Flying Snake

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Chrysopelea pelias aerial images

Below are images of the twin-barred tree snake (Chrysopelea pelias) taking to the air.This species does not glide as well as C. paradisi , but it is able to move horizontally. (In

other words, it doesn't just fall straight downward.) Most of the photos on this pagewere taken by Dr. Chris Sidor.

J-loop posture, during takeoff. Note that, in the curve, the ventral surface faces to theside, not downward, indicating that this is a lateral (side) bend.

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Accelerating upward during takeoff.

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Mid-glide posture.

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Mid-glide.

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Mid-glide.

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About to land on the ground. Notice that in this posture, the tail will make contact first,which will reduce the impact force on the head.

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Landing.

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Chrysopelea paradisi aerial images

Below are images of the paradise tree snake (Chrysopelea paradisi ) taking to the air.This species glides well, and can maneuver in the air.

Upon becoming airborne, the paradise tree snake flattens out from just behind the headto its vent (the multi-purpose opening used for waste ejection and mating, seen here asa small bump at the end where the scale pattern changes). On the bottom surface, thesnake's cross-section is mostly flat with a small curve on each side, giving the snake a

somewhat concave shape. The flattening doubles the snake's normal width.

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This small snake is a good glider. It weighs about the same as four (US) nickels.

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The first 'lump' is the heart, and the other small lumps further down the snake areunidentified (likely food items in various stages of digest).

The snake's shape on its top surface is somewhat triangular.

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A snake taking off, in Singapore in 2000.

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The S-shape, as seen from the side.

Landing on a branch. The front part of the snake has already returned to its normalrounded shape, whereas the rear is still flattened.

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About to land.

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The rear body and tail. The body is contorted at this point, a consequence of thetwisting that takes place during takeoff, which just occurred.

The rear body and tail.

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Silhouette of the S-shape just after takeoff, in Singapore.

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Video Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzYiN3T4T90&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa43TX-xFs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLZ_guSl3HY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3JHAQ7yEIs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtlpfTwzziY&feature=related