Five Interesting Snake Facts

by David Lowbridge

Previously, we’ve discussed some interesting snake facts you might not have known. However, these were mostly from rumours and myths that people have spread about snakes. In this short article, we’ll discuss some interesting snake facts that you might not have heard a rumour about.

Snake Lungs

Most snakes only have one single, working lung – the other lung has become smaller to the point where it is useless. This is not the same for every snake, as some more primitive snakes still have two working lungs, but these tend to be the slower species, such as pythons and boas, though not always the case.

The reason for one lung is because of the body shape. Being long and thin means there is less room for the snake to encompass all the body parts we have. Therefore, they don’t need two lungs.

Snakes Have a Pelvic Bone

Most people assume that snakes don’t have legs. While they don’t have legs as we would see them, some snakes do have vestigial legs, i.e. legs that aren’t working much. Snake species such as pythons and boas have these at the base of the tail. These vestigial legs are pretty useless, but they are there, as is the pelvic bone.

Pythons and boas are known as primitive snakes, which is why they still have these structures. Colubrids and other more modern snakes don’t have these structures.

One Snake is Both Poisonous and Venomous

Often people ask whether a snake is poisonous, but this is wrong most of the time. Poison is a reactive defence, something that must be consumed to have an effect. Venom, on the other hand, is when the animal has to actively infect you through a bite or a sting.

So poison is always a defence. But venom can be used for hunting and defence.

So, therefore most snakes are venomous. Snakes such as adders, vipers, cobras, etc.

However, there is the Rhabdophis keelback, which is both venomous and poisonous. Their poisons are acquired by sequestering toxins from their prey, poisonous toads. This is similar to how poison dart frogs get their poison from eating beetles.

You Can’t Tell When a Snake is Sleeping

Snakes don’t have eyelids, therefore, you can’t tell when a snake is sleeping as their eyes don’t shut. To protect their eyes, they have an opaque layer of scales over their eyes to prevent dirt and debris from affecting their sight.

So, when your snake is shedding, the snake must also shed the scales from over their eyes. And this is where some snakes struggle and get what they call an eye cap. This needs to be removed because it can stop a snake from seeing their surroundings.

They Have Five Different Ways to Move

Snake movement is often simplified, but snakes are excellent at determining the best way to move, depending on the environment. Lateral undulation is the most common form of movement, but there are other options, such as concertina, which uses seven times the amount of energy than other forms.

There is also another type of locomotion that is used when the snake is trying to escape but is on a smooth surface, this is known as slide pushing.

Final Word: Five Interesting Snake Facts

There are lots of things about fascinating snakes. Above are some of the more interesting facts that you might not have known about. If you have any others, then feel free to let us know. Or if you want to learn more about snakes, why not book an animal experience at our facility?

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