Slither: How Nature’s Most Maligned Creatures Illuminate Our World

In this excellent study, science journalist Hall (Wisdom) surveys the distinctive biology and behavior of snakes. He describes, for instance, how the sidewinder achieves lateral locomotion by using its head as an anchor while pushing its body to the side, and how female snakes across species can prevent unwanted insemination by closing their oviducts or increasing the acidity of their genitals, destroying sperm. Serpents have more complex social lives than commonly appreciated, Hall posits, noting that some rattlesnake mothers care for their young after birth, prefer hanging out with certain fellow females over others, and entrust such “friends” to babysit their brood. Examining what humans stand to learn from the reptiles, Hall details how scientists hope to develop new diabetes treatments for humans by studying how pythons cope with the insulin shock of consuming prey 1.6 times their body mass “in one gulp.” The surprising science will change how readers view snakes, and sections tracing how cultures throughout history have viewed the creatures shed light on how they became so maligned. For example, Hall suggests snakes became Christian symbols of evil in part because of the religion’s efforts to vilify followers of the Greek god Asklepios, who was said to have learned his healing techniques from snakes. The result is a revelatory take on the much feared reptiles. (Apr.)