Flying Snakes Are No Longer Just Fantasy, Research Successfully Reveals Their Flying Methods

Paradisiac chrysopelea snake (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Just seeing snakes on the ground has scared many people, especially if they see snakes that can fly? Besides being afraid, people must be confused. But, is it true that snakes can do that? More important questions, if possible, how?

The paradise tree snake or chrysopelea paradisi is one that can do just that. It can fly by pushing air from tree to tree. This type of snake can be found in South and Southeast Asia.

So how do they do it? Scientists from Virginia Tech have just published a study on how snakes "fly". The research was published yesterday, Monday, June 30.

The study's lead author, Isaac Yeaton told CNN that snakes make a wavy motion when they jump through the air. This movement is also called "undulation" or a wave-bending motion.

All the snakes moved in waves as they walked on the ground. It turns out that flying snakes do the same thing in the air. The question is why do snakes have to move in waves to walk or fly?

Basic movement

One of the hypotheses why snakes perform undulation is because it has become an archetype of snake motor movement that has been formed over millions of years. Furthermore, Yaeton said they now understand that undulation stabilizes the jump and keeps the snakes from falling ashore, allowing them to travel even further horizontal distances.

The researchers conducted the experiment indoors by observing real flying snakes. Through these observations they also developed a computational model. "This is a big step forward," said Yeaton.

The next stage is observing how the snake jumps outdoors or on trees. In addition, further research is needed to reveal how they generate lift and how they rotate in the air.

"Snakes are organisms that raise a lot of questions and there are still many mysteries to solve," said Yeaton.

After seeing how the snake flies, not a few people feel surprised. Yaeton said, this may be one reason why many people are afraid of reptiles. "So the idea that these animals could then fly would be even more unsettling to people," he said.