake species. In Australia, snake eggs have been found in various settings, from school sandpits to family backyards, with reports of eastern brown snake nests containing up to 110 hatched eggs. Snake eggs are often laid in damp, warm, and dark places, such as in the sand, inside dying trees, or under bushes. While it can be challenging to identify the specific species from the eggs alone, their distinctive characteristics and the presence of snake experts can help determine their origin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Oblong |
| Shell | Rubber-like, pliable, soft, leathery |
| Colour | Light-coloured, white, off-white, beige |
| Size | Generally, just over 1 inch long; varies based on species |
| Number | Varies based on species; some species lay a couple of eggs, while others lay 100 at a time; 16 is considered an average clutch size |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify snake eggs
Snake eggs are typically leathery, oblong, or elliptical, and often white or slightly translucent. However, the appearance of snake eggs can vary based on species and environmental conditions. For example, snake eggs in drier environments might appear darker due to dehydration, while those in more humid environments may be whiter. Snake eggs in arid environments may have thicker shells, while those in humid areas might be softer and more flexible. Additionally, snake eggs from the same clutch can vary slightly in size, and some species have eggs coated with a sticky or adhesive substance.
It can be challenging to identify snake eggs, especially when relying solely on their appearance. However, here are some guidelines to help identify them:
- Examine the texture: Snake eggs have a leathery texture, distinct from the hard shells of bird eggs. The leathery shell of snake eggs is porous, facilitating gas exchange for the developing embryo.
- Observe the shape: Snake eggs are typically oblong or elliptical. This shape allows them to be nestled easily in concealed locations, such as burrows or under vegetation.
- Consider the colour: While snake egg colours can vary, they are often white or slightly translucent. Keep in mind that environmental conditions can influence their colour.
- Look for adhesive coating: Some snake species have eggs coated with a sticky substance, helping them adhere to each other and their substrate.
- Size variation: Snake eggs from the same clutch can exhibit slight size variations, depending on factors like the order they were laid and the mother snake's reproductive condition.
- Nest location: The location of the nest can provide clues about the snake species. For example, water dragons, which are river-dwelling lizards, lay their eggs in sand, while some snake species may prefer different environments.
- Seek expert identification: If you are unsure, it is best to contact wildlife experts or organisations specialising in reptile care for accurate identification. They may advise photographing the eggs (with a measuring tape for scale) and sharing them on reptile identification platforms or social media groups for assistance.
It is important to remember that some snake species are highly venomous, and it is best to observe the eggs from a safe distance without disturbing them, as some species may be protected or endangered. Additionally, female eastern brown snakes do not guard their nests after laying eggs, and juvenile snakes are independent from birth. Therefore, caution and respect for the natural habitat are essential when encountering snake eggs in the wild.
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Where snakes lay their eggs
While most snakes lay eggs, it is important to note that not all snakes do. Some species, such as the red-bellied black snake, give birth to live young. There are three distinct methods of snake reproduction: oviparous, viviparous, and ovoviviparous.
Oviparous snakes lay eggs in damp, warm, and dark places. They bury their eggs in dirt, compost, or loose and moist ground. Some snakes lay their eggs inside dying trees, under bushes, or in other warm and moist places. By laying their eggs in these types of places, the warmth of the environment serves as an incubator. Most female snakes abandon their eggs completely after laying them, except for cobras and pythons. Mother pythons, for example, coil themselves around their eggs to regulate their temperature during incubation.
Viviparous snakes do not lay eggs. Instead, they nourish their developing babies through a placenta and yolk sac and give birth to live young.
Ovoviviparous snakes are a combination of egg-layers and live bearers. This type of female snake develops eggs inside her body, and when the young are born, they emerge from the eggs inside the mother's body and enter the world fully active, leaving no eggshells behind.
In Victoria, Australia, the Brown Snake lays eggs in late spring or early summer. The Australian Tiger Snake, found in many states, gives birth to 20 to 30 young at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn.
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What to do if you find snake eggs
Snake eggs are typically soft and oblong, usually clumped together, and range from 2.5cm to 90cm in length. If you find snake eggs, it is important to act carefully and responsibly. Here are some steps you can take:
- Identify the eggs: Try to determine if the eggs are indeed snake eggs. Snake eggs are often soft and oblong, clumped together, and may have embryos visible inside. You can try to identify the type of snake by researching the species common in your region and comparing the size and appearance of the eggs. However, it can be challenging to accurately identify the eggs without specialised knowledge.
- Contact experts: If you are unsure or concerned about the eggs, contact a local wildlife rescue organisation or a herpetologist. They will have the expertise to identify the eggs and provide appropriate care.
- Relocate the eggs: If the eggs are in a safe location, it is best to leave them undisturbed. Snake eggs typically do not require rotation like bird eggs. However, if the eggs are in a dangerous location, you can carefully relocate them to a safer spot nearby. Try to maintain the same orientation and keep them warm and moist.
- Monitor the hatching: Snake eggs typically hatch after a few days or weeks, depending on the species. If you choose to monitor the hatching process, ensure you do so from a safe distance to avoid disturbing the eggs or the emerging snakes.
- Provide a safe release: Once the snakes have hatched and are ready for release, ensure they are returned to an appropriate habitat where they can survive and thrive. Avoid releasing them near populated areas or vulnerable individuals, such as schools or residential neighbourhoods.
Remember, it is important to prioritise the safety of both the snakes and humans. Snakes play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance, so it is best to leave their care to experts whenever possible.
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How venomous snakes affect Australia
Australia is home to about 170 species of land snakes, with 66 recognised species of venomous snakes. While the country's snakes have highly toxic venom, snake bites are quite rare, and fatalities are low—between four and six deaths per year. This is due in part to the development of antivenom treatments, without which fatalities would be much higher.
The Eastern Brown Snake is the country's deadliest species and is responsible for most of the bites and fatalities in Australia. They are fast-moving, aggressive, and known for their bad temper. They are highly adaptable and are often found in populated areas. Female Eastern Brown Snakes do not guard their nests after laying their eggs, and juvenile snakes are born independent.
The Coastal Taipans have the longest fangs of any Australian snake (13mm) and the third most toxic venom of any land snake. They are extremely nervous and alert, and will only attack if surprised or cornered. They are not usually confrontational and will try to escape any threat. Their venom affects the nervous system and the blood, causing nausea, convulsions, internal bleeding, muscle destruction, and kidney damage.
The Mulga is the heaviest venomous snake in Australia and has the largest recorded venom output of any snake in the world, delivering 150mg in one bite. Their temperament varies with locality; Southern Mulgas are reported to be shy and quiet, while Northern specimens are more agitated and aggressive. They bite savagely, hanging on and chewing as they inject their toxic venom, which destroys blood cells and affects the muscles and nerves.
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How big are brown snake eggs?
The brown snake species native to Australia includes the Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) and the common brown snake. The Eastern brown snake is a highly venomous snake species that can be found in most habitats in Australia except dense forests, and is often found in farmland and on the outskirts of urban areas. The adult Eastern brown snake has a slender build and can grow to 2 metres (7 feet) in length. Its colour ranges from pale brown to black, while its underside is pale cream-yellow, often with orange or grey splotches. The Eastern brown snake is oviparous, meaning it produces eggs that hatch outside the mother's body after being laid.
Breeding activity for Eastern brown snakes begins in mid to late spring. Females start to develop yolking follicles between early and late spring (mid-September to the end of November) and have oviducal eggs from mid-spring to early summer (late October to late January). Females can lay up to 35 eggs in spring or early summer (November to January), with an average clutch size of about 15 to 16 eggs. The eggs take between 36 and 95 days to hatch, with hatchlings emerging about 11 weeks after laying and averaging about 270 mm (11.25 inches) in length.
In 2018, about 43 brown snake eggs were found in a school's sandpit in Australia. The discovery caused a mystery among experts, as the eggs were initially thought to belong to water dragons due to their burial in the sand. However, upon further inspection, the rescuers identified them as brown snake eggs.
It is important to note that the brown snake species in Australia, particularly the Eastern brown snake, is highly venomous and has been known to cause deaths from snake bites. Therefore, if you encounter snake eggs or snakes in the wild, it is important to exercise caution and contact wildlife professionals for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Snake eggs in Australia are generally just over 1 inch long and have rubbery shells. The size of the eggs may vary based on the snake species.
Snake eggs are not usually as large as chicken eggs, but they can range in size according to species.
Snake eggs are oblong-shaped and have rubbery, pliable, or supple shells. They are usually light-coloured, such as white, off-white, or beige.
Many species of snakes in Australia lay their eggs in damp, warm, and dark places. They may bury their eggs in dirt, compost, or loose and moist ground, or in dying trees, under bushes, or in manure.
Yes, they can be dangerous because venomous snakes may be nearby. It is best to leave them alone and contact a local wildlife centre or snake expert for help if needed.
