Sidewinder Rattlesnake

The pale-colored and well-camouflaged sidewinder moves through loose sand with a sidewise motion, accomplished by throwing forward first one then another lateral loop of its body. This adaptation allows the snake to travel quickly and the entire body is not touching the hot sand at the same time. Hornlike scales provide the eyes with some protection from the sun and sand. The sidewinder often buries itself in the sand with only the watchful head remaining above ground.