Sidewinder

A sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) is a species of rattlesnake native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is named for its unique, sideways-looping method of locomotion.

The sidewinder is a relatively small rattlesnake, typically growing to a length of about 2 feet. Its body is a tan, cream, or gray color with darker blotches, which provides excellent camouflage against the desert sand. They have a stout body and a distinctive, prominent horn-like scale over each eye, which helps to keep sand out of their eyes.

Sidewinders are found in arid, sandy environments, including deserts, dunes, and dry washes. They are nocturnal predators that primarily hunt small rodents, lizards, and birds. They are ambush predators and will often bury themselves in the sand with only their eyes exposed, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by.

The most remarkable feature of the sidewinder is its unique method of movement. To travel across loose sand, the snake lifts its body into a series of sideways S-shaped loops, only touching the ground with two points at a time. This form of locomotion, called sidewinding, helps them move efficiently on the slippery surface and prevents them from overheating by minimizing contact with the hot sand.