Scientists work out how snakes slither

Image source, Science Photo Library

Image caption, Scientists studied the California kingsnake to find out how it slithers so easily

Snakes slither so easily because of a greasy layer under their bellies.

Researchers looked at the belly of a California kingsnake and found that it's covered in a thin layer of oil that allows the snake to slither on rough surfaces without damaging its scales.

This oil is made up of lots of tightly packed fatty molecules.

The discovery could help engineers design new paints and surfaces that help stop wear and tear.