Although a wide range of reproductive modes are used by snakes, all snakes
employ internal fertilization. This is accomplished by
means of paired, forked hemipenes, which are stored, inverted, in the
male's tail. The
hemipenes are often grooved, hooked, or spined in order to grip the walls of the
female's cloaca.
Most species of snakes lay eggs, but most snakes abandon the eggs shortly
after laying. However, a few species (such as the King cobra) actually construct nests and stay in
the vicinity of the hatchlings after incubation.
employ internal fertilization. This is accomplished by
means of paired, forked hemipenes, which are stored, inverted, in the
male's tail. The
hemipenes are often grooved, hooked, or spined in order to grip the walls of the
female's cloaca.
Most species of snakes lay eggs, but most snakes abandon the eggs shortly
after laying. However, a few species (such as the King cobra) actually construct nests and stay in
the vicinity of the hatchlings after incubation.