Cantor's Dwarf Reed Snake

Dwarf reed snakes are nocturnal, semi-fossorial (adapted to living underground) and shy. When above ground, they often hide under objects or among fallen leaves. They have not been extensively studied, partly because they are hard to find. They measure 11–28 centimetres (4.3–11.0 in) long. It is known to be preyed on by larger snakes, including the banded coral snake Calliophis intestinalis; by birds such as the slaty-backed forktail; and by Scolopendra subspinipes, a species of extremely large centipede.

Cartwheeling. A 2023 study recorded a dwarf reed snake "cartwheeling" to escape when startled. The rolling motion is four times faster than the snake's normal slither, reaching speeds of around 9 miles per hour (14 km/h), and requires a great deal of energy, limiting its use to emergencies such as an immediate threat. The authors of the 2023 paper speculated that it may also hinder predators by confusing them, or by making the snake's scent trail harder to follow, as only a small portion of the snake's body contacts the ground. The cartwheel may have evolved from simpler saltation (jumping) defense mechanisms, which are known in several different groups of snakes. A 2026 paper found that the 'cartwheel' is produced by a complex and precise chain of twisting movements that allow the snake to keep its head approximately stable even when rolling at high speed. …