The Four Unique Methods of Snake Movement: A Deep Dive

With over 4,000 distinct species of snakes on the planet, it makes sense that some have adapted to overcome their limited mobility compared to their nimble prey, such as rats and rabbits. These reptiles, which lost their legs through natural selection, are found on every continent except Antarctica. Movement is an important part of snakes’ ability to survive. So, how do snakes move? Zoologists have identified four specific methods that snakes use to navigate their environments. Continue reading to discover more about the four ways snakes move.

Lateral Undulation

Lateral undulation is the most common form of movement for snakes because it is the most effective method of movement. What appears to be a seamless and smooth serpentine motion across the surface of the ground is the result of the snake contracting and releasing muscles up and down the length of its body. By creating force at multiple points simultaneously and sequentially activating the powerful dorsal muscles along their bodies, snakes can effectively move forward in a series of undulating segments.

While the dorsal muscles generate momentum, the snake’s head and neck determine its direction of movement. Lateral undulation is the standard for most snakes, but it also one of the most complex. Research has discovered distinct differences in the patterns and behavior of undulating snakes, with notable differences between snakes that undulate on land and those that undulate in water.

Concertina Locomotion

Concertina locomotion is a straightforward form of movement that allows snakes to move in a straight line rather than requiring them to undulate, but the act of straining muscles in this manner results in significantly higher expenditures of energy.

Snakes that use concertina locomotion are typically larger species like pythons and boas, but there’s also a preference for the movement style among arboreal (tree-dwelling) snakes. The bridging motion of concertina locomotion makes it much easier for snakes to cross gaps between branches or limbs when moving through trees.

Sidewinding

Sidewinder rattlesnakes are the serpents most famous for their sidewinding movement style, but they aren’t the only snakes to exhibit this behavior. Though functionally similar to lateral undulation, in sidewinding, only a portion of the snake’s body touches the surface of the ground. It may look like a chaotic and ineffective method of travel, but a sidewinder rattlesnake can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.

Sidewinding is an adaptation that allows snakes to traverse the loose, hot sand of the desert. Minimizing direct contact with the sand and regularly shifting contact points makes it easier for a snake to avoid sand shifting underneath them. Sidewinders are also adept at climbing. By placing their weight as flush as they can to the dunes they’re climbing, they can ascend steep, sandy surfaces.

Rectilinear Locomotion

Rectilinear locomotion is similar to concertina movement in that it allows snakes to move in a straight line. This method makes use of strong muscles along the abdomen rather than lifting themselves into high coils.

Rectilinear locomotion is common among the largest snake species. As the slowest form of movement, it allows these snakes to move silently, a distinct advantage for ambush hunters like boa constrictors.

Arboreal snakes combine rectilinear locomotion with concertina movement when navigating through trees, and there is evidence that many snake species use rectilinear locomotion even if they primarily move using lateral undulation.

Rectilinear movement is used when a snake needs to squeeze through tight spaces or navigate tunnels. It has proven to be such an effective method for moving through difficult terrain, such as mud and rocks, that engineers have begun to study rectilinear locomotion as an alternative to wheeled robots.