Do snakes have belly buttons? It’s a question that has puzzled people for years. After all snakes are reptiles and reptiles don’t have belly buttons right?
Wrong.
It turns out that snakes DO have belly buttons. They’re just a bit hidden.
Snakes are born with a small indentation on their bellies called a cloacal slit. This is where their reproductive organs and urinary system open. Over time as the snake grows the cloacal slit moves further and further down the body until it’s located just above the snake’s ventral scale row.
At this point the cloacal slit closes over and a small round structure called a cloacal papilla forms in its place. This is the snake’s belly button.
Interestingly the cloacal papilla is not just a vestigial structure. It actually serves an important purpose.
The cloacal papilla is used by male snakes during mating. During copulation the male snake will insert his cloacal papilla into the female’s cloacal slit. This helps to transfer sperm from the male to the female.
So there you have it. Snakes do have belly buttons. They’re just a bit different from ours.
Do snakes have belly buttons?
Snakes do not have belly buttons.
How many bones are in a snake’s body?
Snakes have between 200 and 400 bones in their bodies depending on the species.
What is the longest snake in the world?
The longest snake in the world is the reticulated python which can grow to be up to 33 feet long.
What is the smallest snake in the world?
The smallest snake in the world is the threadsnake which only grows to be about 4 inches long.
How many fangs does a venomous snake have?
A venomous snake has two fangs located in the front of its mouth.
How many times can a snake shed its skin?
A snake can shed its skin up to four times a year.
What is the difference between a venomous snake and a poisonous snake?
A venomous snake is one that has venom glands and is capable of injecting venom into its prey.
A poisonous snake is one that produces venom but is not capable of injecting it.
What is the average lifespan of a snake?
The average lifespan of a snake is between 10 and 20 years though some species can live for up to 30 years.
What is the diet of a snake?
The diet of a snake depends on the species but most snakes are carnivorous eating small mammals reptiles and birds.
What is the predator of a snake?
The predators of a snake depend on the size and species of the snake but can include large mammals birds of prey and other snakes.
How do snakes move?
Snakes move by using their muscles to push against the ground which propels them forward.
How do snakes digest their food?
Snakes digest their food by using their muscles to push it through their bodies.
They then swallow their food whole and it enters their stomach where it begins to break down.
Can all snakes swim?
All snakes are capable of swimming but some species are better swimmers than others.
Do all snakes have scales?
All snakes have scales which help them to move and to protect their bodies.
What is the average length of a snake?
The average length of a snake is between 3 and 8 feet though some species can grow to be much larger.
