How do snakes climb?
Snakes have neither arms nor legs, so how do they climb trees?
On the ground, they wriggle forwards by means of oblong scales on their bellies. Known as ventral plates, the scales ensure some grip, when they climb trees. Some species such as corn snakes can control their belly scales, so the underside gets more folds, standing more firmly on any irregularities. Corn snakes can climb vertical tree trunks
As snakes move from branch to branch, they use a harmonica motion. First, the snake gets a good grip by "wrapping" the front of its body around a branch or trunk. Subsequently, it pulls up its tail, and the hind part of its body gets a grip, pushing the forepart forwards.
Snakes are very cautious, when they climb. Their grip is much harder than it needs to be – probably to make sure that they do not fall down and become an easy prey for enemies – and to avoid consuming energy for climbing up again.