The image of a snake biting its own tail has fascinated humanity for centuries, appearing in art, mythology, and folklore. But what does it actually mean when snakes eat themselves? Is it a real behavior observed in the nature of animals or just a symbolic representation? Let’s dive into the mythology and science behind this intriguing phenomenon.
Mythological Roots: The Ouroboros and Hoop Snakes
The Ouroboros: A Symbol of Eternity
The concept of a snake eating its tail originates from ancient mythology, where it is referred to as the ouroboros. Derived from the Greek words for “tail” (“oura”) and “eating” (“boros”), the ouroboros symbolizes continuity, eternity, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. This emblem has been embraced by numerous cultures, including Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Norse mythology.
In these traditions, the ouroboros represented cosmic cycles, the infinite, and self-renewal. For example, the Egyptian Book of the Dead features a serpent swallowing its own tail as a metaphor for the eternal cycle of life and death.
Hoop Snakes: Folklore in North America
A related myth is that of the hoop snake, a creature in North American folklore. According to legend, the hoop snake bites its own tail, forming a circular shape, and rolls like a wheel to chase prey or evade threats. While entirely fictional, the hoop snake adds to the mystique surrounding snakes and their perceived behaviors.
As Matt Goode, assistant research scientist at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, explains, “Snakes really seem to have a lot of superstitions associated with them. They’re so different than we are.”
The Scientific Perspective: Can Snakes Actually Eat Themselves?
Rare Observations in Captivity
While the ouroboros is a powerful symbol, its connection to real snake behavior is tenuous. Reports of snakes biting their own tails or attempting to eat themselves are exceedingly rare and are typically observed in captivity, not in the wild.
One notable case occurred in the UK in 2014, where an Albino Western Hognose snake was recorded biting its own tail. Such incidents are uncommon and often attributed to unusual circumstances.
Stress and Trauma Responses
Bryan Maritz, a senior lecturer at the Department of Biodiversity & Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape, highlights that many reports of self-biting are linked to extreme stress or trauma. “What people see a lot are videos of snakes biting themselves on the body. And the terrible news of all of this is that it’s often a snake that has been hit by a car or something like that,” he explains.
When in severe pain or distress, snakes may lash out indiscriminately, biting their own bodies in the process. This behavior is not an intentional act but rather a reaction to intense suffering.
Mistaken Identity: When a Snake Confuses Itself for Prey
Another potential explanation is that a snake may mistake its own tail for prey, particularly if it is hungry or confused. Matt Goode elaborates, “Snakes aren’t brilliant, right? You might have a snake that’s eating another snake, and then it accidentally just starts swallowing what it thinks is the other snake, and it could be its tail.”
This could occur during a feeding frenzy or in situations where a snake’s sensory perception is impaired. While rare, these mistakes illustrate the unique feeding mechanisms of snakes, which rely on strong predatory instincts.
Snakes That Eat Other Snakes
Certain snake species, such as king cobras, are known for their ophiophagous (snake-eating) diets. These predators often consume other snakes, including venomous species and, on occasion, members of their own species.
King cobras, native to India and Southeast Asia, are a prime example. “They will sometimes eat an individual of their own species,” notes Goode. This behavior, while not self-cannibalism, demonstrates the intense feeding drive of some snake species.
Scientific Terminology and Symbolism
The term ouroboros has even made its way into scientific literature. For example, the African armadillo girdled lizard (scientific name: Ouroborus cataphractus) is so named because of its defensive behavior. When threatened, it coils into a ball and bites its tail to form a protective ring, resembling the ouroboros symbol. However, this behavior is not related to feeding or stress; it is a survival strategy.
Why Do Snakes Bite Themselves?
To summarize, here are the key reasons a snake might bite its own body:
- Trauma or Pain: Severe injury or distress can cause a snake to react by biting its own body.
- Mistaken Identity: A snake may confuse its tail for prey, particularly in cases of extreme hunger or sensory confusion.
- Stress in Captivity: Unnatural environments and stressors can lead to unusual behaviors, including self-biting.
These behaviors are not common in wild snakes and should not be seen as typical of their natural habits.
Conclusion: Myth Meets Science
The image of a snake eating its own tail has captured human imagination for centuries, symbolizing eternity, rebirth, and the cycles of life. While rooted in mythology, real instances of snakes biting themselves are rare and typically linked to stress, trauma, or confusion.
Understanding these behaviors from a scientific perspective helps demystify the mythological symbolism of the ouroboros. Snakes remain fascinating creatures, their behaviors often misunderstood but rich in complexity. Whether through ancient myths or modern science, our fascination with these enigmatic reptiles continues to inspire awe and curiosity.
Source: Discover Magazine
