An intertwined mass of male snakes attempting to mate with a single female, usually formed just after they have emerged from hibernation in a communal den.
Origin
1970s; earliest use found in Copeia.
Definition of mating ball in US English:
mating ball
noun
Zoology
An intertwined mass of male snakes attempting to mate with a single female, usually formed just after they have emerged from hibernation in a communal den.