Dwarf Reed Snakes Cartwheel to Escape Predators, Study in Current Biology Reveals Biomechanics

A recent study published on October 19 in Current Biology highlights the cartwheeling escape technique of dwarf reed snakes (Pseudorabdion longiceps). Yosuke Kojima, an ecologist from Toho University, was astonished to discover this behavior seven years ago. His research team gathered various snakes at Kubah National Park in Malaysia, including one P. longiceps, one P. collaris, 11 P. saravacense, and six Calamaria for comparison. The Pseudorabdion species demonstrated rolling abilities, achieving speeds between 3.8 and 8.3 mph. Although cartwheeling was first documented in 2019, biologist Jessica Tingle pointed out that many questions about its evolution and mechanics remain unanswered. Dwarf reed snakes, which are slender and nocturnal, can grow up to nine inches and are preyed upon by birds and other snakes.