ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Crotalus cerastes

Crotalus cerastes is a type of snake also known as the sidewinder. Now, imagine you are in the desert and you see a snake moving quickly across the sand. This snake moves differently from other snakes – it moves sideways, like a crab!

The sidewinder uses this method of movement because it helps them to move quickly across the sand without sinking in. This is because sand is not packed tightly like solid ground, so it can be hard for snakes to move on it. But the sidewinder has figured out a trick to move quickly without getting stuck.

The sidewinder also has some really cool features to help them survive in the desert. They have special scales on their belly that help them to grip the sand as they move. They can also change the pattern of their scales to match the sand, making them harder to see.

Finally, the Crotalus cerastes is a venomous snake. This means it has poison in its fangs that it can use to defend itself or to catch its prey. You should always be careful around snakes, especially venomous ones!