In the lowland rainforests of southern and southeastern Asia, live the Flying Tree Snakes of which there are five species of the genus Chrysopelea. Flying snakes are so named because they are the only snakes that can move through the open air. They don’t actually fly but, instead, perform a sort of parachute jump or glide. To do this, they open their ribs so that the belly is concave and form a U-shaped half-cylinder along the entire length of their bodies. The outer edges of their belly scales are rigid, while the central portion of their belly scales fold upward. This concave surface acts like a parachute, increasing air resistance and generating enough lift to prolong their “flight.” The snakes have some degree of control by undulating their bodies through the air as if swimming and by holding their tails rigidly upwards, twisting the tail from side to side for balance. Using this technique, they can cross as much as 100 meters (110 yards) from tree to tree or from tree to ground. Their landings leave much to be desired and can only be described as clumsy crash landings.
Found in the same areas as the flying snakes are several species of gliding lizards of the genus Draco. They have moveable, elongated ribs that support the gliding membrane (Patagium). The “wings” are normally folded flat against the body, popping open when the lizard takes to the air. They have a projection under their throats called a “gular appendage” which they use as a rudder to steer their flights. When taking to the air to escape an enemy or to search for new feeding grounds, they have been known to glide over 100 meters (over 110 yards) from one tree to another.
Another group of gliding lizards, also found in Southeast Asia, is the gliding geckos (genus Ptychozoon). They have a different style of Patagium (gliding membrane). Instead of having one large Patagium supported by its ribs, the flying geckos have small lateral skin flaps along the head, limbs, torso, and tail. They also have a broad, flattened tail, and large webbed feet. Although not as good at gliding as the Draco lizards, the eight-inch-long, nocturnal gliding geckos get enough drag and lift from their skin flaps and webbed feet to parachute safely to the ground or to a nearby tree.
Gliding seems to be an efficient way to move around in the tall rainforests of southeastern Asia. Besides the snakes and lizards already mentioned, there are numerous species of flying frogs. Giant webbed hands and feet become airfoils when the flying frogs soar at night. Besides their parachute-shaped feet, flying frogs also have flaps of skin along their outer forearms, leg bases, and heels. Flying frogs are so highly maneuverable that they can even make sharp turns in midair. Some species can glide up to 45 meters (almost 50 yards). Being tree frogs, they have strong suckers on their toes with which to cling when they land on a vertical surface. Gliding allows the tree frogs to descend rapidly to breeding ponds on the forest floor and to move from one tree to the next without having to climb all the way to the ground.
Someday soon the redeemed will be given real wings with which to not just glide but fly! “All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar . . . .” The Great Controversy, 677. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
David Arbour writes from his home in DeQueen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.