Roxanne Armfield
@dinoroxy.bsky.social
Squamate palaeontologist, currently working with numerous snakes at Yale University.
🐍🐍🐍
Frequently found conversing with rocks, fossils and other inanimate objects. (She/Her)
🐍🐍🐍
Frequently found conversing with rocks, fossils and other inanimate objects. (She/Her)
Burmese Pythons are secretive, and have no natural predators in the #Everglades. This is why human intervention is vital.
Camera technologies, drones, scent tracking dogs, & even other snakes are all techniques being assessed on how well these methods can recover pythons.
[5/9]
Camera technologies, drones, scent tracking dogs, & even other snakes are all techniques being assessed on how well these methods can recover pythons.
[5/9]
September 10, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Burmese Pythons are secretive, and have no natural predators in the #Everglades. This is why human intervention is vital.
Camera technologies, drones, scent tracking dogs, & even other snakes are all techniques being assessed on how well these methods can recover pythons.
[5/9]
Camera technologies, drones, scent tracking dogs, & even other snakes are all techniques being assessed on how well these methods can recover pythons.
[5/9]
The remains of white-tailed deer, alligators, 37 species of bird, & even bobcats have been found inside the stomachs of these hungry snakes.
So what is happening to prevent these snakes from causing irreversible damage?
[4/9]
So what is happening to prevent these snakes from causing irreversible damage?
[4/9]
September 10, 2025 at 1:27 AM
The remains of white-tailed deer, alligators, 37 species of bird, & even bobcats have been found inside the stomachs of these hungry snakes.
So what is happening to prevent these snakes from causing irreversible damage?
[4/9]
So what is happening to prevent these snakes from causing irreversible damage?
[4/9]
Likely introduced through the exotic pet trade, the past 40 years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of invasive pythons spotted in the Everglades.
Alongside the rise in invasive pythons, the local mammal population has declined by over 90%.
[3/9]
Alongside the rise in invasive pythons, the local mammal population has declined by over 90%.
[3/9]
September 10, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Likely introduced through the exotic pet trade, the past 40 years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of invasive pythons spotted in the Everglades.
Alongside the rise in invasive pythons, the local mammal population has declined by over 90%.
[3/9]
Alongside the rise in invasive pythons, the local mammal population has declined by over 90%.
[3/9]
But over in south Florida, these holiday-making #pythons have far overstayed their welcome. This has caused devastating environmental consequences in the #Everglades.
These pythons did not migrate to Florida on their own. This is a problem caused by humans.
[2/9]
These pythons did not migrate to Florida on their own. This is a problem caused by humans.
[2/9]
September 10, 2025 at 1:27 AM
But over in south Florida, these holiday-making #pythons have far overstayed their welcome. This has caused devastating environmental consequences in the #Everglades.
These pythons did not migrate to Florida on their own. This is a problem caused by humans.
[2/9]
These pythons did not migrate to Florida on their own. This is a problem caused by humans.
[2/9]
It's the 9th of #ssSnaketember and it's a day for looking at #InvasiveAlienSpecies
Burmese Pythons are native to India & southeast Asia. In these areas the #snakes have a #conservation status of 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List.
[1/9]
#Herpetology #SciComm #snake
Burmese Pythons are native to India & southeast Asia. In these areas the #snakes have a #conservation status of 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List.
[1/9]
#Herpetology #SciComm #snake
September 10, 2025 at 1:27 AM
It's the 9th of #ssSnaketember and it's a day for looking at #InvasiveAlienSpecies
Burmese Pythons are native to India & southeast Asia. In these areas the #snakes have a #conservation status of 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List.
[1/9]
#Herpetology #SciComm #snake
Burmese Pythons are native to India & southeast Asia. In these areas the #snakes have a #conservation status of 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List.
[1/9]
#Herpetology #SciComm #snake
Snake hisses tend to be high pitched, around the top F# of a piano (3,000+ Hz). This means that snakes cannot hear their own hiss!
This could explain why snakes do not appear to communicate with each other using sound.
[5/6]
This could explain why snakes do not appear to communicate with each other using sound.
[5/6]
September 8, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Snake hisses tend to be high pitched, around the top F# of a piano (3,000+ Hz). This means that snakes cannot hear their own hiss!
This could explain why snakes do not appear to communicate with each other using sound.
[5/6]
This could explain why snakes do not appear to communicate with each other using sound.
[5/6]
Most snakes can comfortably hear one octave above a piano “middle C” & two octaves below (80 - 600Hz).
This is a rather small range – young humans can hear sounds between 20 – 20,000Hz.
This small range means that, sadly, snakes are not big fans of modern music.
[4/6]
This is a rather small range – young humans can hear sounds between 20 – 20,000Hz.
This small range means that, sadly, snakes are not big fans of modern music.
[4/6]
September 8, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Most snakes can comfortably hear one octave above a piano “middle C” & two octaves below (80 - 600Hz).
This is a rather small range – young humans can hear sounds between 20 – 20,000Hz.
This small range means that, sadly, snakes are not big fans of modern music.
[4/6]
This is a rather small range – young humans can hear sounds between 20 – 20,000Hz.
This small range means that, sadly, snakes are not big fans of modern music.
[4/6]
This contact allows the snake to "hear" the vibrations travelling through any surface that the snake lays its head on.
Snakes can also hear sounds that travel through the air - but they have a limited hearing range.
[3/6]
Snakes can also hear sounds that travel through the air - but they have a limited hearing range.
[3/6]
September 8, 2025 at 10:35 PM
This contact allows the snake to "hear" the vibrations travelling through any surface that the snake lays its head on.
Snakes can also hear sounds that travel through the air - but they have a limited hearing range.
[3/6]
Snakes can also hear sounds that travel through the air - but they have a limited hearing range.
[3/6]
“Hearing” is #ssSnaketember the 8th’s theme!
Whilst #snakes do not have external "sticky out" ears, they can still hear. It is a myth that snakes are deaf, however they do have some quirks in relation to their methods of hearing.
[1/6]
#Herpetology #SciComm #Snake
Whilst #snakes do not have external "sticky out" ears, they can still hear. It is a myth that snakes are deaf, however they do have some quirks in relation to their methods of hearing.
[1/6]
#Herpetology #SciComm #Snake
September 8, 2025 at 10:35 PM
“Hearing” is #ssSnaketember the 8th’s theme!
Whilst #snakes do not have external "sticky out" ears, they can still hear. It is a myth that snakes are deaf, however they do have some quirks in relation to their methods of hearing.
[1/6]
#Herpetology #SciComm #Snake
Whilst #snakes do not have external "sticky out" ears, they can still hear. It is a myth that snakes are deaf, however they do have some quirks in relation to their methods of hearing.
[1/6]
#Herpetology #SciComm #Snake
The Oriental Ratsnake lives in the same region as the King Cobra.
King Cobras are venomous but Oriental Ratsnakes are not.
It is possible that by growling, the Oriental Ratsnake is mimicking & pretending to appear like the cobra – an example of Batesian Mimicry.
[5/7]
King Cobras are venomous but Oriental Ratsnakes are not.
It is possible that by growling, the Oriental Ratsnake is mimicking & pretending to appear like the cobra – an example of Batesian Mimicry.
[5/7]
September 8, 2025 at 10:26 PM
The Oriental Ratsnake lives in the same region as the King Cobra.
King Cobras are venomous but Oriental Ratsnakes are not.
It is possible that by growling, the Oriental Ratsnake is mimicking & pretending to appear like the cobra – an example of Batesian Mimicry.
[5/7]
King Cobras are venomous but Oriental Ratsnakes are not.
It is possible that by growling, the Oriental Ratsnake is mimicking & pretending to appear like the cobra – an example of Batesian Mimicry.
[5/7]
These pockets act as resonating chambers, removing the high-pitched sounds of the hiss & leaving a low pitched sound to be produced in the throat.
The Oriental Ratsnake has also been heard growling but it does not have throat pockets. Instead, it has to flatten its throat
[4/7]
The Oriental Ratsnake has also been heard growling but it does not have throat pockets. Instead, it has to flatten its throat
[4/7]
September 8, 2025 at 10:26 PM
These pockets act as resonating chambers, removing the high-pitched sounds of the hiss & leaving a low pitched sound to be produced in the throat.
The Oriental Ratsnake has also been heard growling but it does not have throat pockets. Instead, it has to flatten its throat
[4/7]
The Oriental Ratsnake has also been heard growling but it does not have throat pockets. Instead, it has to flatten its throat
[4/7]
In snakes, a growl is a special kind of hiss. Not all snakes have the physical requirements to growl.
Two snakes that do are the King Cobra & the Red Tailed Racer.
In these snakes, the throat is not just a straight tube - it is lined with pockets that extend into the body.
[3/7]
Two snakes that do are the King Cobra & the Red Tailed Racer.
In these snakes, the throat is not just a straight tube - it is lined with pockets that extend into the body.
[3/7]
September 8, 2025 at 10:26 PM
In snakes, a growl is a special kind of hiss. Not all snakes have the physical requirements to growl.
Two snakes that do are the King Cobra & the Red Tailed Racer.
In these snakes, the throat is not just a straight tube - it is lined with pockets that extend into the body.
[3/7]
Two snakes that do are the King Cobra & the Red Tailed Racer.
In these snakes, the throat is not just a straight tube - it is lined with pockets that extend into the body.
[3/7]
The 7th #ssSnaketember is a day for Growling!
Even though many humans have never encountered a "real" #snake, thanks to film and TV, you will have probably heard a snake hiss.
But did you know that some #snakes can growl too?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
Even though many humans have never encountered a "real" #snake, thanks to film and TV, you will have probably heard a snake hiss.
But did you know that some #snakes can growl too?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
September 8, 2025 at 10:26 PM
The 7th #ssSnaketember is a day for Growling!
Even though many humans have never encountered a "real" #snake, thanks to film and TV, you will have probably heard a snake hiss.
But did you know that some #snakes can growl too?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
Even though many humans have never encountered a "real" #snake, thanks to film and TV, you will have probably heard a snake hiss.
But did you know that some #snakes can growl too?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
So what do “flying snakes” (Chrysopelea) do?
On land a snake will wiggle its body side to side to propel itself along the ground.
Flying snakes will do a similar motion when in the air – but their “airborne wiggle” motion is different from their “ground wiggle” pattern.
[3/7]
On land a snake will wiggle its body side to side to propel itself along the ground.
Flying snakes will do a similar motion when in the air – but their “airborne wiggle” motion is different from their “ground wiggle” pattern.
[3/7]
September 8, 2025 at 10:04 PM
So what do “flying snakes” (Chrysopelea) do?
On land a snake will wiggle its body side to side to propel itself along the ground.
Flying snakes will do a similar motion when in the air – but their “airborne wiggle” motion is different from their “ground wiggle” pattern.
[3/7]
On land a snake will wiggle its body side to side to propel itself along the ground.
Flying snakes will do a similar motion when in the air – but their “airborne wiggle” motion is different from their “ground wiggle” pattern.
[3/7]
These snakes are gliders rather than true fliers.
Many gliders, such as the "flying lemurs" & the "flying squirrel" have a layer of skin that stretches from limb to limb. This acts like a parachute to control descent.
Trouble is, this method requires limbs.
[2/7]
Many gliders, such as the "flying lemurs" & the "flying squirrel" have a layer of skin that stretches from limb to limb. This acts like a parachute to control descent.
Trouble is, this method requires limbs.
[2/7]
September 8, 2025 at 10:04 PM
These snakes are gliders rather than true fliers.
Many gliders, such as the "flying lemurs" & the "flying squirrel" have a layer of skin that stretches from limb to limb. This acts like a parachute to control descent.
Trouble is, this method requires limbs.
[2/7]
Many gliders, such as the "flying lemurs" & the "flying squirrel" have a layer of skin that stretches from limb to limb. This acts like a parachute to control descent.
Trouble is, this method requires limbs.
[2/7]
#ssSnaketember the 6th is the day for Flying!
This #snake believes it can fly, believes it can touch the sky. Thinks about it every night & day, just to spread its wings and … oh wait ..,
This isn't flying, this is falling with style.
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
This #snake believes it can fly, believes it can touch the sky. Thinks about it every night & day, just to spread its wings and … oh wait ..,
This isn't flying, this is falling with style.
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
September 8, 2025 at 10:04 PM
#ssSnaketember the 6th is the day for Flying!
This #snake believes it can fly, believes it can touch the sky. Thinks about it every night & day, just to spread its wings and … oh wait ..,
This isn't flying, this is falling with style.
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
This #snake believes it can fly, believes it can touch the sky. Thinks about it every night & day, just to spread its wings and … oh wait ..,
This isn't flying, this is falling with style.
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
The snake then regurgitates the unwanted eggshell.
This prevents the eggshell from taking up unnecessary space in the stomach, and it is the yellow yolk & egg white inside that provide the most nutrition.
Lunch is served!
#SourceOfTheScience - doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
[5/7]
This prevents the eggshell from taking up unnecessary space in the stomach, and it is the yellow yolk & egg white inside that provide the most nutrition.
Lunch is served!
#SourceOfTheScience - doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
[5/7]
September 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The snake then regurgitates the unwanted eggshell.
This prevents the eggshell from taking up unnecessary space in the stomach, and it is the yellow yolk & egg white inside that provide the most nutrition.
Lunch is served!
#SourceOfTheScience - doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
[5/7]
This prevents the eggshell from taking up unnecessary space in the stomach, and it is the yellow yolk & egg white inside that provide the most nutrition.
Lunch is served!
#SourceOfTheScience - doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
[5/7]
When the egg reaches a certain point, tiny nubbins of bone prevent the egg from travelling further down the snake. These also help to crack the eggshell inside the snake’s throat.
The contents of the egg are then free to be swallowed & enter the snake’s stomach.
[4/7]
The contents of the egg are then free to be swallowed & enter the snake’s stomach.
[4/7]
September 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
When the egg reaches a certain point, tiny nubbins of bone prevent the egg from travelling further down the snake. These also help to crack the eggshell inside the snake’s throat.
The contents of the egg are then free to be swallowed & enter the snake’s stomach.
[4/7]
The contents of the egg are then free to be swallowed & enter the snake’s stomach.
[4/7]
These snakes get hold of an egg and appear to swallow it whole. But the egg only travels part the way down the snake’s throat and then stops.
Moments later, the snake’s throat appears to “deflate”.
Shortly after this, the snake spits up a crushed eggshell.
[3/7]
Moments later, the snake’s throat appears to “deflate”.
Shortly after this, the snake spits up a crushed eggshell.
[3/7]
September 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
These snakes get hold of an egg and appear to swallow it whole. But the egg only travels part the way down the snake’s throat and then stops.
Moments later, the snake’s throat appears to “deflate”.
Shortly after this, the snake spits up a crushed eggshell.
[3/7]
Moments later, the snake’s throat appears to “deflate”.
Shortly after this, the snake spits up a crushed eggshell.
[3/7]
Many snakes swallow their food whole; no chewing involved. Not such an easy task when dinner is a large round object.
Dasypeltis egg-eaters have a different strategy. These snakes feed entirely on eggs, so do something not seen in any other snakes.
[2/7]
Dasypeltis egg-eaters have a different strategy. These snakes feed entirely on eggs, so do something not seen in any other snakes.
[2/7]
September 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Many snakes swallow their food whole; no chewing involved. Not such an easy task when dinner is a large round object.
Dasypeltis egg-eaters have a different strategy. These snakes feed entirely on eggs, so do something not seen in any other snakes.
[2/7]
Dasypeltis egg-eaters have a different strategy. These snakes feed entirely on eggs, so do something not seen in any other snakes.
[2/7]
The 5th of #ssSnaketember is for Egg Eaters!
Can I offer you a nice egg in this trying time? Probably the best chat up line to use on a Dasypeltis #snake.
This group of snakes are also known as the Egg Eating Snakes.
But how does a snake eat something so round?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
Can I offer you a nice egg in this trying time? Probably the best chat up line to use on a Dasypeltis #snake.
This group of snakes are also known as the Egg Eating Snakes.
But how does a snake eat something so round?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
September 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The 5th of #ssSnaketember is for Egg Eaters!
Can I offer you a nice egg in this trying time? Probably the best chat up line to use on a Dasypeltis #snake.
This group of snakes are also known as the Egg Eating Snakes.
But how does a snake eat something so round?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
Can I offer you a nice egg in this trying time? Probably the best chat up line to use on a Dasypeltis #snake.
This group of snakes are also known as the Egg Eating Snakes.
But how does a snake eat something so round?
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
As well as no light, these sea snakes swim in much colder waters, & face higher pressure levels.
This raises lots of questions: “How do these snakes navigate in the dark?", "How do they survive in colder waters?", "How do these snakes avoid 'The Bends' when surfacing?"
[4/7]
This raises lots of questions: “How do these snakes navigate in the dark?", "How do they survive in colder waters?", "How do these snakes avoid 'The Bends' when surfacing?"
[4/7]
September 4, 2025 at 9:43 PM
As well as no light, these sea snakes swim in much colder waters, & face higher pressure levels.
This raises lots of questions: “How do these snakes navigate in the dark?", "How do they survive in colder waters?", "How do these snakes avoid 'The Bends' when surfacing?"
[4/7]
This raises lots of questions: “How do these snakes navigate in the dark?", "How do they survive in colder waters?", "How do these snakes avoid 'The Bends' when surfacing?"
[4/7]
The deeper down into the ocean you swim, the darker it gets.
At 200m, only 1% of surface light remains.
Below this 200m mark is known as "the twilight zone" (or mesopelagic zone).
It is too dark for green plants & corals to survive here.
[3/7]
At 200m, only 1% of surface light remains.
Below this 200m mark is known as "the twilight zone" (or mesopelagic zone).
It is too dark for green plants & corals to survive here.
[3/7]
September 4, 2025 at 9:43 PM
The deeper down into the ocean you swim, the darker it gets.
At 200m, only 1% of surface light remains.
Below this 200m mark is known as "the twilight zone" (or mesopelagic zone).
It is too dark for green plants & corals to survive here.
[3/7]
At 200m, only 1% of surface light remains.
Below this 200m mark is known as "the twilight zone" (or mesopelagic zone).
It is too dark for green plants & corals to survive here.
[3/7]
Sea snakes can swim to depths of 40-50m (Olympic swimming pool length). Most humans require training past 18m.
Like humans, sea snakes do not have gills, so must return to the surface to breathe air.
Recently, the sea snake Hydrophis has been observed at depths of 240m!
[2/7]
Like humans, sea snakes do not have gills, so must return to the surface to breathe air.
Recently, the sea snake Hydrophis has been observed at depths of 240m!
[2/7]
September 4, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Sea snakes can swim to depths of 40-50m (Olympic swimming pool length). Most humans require training past 18m.
Like humans, sea snakes do not have gills, so must return to the surface to breathe air.
Recently, the sea snake Hydrophis has been observed at depths of 240m!
[2/7]
Like humans, sea snakes do not have gills, so must return to the surface to breathe air.
Recently, the sea snake Hydrophis has been observed at depths of 240m!
[2/7]
The 4th of #ssSnaketember is here and we're taking some Deep Dives!
How low can you go? Could you dive into The Twilight Zone?
No, I'm not talking about swimming to a 5th dimension, but into the depths of the ocean.
Piece of cake if you're a Hydrophis sea #snake
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
How low can you go? Could you dive into The Twilight Zone?
No, I'm not talking about swimming to a 5th dimension, but into the depths of the ocean.
Piece of cake if you're a Hydrophis sea #snake
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
![Scene from "The Twilight Zone" TV series. Black and white image. [Right, foreground] Man with suit, tie and large glasses stands with his fingers interlaced. [Background] A desolate sky gives way to the ruin of a brick building, surrounded by the rubble of society. Shot from "Time Enough at Last" episode.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:i4odzftxfrihzvqjtdenoalf/bafkreiezpjgrlk2gw3ziuuwqkoyjdh5y4xnkguxh7ycbk5z2tuhme73ddy@jpeg)
September 4, 2025 at 9:43 PM
The 4th of #ssSnaketember is here and we're taking some Deep Dives!
How low can you go? Could you dive into The Twilight Zone?
No, I'm not talking about swimming to a 5th dimension, but into the depths of the ocean.
Piece of cake if you're a Hydrophis sea #snake
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm
How low can you go? Could you dive into The Twilight Zone?
No, I'm not talking about swimming to a 5th dimension, but into the depths of the ocean.
Piece of cake if you're a Hydrophis sea #snake
[1/7]
#Herpetology #SciComm