10 Fascinating facts about snakes
20th Nov 2023 Animals & Pets
3 min read
Snakes are some of the most mythologised creatures in the animal kingdom. Join us as we lift the veil on ten facts about these slithering animals
Snakes have long been the stuff of legends, inspiring
both awe and fear in the hearts of humans. But how much do we really know about these incredible
reptiles? From the marvels of their biology to the myths that surround them,
our journey through ten fascinating snake facts promises to unravel some of the
mysteries, debunk some of the myths, and celebrate these intriguing creatures.
1. Snakes can "hear" through their jaws
Snakes, including deaf snakes, can use their jaws to "hear." Their lower jawbones are not connected at the front, allowing them
to move independently.
"Snakes can pick up signals through its jawbones where they are transferred to its inner ear"
When a snake encounters vibrations in the ground, these
signals are picked up through its jawbones and transferred to its inner ear.
This unique adaptation helps them detect prey, predators, or even subtle
movements in their environment.
2. The lengthy and limbless: record-breaking serpents
Some snakes can be over 30 feet in length. Credit: Diego Madrigal
The world's longest snake, the reticulated python,
holds the title for the most impressive measurement. These serpents can grow to
lengths exceeding 30 feet. In contrast, the slender thread snake, native to
Barbados, is the shortest known snake, measuring less than four inches!
3. Serpentine sweethearts: the true nature of snakes
Despite their sinister reputation in folklore, snakes
are often more friend than foe. In the intricate web of ecosystems, these
creatures play essential roles in controlling rodent populations and
maintaining a balance between prey and predators.
"Snake venom has contributed to many medical advancements"
Their venom, once considered
a menace, has also contributed to medical advancements, serving as a valuable
source of pharmaceutical research.
4. The more neon the snake, the deadlier its venom
Snakes with bright colours are often deadly. Credit: Abigail Ramirez
When you think of venomous snakes, vibrant colours may
not come to mind. Yet, many deadly snakes display striking colours to warn
predators and signal their venomous nature. From the red, yellow, and black
bands of the coral snake to the brilliant greens and blues of the poison dart
frog, nature's warning label is both colourful and fascinating.
5. Snake charmers: fact vs fiction
The age-old mystique of snake charmers has left many
with the belief that these musicians can enchant serpents with their melodies.
However, the truth is far less magical. Snakes lack external ears and cannot
hear music as humans do. Instead, they are primarily responding to the movement
of the snake charmer's instrument, believing it to be a potential predator.
6. The rattlesnake's tail cannot tell you a snake's age
Rattlesnakes use their tails to hide from predators. Credit: Pixabay
The rattlesnake, an iconic symbol of the American
West, is celebrated for its warning rattle. However, the number of rattles is not an accurate
indicator of a rattlesnake's age; a rattlesnake rattle is actually used to deter predators. Rattles can break, fall off, or be damaged
over time, leading to inaccuracies in this age estimation method. Yet, these
clever serpents employ other ways to communicate their presence, such as body
language, hissing, and even puffing up to appear larger.
7. Shedding the past: snakes' remarkable renewal
Snakes are natural-born shedders, and not just of
their skins but also their fangs! They must periodically cast off their old
fangs, making room for a fresh set.
"Snakes periodically cast off their old fangs, making room for a fresh set"
This intricate process is both mesmerising
and vital to their survival. As new fangs develop, the old ones detach, leaving
the snake momentarily fangless until the new set emerges.
8. Snake eyes: windows to the soul?
Snakes do not have eyelids in the same way that we do. Credit: Maicon Vinicius
They say eyes are the windows to the soul, but what
about snake eyes? Contrary to the often-used phrase, snakes don't reveal their
emotions through their eyes. In fact, their eyes are quite different from those
of mammals. They lack the protective eyelids we have, and instead, their eyes
are covered by a single transparent scale.
9. Snakes use a unique form of locomotion called concertina movement
Snakes employ a unique form of locomotion, called "concertina" movement, to navigate through tight spaces or when climbing. By gripping
stationary objects with sections of their bodies, they can push forward while
keeping other parts still. It's like a mesmerising ballet of scales and
muscles, a testament to the incredible adaptability and versatility of these
reptiles.
10. Snake communication: A tactile tale
Snakes often communicate via touch. Credit: pixabay
While snakes may not have ears for hearing or
expressive eyes, they're not short on ways to communicate. They often rely on
touch to convey messages to one another, including aggression, mating
intentions, and territorial boundaries.
Snakes' scales are highly sensitive to
vibrations and heat, allowing them to "feel" their surroundings and detect
other snakes. So, the next time you witness two snakes engaged in an intricate
dance of touch and texture, remember, it's a tactile tale that speaks volumes
in the world of serpents.
Banner credit: Snake (Pixabay)
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