Discovering the Desert / Gaining Understanding
Animalia, Chordata, Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae
The Sidewinder's (Crotalus cerrastes) common name refers to its method of movement, which involves thrusting its body diagonally in a series of flat S- or J-shaped curves. Motion studies reveal this movement is highly efficient at moving over loose sand and desert slopes. A sidewinder's top speed can be up to 18 mph.
“Wet” specimens are preserved in fluid, usually denatured alcohol. They retain the 3-D quality of the animal, and preserve soft tissues and DNA for future research. They are used in DNA sequencing studies to detect changes in a species over time.
Joshua Tree National Park, JOTR 17122