How Do Snakes Move?
How Do Snakes Move?
Snakes(and certain similar reptiles) have a variety of locomotive methods! These all utilize bone, belly scales, and - most importantly - muscle structure! Using leverage, directional friction, and weight distribution, snakes have given themselves very unique methods of locomotion. There are four known methods of movement:
Serpentine
The primary method of movement used by snakes. This is your typical side-to-side motion which has been around for millions of years, and is the most common.
Concertina
This is a method used to climb, and to move through smaller spaces. They scrunch up their body and then stretch back out after anchoring.
Sidewinding(Crotaline)
A unique method of locomotion, often associated with a type of rattlesnake called the sidewinder. It allows them to move while lacking traction.
Rectilinear
A slow, rippling/creeping movement. It allows them to move in a straight line / access areas where they cannot use other types of locomotion.
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Serpentine Locomotion: Utilizes the irregularities in the environment. They will push off of a sturdy object to propel themselves, and then push down wherever their body bends. AKA lateral undulation, this is seen in most species of snake. Especially smaller ones, who can’t use their own mass as leverage.
Concertina Locomotion: Best displayed by burrowing species, the concertina method is the snake going between one anchor point to the next. They pull themselves to one anchor, scrunch up, and then stretch out their body until they can reach the next, after which they will pull the rest of their body with them and repeat. Also referred to as the “accordion method” due to comparisons.
Sidewinding / Crotaline Locomotion: A very entertaining method, sidewinding consists of both vertical and horizontal movements. It’s mostly observed in desert species, but any snake that lives somewhere that lacks traction may use this method. Using three anchor points, they will push off of the ground to launch themselves forward, some being recorded to move at 18 MPH! Also referred to as lateral displacement, some have suggested that it’s used especially in hot environments to minimize contact with the ground.
Rectilinear Locomotion: A method classified only in 2017, rectilinear locomotion utilizes the loose belly scales and muscle groups to push the snake forward from multiple anchor points. This is the slowest method of locomotion and is often used by fossorial snakes or burrowers to move through tight spaces. Heavy-bodied snakes have also been known to display this.
How Do Snakes Move?
How Do Snakes Move?
Snakes(and certain similar reptiles) have a variety of locomotive methods! These all utilize bone, belly scales, and - most importantly - muscle structure! Using leverage, directional friction, and weight distribution, snakes have given themselves very unique methods of locomotion. There are four known methods of movement:
Serpentine
The primary method of movement used by snakes. This is your typical side-to-side motion which has been around for millions of years, and is the most common.
Concertina
This is a method used to climb, and to move through smaller spaces. They scrunch up their body and then stretch back out after anchoring.
Sidewinding(Crotaline)
A unique method of locomotion, often associated with a type of rattlesnake called the sidewinder. It allows them to move while lacking traction.
Rectilinear
A slow, rippling/creeping movement. It allows them to move in a straight line / access areas where they cannot use other types of locomotion.
--
Serpentine Locomotion: Utilizes the irregularities in the environment. They will push off of a sturdy object to propel themselves, and then push down wherever their body bends. AKA lateral undulation, this is seen in most species of snake. Especially smaller ones, who can’t use their own mass as leverage.
Concertina Locomotion: Best displayed by burrowing species, the concertina method is the snake going between one anchor point to the next. They pull themselves to one anchor, scrunch up, and then stretch out their body until they can reach the next, after which they will pull the rest of their body with them and repeat. Also referred to as the “accordion method” due to comparisons.
Sidewinding / Crotaline Locomotion: A very entertaining method, sidewinding consists of both vertical and horizontal movements. It’s mostly observed in desert species, but any snake that lives somewhere that lacks traction may use this method. Using three anchor points, they will push off of the ground to launch themselves forward, some being recorded to move at 18 MPH! Also referred to as lateral displacement, some have suggested that it’s used especially in hot environments to minimize contact with the ground.
Rectilinear Locomotion: A method classified only in 2017, rectilinear locomotion utilizes the loose belly scales and muscle groups to push the snake forward from multiple anchor points. This is the slowest method of locomotion and is often used by fossorial snakes or burrowers to move through tight spaces. Heavy-bodied snakes have also been known to display this.
