佳作獎
龜殼花的母愛
Pit Viper Maternal Love
作者 | 李鍾旻
#動物的拼圖
科學圖說 Introduction
龜殼花為臺灣低海拔山區常見的蛇類，雖然攻擊性強且擁有劇毒，但卻是屬於少數具有護卵行為的蛇之一。蛇類的產卵地點相當隱密，一般多在狹窄岩縫、山洞或樹洞中產卵，不過有時牠們也會選擇山壁上的人工水管洞作為產卵地點。龜殼花一窩卵的數量通常介於3~24顆之間，產完卵後，雌蛇會持續留在卵旁。大約30~60天後，幼蛇孵化，雌蛇才會離去。
Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, known as the brown spotted pit viper, is commonly found in low-altitude mountainous areas of Taiwan. Although highly aggressive and venomous, it is one of the few snake species that protects its eggs. These snakes often nest in secluded areas, laying eggs in crevices, caves, tree hollows, or pipe openings along rock faces. The number of eggs in a clutch ranges from 3 to 24. Once the eggs are laid, the female stays with them for 30 to 60 days until they hatch.
