New 'Guangxi Reed Snake' discovered in southern China uses tail to mimic a second head for defense
By
Charlotte Phillipp
Crisped on the outside, thoughtful enough on the inside.
Summary
Researchers from the Natural History Museum of Guangxi have discovered a new snake species, the Guangxi Reed Snake, in southern China's Huaping National Nature Reserve. The snake uses a unique defensive tactic — holding its tail aloft to mimic a second head — which has earned it the nickname "two-headed" snake. The discovery was published in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledResearchers in China have discovered a new species of snake and are calling it 'two-headed' because of the unique tactic the reptile uses to defend against predators.
The snake deters predators by pretending...
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