Supplementary information: movie legends

Sample takeoffs for the snake Chrysopelea paradisi. Each takeoff is played in real time and then repeated at 25% speed. All movies are in side view except where indicated. Larger versions available from the author upon request.

Files in this Data Supplement:

• Movie 1 -

  Movie 1. Anchored J-loop takeoff 1. This sequence begins with the snake hanging from the branch in a J-shaped loop. Note that as the snake accelerates upward, the posterior body does not move; in essence the snake grips the branch to form a static anchor while jumping. The head, midpoint, and vent are indicated with white dots. (Mass=76.3 g, SVL=86.5 cm)

• Movie 2 -

  Movie 2. Anchored J-loop takeoff 2. In this sequence, the snake “wags” its head laterally while lowering its body into the J-loop posture. (Mass=62.9 g, SVL=83.3 cm)

• Movie 3 -

  Movie 3. Sliding J-loop takeoff. Note the smaller vertical loop and lack of a static anchor at any point during the jump. (Mass=27.4 g, SVL=62.8 cm)

• Movie 4 -

  Movie 4. Dive. In a dive, the snake became airborne without using an acceleratory jump. This snake turned left in mid-air immediately after takeoff. (Mass=10.5 g, SVL=47.0 cm)

• Movie 5 -

  Movie 5. Fall 1. In this sequence, the snake released its grip while lowering its body from the branch. (Mass=27.4 g, SVL=63.5 cm)

• Movie 6 -

  Movie 6. Fall 2. In this fall, the snake became airborne by shifting its body to the side of the branch all at once. Top view. (Mass=82.7 g, SVL=85.3 cm)