Rarely, they can reach lengths of 2.5 feet. Sidewinders remain between 1.5 and 2 feet long, even when fully grown. The only smaller species is the Pygmy rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius. But sidewinders are one of the smallest rattlesnakes in the world. Many species of rattlesnake can reach 5 feet in length or more as adults. They will then strike at the animal, and wait for it to die before swallowing it whole. Instead, they partially bury themselves in sand, and lie in wait for prey to pass by. They are ambush predators, so they don’t chase their prey down. Sidewinders have long fangs and potent venom, which quickly disables their prey. Juvenile sidewinders start off by eating small lizards. But if necessary, they will eat birds and reptiles, including smaller desert-dwelling snakes. They will consume just about any animal that they come across, if it’s small enough to swallow.Ī sidewinder’s preferred prey is rodents, such as kangaroo rats. Like all rattlesnakes, sidewinders are strict carnivores. But you may come across one if you go out exploring in the desert. So, you’re highly unlikely to find a sidewinder in your house or yard. They’re solitary animals, and prefer to stay away from populated areas. Sidewinders only inhabit dry, sandy, arid areas. They are also native to parts of northern Mexico, close to the border (Sonora and Baja California). In the U.S., sidewinders can only be found in four states: They can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Sidewinder rattlesnakes are endemic to a small part of North America. They need to keep their eyes clear to watch for prey. Sidewinders often bury themselves in sand. To keep sand from falling into the eyes, preventing damage.This would help protect the eyes from UV radiation, and aid their vision in bright desert sunlight. To shade the eyes, a little like the peak on a cap.However, it’s thought that they serve two main functions: Scientists aren’t exactly sure why sidewinders evolved these special scales. Instead, they are supraocular scales, made of skin.

However, they are not truly horns, as they are not made of keratin. This name refers to two spiky protrusions that grow above their eyes. The sidewinder’s less common nickname is ‘horned rattlesnake’. It also allows sidewinders to move at great speeds. It reduces contact between their body and the hot sand below them, preventing overheating. This type of movement leaves characteristic J-shaped tracks in the sand. They anchor themselves with their tail, and throw their bodies forward in an S shape. But when sidewinders move, only their head and tail make contact with the earth. Most snakes move roughly in a straight line, with their entire body touching the ground.

Their sidewinding motion is a fascinating adaptation that helps them move on loose sand. Why are sidewinders called sidewinders? It’s because of the way they move. Here are 17 fun facts about sidewinder snakes. There are three types of sidewinder, each named after the desert that they inhabit: Mojave, Sonoran and Colorado. It’s a small but venomous snake that inhabits deserts in the southwest U.S and northern Mexico. This species also goes by the name ‘horned rattlesnake’. The nickname ‘sidewinder’ or ‘sidewinder snake’ refers to Crotalus cerastes, a type of rattlesnake.

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