How do snakes move?
Snakes move by pushing against the ground with muscles and belly scales. They use several methods, including slithering in S-shaped waves, moving in a straight line like a caterpillar and sidewinding across sand.
The most common method is lateral undulation, where the snake bends its body into S-shaped curves and pushes against rocks, plants and bumps in the ground. Snakes have hundreds of vertebrae and ribs, connected to many muscles, which gives them great flexibility.
Heavy snakes like pythons often use rectilinear movement, creeping forward in a straight line by lifting and pulling belly scales in waves. In tight spaces, snakes use concertina movement, bunching up and stretching out like an accordion. On loose sand, sidewinders throw their bodies sideways, touching the ground at only a few points.
Special moves
Some snakes can climb trees by gripping bark with their scales, and a few, like the flying snakes of Southeast Asia, can glide between trees by flattening their bodies. Most snakes swim well, using the same S-shaped motion in water.
Did You Know?
The black mamba is one of the fastest snakes, reaching speeds of around 16 kilometers per hour over short distances.