Snakes are reptiles found across diverse environments. While their adult forms are widely recognized, their early life stages, including how they are born and what their young are called, are less known. Understanding these phases provides insight into their adaptations.
The Name for Young Snakes
Baby snakes are commonly called “hatchlings” if they emerge from an egg. If born live, they are generally referred to as “young snakes” or “baby snakes.” While “neonate” is a scientific term, “hatchling” specifically refers to egg-laying species. Informal terms like “snakelet” are used casually to describe a small or young snake.
How Baby Snakes Enter the World
Snakes reproduce through egg-laying or live birth. Approximately 70% of snake species are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs that develop and hatch outside the mother’s body. Pythons and corn snakes, for example, deposit their eggs in safe, warm places.
Other snake species exhibit viviparity or ovoviviparity, both resulting in live young. Viviparous snakes, such as boas, give birth to fully formed live offspring, nourishing them internally. Ovoviviparous snakes, including many rattlesnakes, produce eggs that hatch inside the mother, with live young born shortly after. This reproductive flexibility allows snakes to adapt to various environments, particularly colder climates where external eggs might not survive.
Characteristics of Young Snakes
Baby snakes generally resemble miniature versions of their adult counterparts, though subtle differences can exist. Their coloration, scales, and head shape are usually consistent with the adult form, with size being the most apparent distinction. Some species display more vibrant colors or distinct patterns as juveniles that may change as they mature; for instance, young copperheads can have a bright yellow or greenish-yellow tail tip. Young venomous snakes are born with fully functional venom glands and fangs. Despite their smaller size, they are capable of delivering a venomous bite. While some sources suggest baby venomous snakes might not control their venom injection as effectively as adults, evidence indicates juveniles control venom just as well.
Early Life and Survival
Most baby snakes are independent from birth or hatching, displaying innate survival instincts. Unlike many mammals, most snake species do not provide parental care beyond egg-guarding in some cases; the young must immediately seek food and shelter. Pythons and some pit vipers are among the few exceptions that show limited parental care, such as coiling around eggs for warmth or staying near hatchlings briefly.
The early life of young snakes is challenging, including predation, finding adequate food, and navigating environmental hazards. Mortality rates in the wild are high, with only 10-25% surviving their first winter. They typically begin feeding on prey proportionate to their size, such as insects, small amphibians, or tiny rodents, depending on the species.