Why does the sidewinder move sideways?

Answer 1

There are two explanations:

1. Efficiency - The Sidewinder lives generally in dry, hot and sandy environments.

The normal mode of propulsion of snakes requires a somewhat solid surface,

as the belly scales, moved in a peristaltic fashion, push against the surface. In a

environment with very loose sand, which can act almost like a fluid, the scales find

very little resistance and hence would produce very little propulsion. The motion

of the sidewinder uses entire segments of its body to act as a "foot" or "stand"

from which to propel itself forward, then re-coils and starts over, thus affording

it more resistance from the sand and in turn better propulsion.

2. Heat - By keeping only intermittent contact with the sand the snake lowers its

heat absorption and prolongs the time it can spend in the open.

While both explanations are perfectly reasonable, it seem to make more sense that

the evolutionary reason for the Sidewinder's movement is most likely the propulsion,

where as the heat aspect is a minor benefit.

Answer 2

They are the second fastest snake after the black mamba.It moves as fast as 10 km/per hour ( 18 miles/per hour )

Answer 3

it throws its head forwards and then drags the rest of its body forwards... or its the other way round. not sure