How To Identify Snake Eggs

One of the big differences between reptiles and mammals is that the former mostly lay eggs, while the latter mostly give birth to live young. But when it comes to snakes, that difference doesn't necessarily hold. That is to say that not all snakes lay eggs. In fact, roughly 70% of snake species actually lay eggs. Snakes living in higher latitude and altitude locales where the climate is typically colder, for example, mostly give birth to live young. Considering female snakes usually lay eggs underground and abandon them, these unattended eggs would have very little chance of surviving in the cold conditions alone, and so the process of live birth, known as viviparity, allows the young reptiles to develop inside the mother's body before being born live.

There is another type of snake reproduction called ovoviviparity wherein female snakes keep the embryos inside their bodies so they can gain nourishment from a yolk sac. The eggs then stay inside the mother as they hatch, and the young are born without shells. Otherwise, the majority of snakes reproduce via oviparity, wherein females lay eggs which are then left to develop and hatch by themselves. These snake eggs often share characteristics, but also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, often making it difficult to determine whether certain eggs have, in fact, come from the reptile or not.

So, how do experts identify snake eggs? Here is a full breakdown of how to tell whether eggs have come from a snake or not — though it's worth noting that it's best to avoid disturbing snake eggs, especially as certain species are endangered.

One of the main differences between snake eggs and the eggs of birds is that the former have a flexible, leathery shell completely unlike the hard shells of bird eggs. There is a purpose behind this flexibility, too. Essentially, it reduces the risk of breakage. Though they are flexible, snake eggs are also highly durable, with the keratin fibers and collagen layers making for a hardy, rubber-like outer shell that can withstand high levels of strain and tension.This also protects the shells from developing abrasions when rubbing up against debris and helps to avoid fractures caused by being too tightly packed in with other eggs.

Snake eggs also have shells that are much more porous than those of birds, with the leathery texture allowing for easier respiration through the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the embryo itself and the outside environment. However, the high porosity of snake eggshells means they are susceptible to potential drowning if laid too close to water. Pores, then, are yet another way to tell whether you're looking at a snake egg or not.

That said, other reptiles are also known to lay eggs in specific places with flexible, porous outer shells, too, though some — such as mud turtles and geckos — actually lay hard eggs. What's more, the thickness and toughness of snake egg shells can vary depending on their environment, becoming harder in drier areas and softer in more humid areas. As such, an egg being leathery, flexible, and porous by itself doesn't necessarily mean it has come from a snake. Thankfully, there are several other ways to identify snake eggs.

While there is some variation in the color of snake eggs, there are consistent coloration characteristics to look for. Typically, snake eggs are either white, off-white, or beige and may appear slightly translucent. The color and texture can also differ among species, and the environment will also affect their coloration. For instance, white or off-white snake eggs are quite common and are able to easily blend into natural environments from sand to decaying vegetation. But conditions can affect the color of eggs, too. Those in more humid environments might be whiter than those in drier conditions.

In terms of shape, snake eggs are usually longer, oblong shaped, and more elliptical than bird eggs, though some eggs are rounder than others . As such, shape by itself isn't the most reliable way to tell if you're dealing with snake eggs or not. What's more, snake eggs range in size between species quite drastically. Some eggs can be as small as a grain of rice while others can be much larger. Typically, however, snake eggs range between 1 and 5 inches in length. Therefore, one good indicator of whether an egg belongs to a snake or not is if it is oblong-shaped and between 1 and 5 inches long. Still, snake eggs from the same group may differ in size due to the order in which each egg was laid and the reproductive state of the female snake that laid them.

Whereas birds and even many reptiles typically lay eggs in nests, snakes are different in that regard. Though female king cobras build nests from dead leaves and stay with their eggs for up to two months, most snakes simply lay their eggs in cold, dark environments isolated from other species and weather conditions. Snake eggs can sometimes be found buried in soil, which provides a safer environment for the incubation period. But often, snakes will simply look for a small space in which to lay their eggs, such as under a rock or under piles of leaves or sticks. They may even use burrows that have been abandoned by other animals. 

When identifying snake eggs, then, it's worth bearing in mind where you found them, as small, dark, and isolated areas are telltale signs. While turtle eggs can look very similar to their snake counterparts, the latter usually won't dig to lay their eggs. So, when trying to tell the difference between turtle and snake eggs, if they weren't buried in the ground, it's more likely they came from a snake.

How many eggs a snake will lay depends on their size and species. A group of snake eggs is called a clutch, and smaller snakes are more likely to produce clutches with fewer eggs than larger ones. Smaller snakes could lay just two or three eggs, but may produce upwards of 30. Larger snakes are able to produce much larger clutches, however, sometimes laying up to 100 or more eggs at a time. Though it varies between species, snake eggs will typically hatch in a range between 40 and 70 days.

A good understanding of snake egg characteristics can help to identify them as distinct from those of other species. But what about some practical methods for making absolutely sure? Though it's best never to disturb eggs if found in the wild, there is a way to tell whether an egg actually belongs to a snake or not. Sometimes referred to as "candling," this process involves holding the eggs up to a light source in a dark environment. Reptile eggs can survive brief, gentle handling, but it's important to note that while snake eggs aren't as prone to cracking as bird eggs, they are still delicate and vulnerable to breakage.

Once a snake egg is held up to a light source, the shell should appear translucent, and if there is an easily identifiable ball-shaped embryo inside, then it's almost certainly a snake egg. Again, it's best to leave eggs found in the wild alone, however, as they need to kept in their natural environment for the incubation process to work properly. What's more, while female snakes typically abandon their eggs, they could be lurking nearby. As such, it's important to remain vigilant if you discover eggs in the wild. That said, identifying snake skins, droppings, or tracks found nearby the clutch could also be a good way to confirm whether the eggs are indeed from a snake or not. If all else fails, contacting local wildlife officials or herpetologists is a quick way to make sure you're getting an accurate identification.