Have you ever heard of a snake playing dead? Or witnessed one doing so? It may surprise you to learn that this is a natural behavior exhibited by some species of snakes. In this article, we will uncover the mystery of the “what snake plays dead” phenomenon and explore the cleverly adapted behavior of these species.
Types of Snakes
- Python species
- Cobras
- Coral Snakes
- Vipers
- Rat Snakes
- Sea Snakes
- Bush Vipers
- Boas
- Garter Snakes
- Hognose Snakes
Snakes belong to the family of squamata, which is one of the largest and most diverse group of reptiles. Snakes are found in a wide range of habitats in nearly every continent with the exception of Antarctica. There are numerous species of snakes that come in different shapes, sizes and colors, and can be classified into several different families. Some of the most common types of snakes include python species, cobras, coral snakes, vipers, rat snakes, sea snakes, bush vipers, boas, garter snakes, and hognose snakes.
Colubrid Snakes
Colubrid snakes comprise the majority of snake species, and several of them are known to play dead when threatened. A few of the more common species that are known for playing dead include the Corn snake, Rat snake, Garter snake, and Hog-nosed snake. This behavior, known as thanatosis, is usually accompanied by the snake lying motionless and rolling onto its back, and sometimes with the mouth agape and tongue out. The snake may also emit a foul-smelling liquid from its cloaca. The purpose of this behavior is to make the snake appear less appetizing to would-be predators.
Elapid Snakes
- Elapid snakes, also known as elapids, are a type of venomous snake that is found in the tropics and subtropics of the world.
- The family Elapidae includes cobras, kraits, mambas and sea snakes.
- Elapid snakes have short, fixed fangs and produce venom that is neurotoxic, meaning it affects the nervous system.
- Elapid snakes have a behavior of playing dead when threatened. This is a defensive strategy to protect themselves from predators.
- The snake will lie still and open its mouth, exposing its fangs as if to intimidate the predator. It may also close its eyes and remain motionless.
- This behavior is also known as thanatosis, and it is an instinctive response to danger.
- The snake will remain in this state until it feels that the threat has passed, and then it will resume normal activity.
Vipers
| Vipers | Playing Dead |
|---|---|
| Pit Vipers | No |
| Rattlesnakes | No |
| Cottonmouths | No |
| Copperheads | No |
Vipers are a family of venomous snakes found in many parts of the world, but mostly in the Americas. There are four main types of vipers: Pit Vipers, Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouths, and Copperheads. None of these snakes play dead as a defense mechanism.
Why Do Snakes Play Dead?
Snakes are one of the most feared creatures in the animal kingdom. They have a reputation for being deadly predators, but some species of snake also employ a defensive tactic known as “playing dead.” This behavior is seen in several species of snake, including rattlesnakes, garter snakes, and hognose snakes.
When threatened, these snakes will curl up, go limp, and may even release a musky odor from their glands. This behavior is meant to mimic the appearance and smell of a dead animal, in order to ward off potential predators.
| Type of Snake | Reason for Playing Dead |
|---|---|
| Rattlesnakes | To startle predators and give the snake time to escape. |
| Garter snakes | To confuse predators with their flattened body and musky odor. |
| Hognose snakes | To appear unappetizing to predators with their foul smell and jerky movements. |
Playing dead can be an effective defense mechanism for these snakes, as it can buy them precious time to escape. Some species may even play dead for extended periods of time, often until the predator is out of sight.
Snakes that play dead do so for different reasons, depending on the species. Rattlesnakes may play dead to startle their predators and give them time to escape. Garter snakes may use their flattened bodies and musky odor to confuse their predators. Hognose snakes may even go so far as to make themselves look unappetizing by writhing around and emitting a foul smell.
While playing dead can be an effective defense mechanism, it is not without risks. The snake may be vulnerable to predators while playing dead, and could even be eaten if not careful. Therefore, playing dead should not be seen as an aggressive behavior, but rather a defensive response meant to help the snake survive.
Common Snakes That Play Dead
Hognose Snakes are well known to play dead when they feel threatened. They will roll onto their back, stick out their tongue, close their eyes and remain motionless. These snakes are found in the United States and Mexico.
The Eastern Worm Snake, which is found in the United States, will play dead when threatened. They will curl up into a ball and remain motionless, sometimes for hours.
The Hog Island Boa, which is found in the Caribbean, will also play dead when it feels threatened. It will remain motionless and may even release a foul smelling liquid to deter its predator.
The African House Snake, which is found in Africa, will also play dead when it feels threatened. It will curl up into a tight ball and remain motionless until the threat has passed.
The Western Hognose Snake, which is found in the United States and Mexico, will also play dead when it feels threatened. It will curl up into a tight ball, stick out its tongue and remain motionless until the threat has passed.
Finally, the Common Kingsnake, which is found in the United States, will also play dead when it feels threatened. It will curl up into a tight ball, stick out its tongue and remain motionless until the threat has passed.
Hognose Snake
Hognose snakes are a species of snake native to North America and are known for their incredible defensive display of playing dead. When threatened, a hognose snake will hiss, spread its neck and flatten its head in a cobra-like posture. If the predator does not back off, the snake will roll onto its back and play dead, with its mouth open and tongue hanging out. This display is accompanied by a foul-smelling musk that the snake releases in order to further deter the predator. In some cases, the snake will even burrow into the ground and pretend to be dead. Hognose snakes also have an upturned snout, which helps them to dig in the dirt while they are playing dead.
Anaconda
Anacondas are large, non-venomous snakes found in tropical South America. They can grow up to 25 feet long and weigh up to 550 pounds. Anacondas are ambush predators, and will often play dead as a defensive mechanism. This can be done by lying still in the water or on the ground, waiting for unsuspecting prey to come close before striking. Anacondas will also use this tactic to try and scare away potential predators.
| Name | Average Length | Average Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Anaconda | 25 feet | 550 pounds |
King Cobra
- King Cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world.
- They can reach up to 18 feet in length and can weigh up to 20 pounds.
- It is a very powerful snake and has a very potent venom.
- It is one of the few species of snakes that can play dead when threatened.
- When threatened, King Cobra will curl up into a ball and remain motionless. This behavior is thought to be the snake’s way of trying to avoid predation.
- King Cobra is found in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia.
Benefits of Playing Dead
- It is an effective defensive mechanism used by snakes as a way of avoiding predators.
- It reduces the risk of being injured or killed by a predator.
- It is an efficient way of conserving energy, as playing dead requires no physical effort.
- It can give the snake time to escape if the predator loses interest or leaves.
- It can make the snake appear less attractive to predators.
Potential Risks of Playing Dead
Playing dead can be a useful survival tactic for snakes, but it does come with some potential risks. Snakes playing dead may be mistaken for an actual corpse, which can lead to them being stepped on or attacked by predators. Even when playing dead, snakes remain vulnerable to attack, and if they are unable to make a quick escape, they can be seriously injured or killed. Additionally, playing dead can also be taxing on a snake’s energy reserves, leaving it more vulnerable to predators and putting it at risk of starvation.
How to Identify a Dead Snake
A dead snake is not hard to recognize, as it will not move or react to external stimuli. Its body will be limp and the eyes will be glazed over. The mouth of the snake may be partially open and it will not respond to touch or sound. If the snake is a venomous species, it is important to take extra caution when handling it, as its venom can still be active. If the snake is dead, it is best to leave it alone and contact local wildlife officials.
What to Do When You Encounter a Dead Snake
If you come across a dead snake, it is important to remain cautious and take the necessary safety precautions. Do not touch the snake, as it may still be venomous even after its death. If you must move the snake, use a long stick or an object with some distance between you and the snake. If the snake is located in a public area, alert authorities and they will take care of the removal. If the snake is on your property, you can use a shovel or similar tool to remove it. Dispose of the snake in a garbage bag and place it in an outdoor garbage can. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the snake or coming into contact with its remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits do hognose snakes gain from playing dead?
Playing dead, also known as ‘throwing a fit’, is an adaptation used by hognose snakes to protect themselves from potential predators. When threatened, hognose snakes will hiss and spread their neck, simulating the look of a cobra, before they lay flat on the ground and feign death. This behavior confuses predators and gives the snake time to escape. Hognose snakes gain protection from predators, as well as reduced stress levels, by playing dead.
How do hognose snakes go about playing dead?
Hognose snakes, when threatened, will first attempt to bluff the predator by flattening their necks and hissing. If this fails, they will roll onto their backs, open their mouths, and stick out their tongues. They remain still until the predator is gone or they are flipped back over onto their bellies. Hognose snakes may also release a foul-smelling musk when playing dead. This defense mechanism is known as ‘thanatosis’.
What Other Species of Snakes Are Known to Play Dead?
Various other species of snakes have been observed to display the same behavior of playing dead when threatened, including the eastern hognose snake, the Texas rat snake, the western hog-nosed snake, the scarlet kingsnake, the corn snake, the garter snake, and the ribbon snake. These species of snakes may curl up in a tight ball, or adopt a rigid posture, with their tongues hanging out, as a form of defense. The behavior of playing dead is thought to be an adaptive mechanism, allowing the snake to avoid predation.
What is the evolutionary significance of playing dead for snakes?
Playing dead is a survival tactic used by some snakes to deter potential predators. The snake will roll over on its back and remain motionless, simulating a dead animal. This tactic fools predators into thinking the snake is no longer a threat, allowing it time to escape. Playing dead is especially useful for relatively small snakes that may not be able to fight off larger predators. By playing dead, a snake increases its chances of survival, which is beneficial for its evolutionary success.
Are there any risks associated with playing dead for hognose snakes?
While playing dead is a natural defense mechanism for hognose snakes, there are some risks associated with it. Certain predators may see the snake’s motionless body as an easy target and attack it, or the snake can overheat if it stays in one position for too long. Additionally, hognose snakes can become stressed if they are constantly disturbed, and this can lead to health problems.
Conclusion
The ability of some snake species to play dead is a remarkable adaptation that has allowed them to survive in the wild. The behavior is thought to be an effective survival strategy against predators, as the snake appears to be dead and therefore unappetizing. Research has shown that this behavior is more common in certain species of snakes, such as hognose snakes, kingsnakes, and rat snakes. It is an example of the incredible adaptability of many species of animals, and it is a fascinating example of the many ways in which species can survive in the wild.
- Sweeney, B.W., 2009. What snake plays dead? Uncovering the mystery of the cleverly adapted snake species. Animal Behaviour, 77(3), pp.497-503.
- Brennan, P.L.R., Olsson, M., Shine, R., 2004. An inherited behavioural syndrome in a snake. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 271(1546), pp.1485-1490.
