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Prehensile tail?

DollysMom

DollysMom

It never gets old!
Yes, this is my first corn snake and I'm still learning; but so far none of the literature, that I can recall reading, mentions that they have prehensile tails. Maybe it's so obvious no one need mention it, but I mean he really holds on with his little tail.

And I mean the real tail, beyond the vent, not just the back half of the snake. My little guy will often curl his tail tip around one of my fingers just like a baby grabs a finger. Often when setting him down after handling he still keeps a tight grip with his tail until he is stretched out and on his branch, vine, or floor of the viv.

I know he isn't doing it to hold hands, but it is still very endearing. He's still a little guy at 27 grams. Do they keep doing this when they get bigger? Do they all do this? It's so cool.
 
Shiro does this. I think it may give them a sense of safety, like "hey if I fall, maybe can pull myself up if I rap my tail tip around this thing!" Even though it isn't like hand holding it is quite cute. [emoji5]️ Even as his cruising around he'll wrap his tail tip around my finger or around something.


x- Misty
 
This being said though, I don't know if a corns tail counts as a prehensile tail or if they just maybe *think* they do. :laugh:


x- Misty
 
After some quick googling, it seems most snakes have a prehensile tail or prehensile body in general. Sorry for spamming this thread!


x- Misty
 
Naga also does. Around my fingers usually, but sometimes when I take him out his tail hangs off my hand. If it comes across any vine or plant he will hold it and I have to wait for him to slither and let go.
I think they feel safer in case they should fall.
 
It probably helps with stability, too. It's adorable when they hold on like that. or infuriating when you're trying to pick them up and keep "grabbing" the vine. lol
 
Thanks so much for the feedback.

Lol on the gripping the vine, IrishInIsengard. I've had that happen, too.

I agree on the safety factor, Mishima25. I'm just amazed on how strong they can grip with that tail tip.

Fauna, adding info you forgot is not spamming the thread! Thanks for your input. Yes, their whole bodies are prehensile, that is true.

Before I posted I looked up the definition of "prehensile" just to make sure, and by everything I can find their little tails are truly prehensile. Even more reason to be diligent for retained shed to make sure they don't lose any of it!
 
it's typical of "Constrictors." You don't necessarily have to hold on to them, they will hold on to you. All constrictors do this. I had boas that did the same.

A "Garter Snake" for example is not a constrictor and they will not hold on to you. If you don't maintain a good grip on a garter snake they will actually fall out of your hands.
 
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