28K views · 264 reactions |  Gaboon Adder Rectilinear Locomotion ...

Have you ever seen a snake move like this? Until recently, neither had scientists. This is the brown tree snake, an invasive species on the island of Guam. The snake's lasso-like movement is a new mode of locomotion for snakes. Previously experts had identified only four modes. The findings were published in a recent issue of the Current Biology journal. Read more environment and conservation news on mongabay.com | Mongabay.com

Snake locomotion is a fascinating display of biomechanical versatility. These limbless creatures have evolved various techniques to traverse different terrains. The most common method is lateral undulation, where rhythmic contractions create rippling waves along the body, propelling the snake forward efficiently. Sidewinding is used on loose surfaces, reducing friction by only having a few points of contact with the ground simultaneously. In tight spaces, snakes employ concertina locomotion, anc

Franklin the West African Gaboon Viper doing some Rectilinear Locomotion! Moving in a caterpillar-like fashion. Scale scootin boogie. Just because heavy bodied snakes will move like this when cruising, doesn’t mean they can’t move quick when they feel scared. Watch the pinned video of her on my page to see an example of that. #gaboonviper #gaboon #viper #bitis | Mark’s Reptiles

#NSFfunded researcher Bruce Jayne at the University of Cincinnati unlocks the mechanics of the rectilinear locomotion of snakes! | National Science Foundation (NSF)