Slithering has always been commonly associated with snakes, but did you know that there are other animals that slither as well? While most legless reptiles move through slithering, there are also legged reptiles, like lizards, that use this unique movement method alongside other motility abilities.
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But what’s even more interesting are the other facts about slithering creatures that are not related to movement. From the ability to change colours to unique hunting techniques, these creatures are truly captivating.
Animals That Slither
Snakes
When it comes to slithering, snakes are undoubtedly the experts in the animal kingdom. And while their lubricated scales help them navigate across different surfaces, snakes have surprised us with their versatile abilities. Aside from swimming and climbing, certain species of snakes in Indonesia can even fly!
The concept might sound far-fetched, but these snakes have adapted to their forest environment by launching themselves from one tree to the next, using wind currents to glide seamlessly through the air. It’s a remarkable feat, almost like watching a monkey swinging from branch to branch, but with the grace and agility unique to snakes.
Snails and Slugs
These creeping creatures belong to the mollusc family, similar to clams and oysters. They are commonly found in damp places like gardens and tend to appear at night when the temperature drops.
Their bodies are coated in a slimy substance that helps them slide across surfaces and protects them from sharp objects like rocks and sticks that may obstruct their path. This slimy coating also acts as a guide, helping them navigate back to their home, similar to Hansel and Gretel’s cookie crumbs.
Snails and slugs are social creatures and often gather and eat together. During mating, the garden slug shoots a dart at its partner, containing a substance that boosts sperm survival. This dart-throwing behaviour may have inspired the concept of Cupid’s arrow.
Their remarkable ability to regenerate has inspired medical and cosmetic treatments.
Worms
If you found the garden molluscs intriguing, prepare to be amazed by some additional facts. They share certain characteristics with snails and slugs, such as being hermaphroditic, capable of self-regeneration, and breathing through their skin.
Nonetheless, there are some distinctive traits that set them apart. For instance, imagine having five hearts! These creatures require multiple hearts to regulate their body temperature because they cannot regulate it through behaviours like knitting.
These subterranean animals are quite delicate. A staggering 90% of their body is composed of water, and they are very light-sensitive. Overexposure to light can paralyze them, and consuming too much protein can cause their intestines to rupture, leading to a deformity that even their self-regeneration cannot repair.
Leeches
Leeches have long been associated with medieval medicine, but they remain relevant in modern times. Surgeons use them post-operation to promote blood flow, and the FDA has approved their use since 2004.
Not all leeches are the same, as some have suckers on both ends of their bodies and can be found in different habitats on land or in water. They fall into three categories: land, marine, and freshwater leeches. Moreover, not all leeches feed on human blood.
The complexity of a leech’s anatomy is astounding. With six hearts and ten blood pouches to store their prey, it’s no surprise that they require a lot of processing power. They have 32 brains, multiple reproductive organs, and 10 eyes, making it a challenge to maintain basic existence.
If you thought pythons had the longest digestion time, you’re mistaken. Leeches take three months to break down all the blood they consume, requiring the assistance of 200 enzymes.
Legless Lizards
The final group of slithering animals on our list are legless lizards, which are often mistaken for snakes due to their physical characteristics and similar habitat and diet.
However, these lizards have unique features. While most reptiles lay eggs, some species of legless lizards give birth to live young. Interestingly, the baby lizards of egg-laying species must fend for themselves as soon as they hatch because their mother abandons the nest. It’s a true test of survival.
Another type of legless lizard is the glass lizard, which gets its name from its defence mechanism. When threatened, it can “spit” out its tail, which will “shatter” into pieces. This confuses predators, giving the lizard a chance to escape.
FAQs
What is an example of slithering?
Slithering is a type of movement typically associated with snakes, but it can also be seen in other creatures, such as eels and worms. Watching a snake slither can be both fascinating and eerie, as its long, flexible body glides effortlessly across the ground. It’s a fluid movement that seems to defy gravity, and it’s easy to see why it’s often used in movies and literature to create an unsettling or ominous atmosphere.
Does a lizard slither?
Lizards and snakes have distinct ways of moving, with lizards bending from side to side and retracting their legs to walk or run, and snakes slithering and undulating like a wave. However, it’s not always so clear-cut. Certain species of lizards have long, snakelike bodies and remarkably small limbs, which makes one wonder about their purpose.
What is an animal that slithers on the ground?
Reptiles
Are snakes slithering?
Yes
Final Words
Animals that slither are fascinating creatures that can inspire awe and fear in equal measure. From snakes to eels, they move in a manner that seems almost otherworldly to those of us who walk on two legs.
Their lack of limbs may give them a distinct disadvantage on land, but in their element, they are masters of stealth and surprise. Some are venomous, capable of delivering a fatal bite to unsuspecting prey or predators.
Others are harmless, but their appearance alone can be enough to send shivers down the spine. Whatever your opinion of these creatures, there is no denying their importance in the ecosystem.
Reference:
- https://research.gatech.edu/tiny-limbs-and-long-bodies-coordinating-lizard-locomotion
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/how-to-be-a-snake-life-in-motion
- https://virginiazoo.org/its-a-lizard/
A motivated philosophy graduate and student of wildlife conservation with a deep interest in human-wildlife relationships, including wildlife communication, environmental education, and conservation anthropology. Offers strong interpersonal, research, writing, and creativity skills.
