The paradise tree snake flattens its body in mid-air to glide. Found in Southeast Asia, it moves through the air with surprising skill.
Tiny spiders use silk threads to catch the wind and travel through the air. They can float far—even across oceans.
Flying squirrels don’t fly but glide using a skin flap between their limbs. This lets them move easily through treetops and avoid danger.
Wallace’s flying frog uses its big webbed feet to glide through the air. It can jump between trees in the rainforest with ease.
Some geckos, like the paradise flying gecko, use flaps of skin and webbed feet to glide. They steer well and move smoothly through the trees.
The colugo, also called a flying lemur, has skin that stretches from its neck to tail. This helps it glide long distances between trees in Southeast Asia.
Flying squirrels don’t fly but glide using a skin flap between their limbs. This lets them move easily through treetops and avoid danger.
Some ants in tropical forests can glide back to tree trunks if they fall. They twist in the air to avoid the ground and return to safety.
Gliding is one of nature’s clever ways for animals to move without wings. From forests to oceans, these ten creatures have evolved unique features that let them soar smoothly through the air.
Flying fish leap out of the water and use their large fins to glide over the waves. It helps them escape predators and is amazing to watch.