A zig-zag pattern on a viper's back has multiple effects during predation event (IMAGE)

University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto

A zig-zag pattern on a viper's back has multiple effects during predation event

Caption

The viper's zig-zag pattern helps the snake remain undetected, it also provides a warning of the snake's dangerous defense and it can produce an illusionary effect that may hide the snake's movement as it flees.

Credit

The University of Jyväskylä/Janne Valkonen

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