The dwarf reed snakes (Pseudorabdion) pull off this acrobatic feat by keeping their head in a relatively fixed position while rotating the rest of their body, according to a new study published Monday (Oct. 19) in the journal Current Biology.
"Rolling allows them to escape from danger very quickly," study first author Yosuke Kojima, a lecturer in the biology department at Toho University in Japan, told Live Science. "In our study, their peak forward velocity during rolling was, on average, four times that of normal undulating locomotion."
In a 2023 study, researchers formally documented the rolling behavior for the first time in one dwarf reed snake species (P. longiceps), which researchers observed in northwestern Malaysia in 2019. Kojima's team started independently observing the behavior around the same time in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, on Borneo.
For the new study, researchers filmed the rolling behavior multiple times in three dwarf reed species — P. saravacense, P. collaris and P. longiceps — between 2019 and 2022. The team also studied three reed snakes from another genus (Calamaria), which didn't perform the behavior.
Snakes aren't the only tumblers in nature. For example, some desert spiders can roll away from danger, as can mother-of-pearl moth caterpillars (Pleurotya ruralis or Patania ruralis). However, the snakes are unique in that they seem to have good control over their rolls.
Pseudorabdion saravacense is one of three dwarf reed snake species now known to perform the rolling behavior. (Image credit: Yosuke Kojima)
In addition to studying speed and form, the researchers found that the snakes could move in a relatively straight line, readily moving along a "racetrack" that was only 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide. The researchers noted that the snakes often ended their tumbling routine by diving underneath nearby objects, so they seem to remain aware of their surroundings.
RELATED STORIESThe rolling is a behavioral innovation that allows the snakes to overcome their physical constraints and pull off an otherwise impossible movement, according to the researchers.
Researchers have speculated that the bizarre behavior could surprise and confuse predators, in addition to being a rapid means of escape. The authors of the 2023 study also hypothesized that rolling would result in a patchy scent trail, and because king cobras (Ophiophagus) use scent cues to locate their prey, this could make it harder for the predators to hunt dwarf reed snakes.
How much do you know about snakes? Test your knowledge with our snake quiz!
Hence then, the article about watch bizarre snake cartwheel away from danger at more than 12 feet per second was published today ( ) and is available on Live Science ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Watch bizarre snake 'cartwheel' away from danger at more than 12 feet per second )
Also on site :
- Netflix, Bengali Streamer Hoichoi Partner to Bring Series to Hindi, Tamil and Telugu Audiences
- Le Creuset’s ‘Beautiful and Versatile’ Cocotte Baking Dish Makes a ‘Great Gift’ and Is Just $22 Ahead of the Holidays
- ‘Nobody Wants This’ Season 3 Review: Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s Netflix Romance Levels Up but Can’t Ditch Old Habits