The Reproduction of a Brown Tree Snake

The brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis, is native to Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Australia. Contrary to its name, it also lives in grasslands and around human habitation. It is mildly venomous as well as constrictive. While it usually grows to a length of three to six feet, specimens of 10 feet have been found. It is considered an invasive species in Guam.

  1. Brown Tree Snakes are egg bearing

    • The brown tree snake is an egg-bearing species. The female lays four to 12 eggs in a clutch. The oval eggs measure approximately 1.6 to 1.9 inches (42 to 47 mm) long and 0.7 to 0.9 inches (18 to 22 mm) wide. Nest are located in places where they will be protected from extreme temperatures and drying out. Rock crevices and hollow trees are favorites. Like most reptiles the shells are leathery. Unlike other reptiles, the shells often will stick to each other. This helps the nests remain intact and keeps individual eggs from falling out of the nest. The eggs hatch in about 90 days.

    Female Reproductive Cycles

    • The female's reproductive cycle varies. When prey and climate conditions are favorable, the female brown tree snake can produce two clutches a year. Under adverse conditions it appears that the brown tree snake female, like some other reptiles, can store sperm and produce eggs for several years after mating.

    Male reproductive cycle.

    • Less is know about the male reproductive cycle. It is thought that the sexually active male tree snakes are relatively rare. However, this assumption is based upon the percentage of sexually active males caught in traps baited with food. Other data, reported by snake breeders, indicates that males show little interest in food while sexually active. This may account for the relatively small numbers of sexually active males caught in the wild.