Breeding snakes

In ancient times, snakes were considered not only a symbol of deceit and evil, but also the other side of wisdom and great power. Nevertheless, they still have one thing in common – secrecy. Until now, a person has not been able to find out everything about their life.

There are types of snakes that are divided into two sexes, male and female, and there are also snakes that belong to both sexes at once. That is, snakes are hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites have both sex organs, both male and female. This species is called island botrops, they live in South America, the island of Kaimada Grande. Interestingly, this species of snake lives only in this part of the planet, most of it is hermaphrodite, although both males and females are found. It is also interesting to note that the female can lay eggs with kites without the participation of the male, that is, lay essentially unfertilized eggs. This type of reproduction is called parthenogenesis.

These are far from all the facts about snake breeding. Many other types of snakes do not lay eggs at all. Their cubs are born viviparous, that is, already fully prepared for adulthood and physically formed. After birth, they are able to feed themselves almost immediately and find a way to hide from the enemy.

There is also a third way to breed offspring of snakes – ovoviviparity. This is a process that is unique in its own way. The embryos feed on the food substances contained inside the eggs, and the eggs themselves are in the snake until the babies are fully mature and begin to hatch.

Few people at first glance and the naked eye can determine which gender a snake belongs to. Male snakes differ from male birds and most animal species in that they are smaller than females, but their tail is much longer than that of females.

But what is most striking is that most species of females can keep the sperm alive inside them for a long time after a single mating. At the same time, in this way they can breed offspring several times, being fertilized by this sperm.

When the snakes finally wake up after a long winter sleep, their mating season begins. There are species that mate in large groups, gathering into balls and hissing during the process. People who do not know anything about the behavior of snakes can be very frightening, but snakes should not be killed, during this period there is no danger for people. The king cobra gathers several dozen males around him, which are woven into balls, but, in the end, only one male will fertilize the female. This process can last 3-4 days, after which the male who has fertilized the female secretes a substance that prevents other males from doing the same. This substance forms a plug in the snake’s genitals, thus preventing the male’s fluid from escaping and preventing other males from entering.