What animals lay eggs?

Have you ever wondered which animals lay eggs? It’s a natural form of reproduction that involves the development of embryos inside the mother and the hatching of eggs laid in the outside world.

Consider that we have divided our eight examples of egg-laying animals into a single list. Here, we explain each one in detail, allowing you to learn everything there is to know about this distinctive method of reproduction. Ready to learn more?

Oviparous, ovoviviparous, and viviparous: what’s the difference?

Before delving into the details of animals that lay eggs, it’s necessary to understand the difference between oviparous, viviparous, and ovoviviparous. The first involves reproduction outside the mother’s body, where eggs are laid in an exposed environment, which can be dangerous for the offspring.

Ovoviviparous animals are those in which the embryo develops inside the egg but remains within the mother. In other words, they do not lay eggs. Finally, in the case of viviparity, the baby grows inside the mother without an egg, from which it receives nourishment.

Meet eight groups of animals that lay eggs

Now that you understand the differences in reproduction, it’s time to get to know some of the animals that lay eggs. Check out our list of eight examples:

1. Fish

You might remember the Disney movie Finding Nemo, where Nemo’s mother lays some eggs. This is a representation of how fish reproduce. One of the most interesting things about these animals is that they have a way of protecting their offspring by keeping them in the mouth or dipping them in the water to avoid predators.

2. Birds

The first thing you need to know about birds is that all of them are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. In this case, animals build small nests to hatch their embryos. Additionally, chicks need the mother’s warmth to develop, so parents incubate the eggs.

3. Reptiles

Reptiles are another example of animals that lay eggs. In this case, it’s important to know that there are oviparous and ovoviviparous species. What sets this group apart is that their eggs have a very thick shell that prevents them from drying out. Additionally, they have four layers:

• Allantois: stores nitrogenous waste and participates in gas exchange;
• Chorion: also involved in gas exchange;
• Amniotic membrane: a layer bathed in amniotic fluid that protects the offspring from drying out and mechanical shocks;
• Yolk sac: serves as a reservoir of nutrients for the embryo.

4. Amphibians

Another group of animals that lay eggs is amphibians. In oviparous species, the mother usually lays her offspring in water, but some lay their eggs outside. Another peculiarity is that tadpoles usually lay many eggs, but few reach the adult stage.

5. Mollusks

The fifth example on our list of taxa of animals that lay eggs is mollusks. One curiosity about their reproduction is that offspring can be born in two ways: like their parents and as larvae. The number of eggs varies according to the species.

6. Arachnids

Arachnids are another example of a group of animals that lay eggs. However, it’s important to note that not all species have this mode of reproduction. For example, scorpions are viviparous. Spiders lay their eggs in silk sacs built by the female.

7. Mammals

Yes, there are mammals that lay eggs. Echidnas and platypuses are two examples. The first lays only one egg, and after the shell opens, it spends another two months in the mother’s pouch before developing further. The latter lays two to three eggs, and the offspring hatch in 14 days.

8. Insects

Answering the last question of which animals lay eggs, among the wide variety of insects in nature, some species are considered oviparous animals. These eggs usually have a sticky texture, allowing parents to stick their structures to inclined surfaces without falling. Additionally, some may have bright and unique colors, while others blend in with the environment.

Check out some examples of animals that lay eggs

There you have it; now you know a bit about the fauna that lays eggs. So that you can learn more about the subject, we have listed some exemplary species from these collections. Check:

• Spider;
• Fly;
• Chicken;
• Penguin;
• Bee;
• Snail;
• Peacock;
• Sea turtle;
• Frog;
• Snake;
• Ant;
• Octopus.

Now that you’ve learned which animals lay eggs, share this curiosity of nature with your friends and stay tuned for the articles this week; we have lots of exciting things for you.