Snakes are carnivorous reptiles with long, slender bodies and can vary in size from 4 inches/ 10 centimeters for some small species to several feet/ meters for pythons and anacondas. Snakes typically move by using their ribs to push themselves forward. Depending on the species, they can be active during the day or night, and most are solitary animals that do not form social groups. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and feed primarily on small vertebrates like mice, lizards, and frogs.
Snakes Can Live Up To 8 Years In The Wild And 20 Years In Captivity
Some snake species like pythons can live up to 30 years in captivity.
Snakes in the wild encounter predators and may succumb to other natural causes.
The Snake Clitoris Was Discovered in 2022
Discovered by an all-female research team at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide in Australia, this is the first anatomical description of the female snake clitoris. This is a first-of-its-kind study because female genitalia is often overlooked as compared to studies on male genitalia. Scientists believe that the organ may create sensations that promote longer and more frequent mating leading to higher fertilization rates.
Across the animal kingdom female genitalia are overlooked in comparison to their male counterparts…Our study counters the long-standing assumption that the clitoris (hemiclitores) is either absent or non-functional in snakes.
Megan Folwell, researcher
We found the heart-shaped snake hemiclitores is composed of nerves and red blood cells consistent with erectile tissue – which suggests it may swell and become stimulated during mating. This is important because snake mating is often thought to involve coercion of the female – not seduction.
Kate Sanders, researcher
These findings can help further understand the systematics, reproductive evolution, and ecology of snake-like reptiles, such as lizards.
Gabon Vipers Have The Second-Largest Venom Yield of Other Snakes
Gabon vipers do not release their prey after a bite. They hang on. Gaboon vipers have the second-largest venom yield of other snakes. They’re typically found in dense tropical rainforests and savannas in parts of sun-Saharan Africa.
Why Do Snakes Represent Transformation and Healing in Spiritualism?
Snakes often symbolize transformation and healing due to their ability to shed their skin.
Snakes have been used as symbols of transformation and healing for many different cultures throughout history. For example, the Greek god Asclepius, who is associated with healing and medicine, is often portrayed with a serpent-entwined staff.
Sources
Folwell Megan J., Sanders Kate L., Brennan Patricia L. R. andCrowe-Riddell Jenna M. 2022 First evidence of hemiclitores in snakes Proc. R. Soc. B.2892022170220221702 http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.1702
