Rectilinear locomotion

Rectilinear locomotion or rectilinear progression is a mode of locomotion most often associated with snakes, particularly heavy-bodied species like terrestrial pythons and boas, although most snakes are capable of it.^[1] Unlike all other modes of snake locomotion, in which the snake bends its body, in rectilinear locomotion, the snake flexes its body only when turning.^[1]

Rectilinear locomotion relies upon two opposing muscles, the costcutaneous inferior and superior, which are present on every rib and connect the rib to the skin.^[2] The ribs themselves do not move, only the skin.^[2] First, the costcutaneous superior lifts a section of the snake's belly from the ground ^[3] and places it ahead of its former position. Then, the costcutaneous inferior pulls backwards while the belly scales are on the ground, propelling the snake forwards. These sections of contact propagate posteriorly, resulting in continuous motion.

This method of locomotion is extremely slow, but is also almost noiseless and very hard to detect, making it the mode of choice for many species when stalking prey.

References

1 2 C. Gans (1986). Locomotion of Limbless Vertebrates: Pattern and Evolution.
1 2 H. W. Lissmann (1950). Rectilinear Locomotion in a Snake (Boa Occidentalis).
↑ H. Marvi, J. Bridges and D. L. Hu (2013). Snakes mimic earthworms: propulsion using rectilinear travelling waves.

Animal locomotion on land

Gait class

Legged	Brachiation Arboreal locomotion Hand-walking Jumping Knuckle-walking Gait Running Walking

Legless	Concertina movement Undulatory locomotion Rectilinear locomotion Rolling Sidewinding Other modes

Anatomy

Specific

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