Snakes flick their forked tongues to collect chemical particles from the air and nearby surfaces. When the tongue retracts, the tips deliver samples to paired vomeronasal organs, also called Jacobson’s organs, in the roof of the mouth. Because the tips sample slightly different locations, a snake can compare scent information from each side.
The tongue collects samples but does not smell by itself
A snake’s tongue does not contain the main smell receptors. It picks up scent-bearing particles and transfers them to openings connected to the vomeronasal organs. Receptors there send chemical information to the brain. Snakes also have nostrils and a conventional olfactory system, so tongue flicking complements other senses. [1]
Why the tongue is forked
The two tips sample nearby positions and can deliver information to the corresponding side of the paired organ. Research supports the idea that this arrangement helps snakes determine the direction of a scent trail, sometimes called stereo smell. It can help when following prey or a potential mate. [2]
What tongue flicking does not mean
A flick is a way to investigate the environment, not a sign that a snake is tasting the air like a person or preparing to strike. Flicking rate changes with activity and surroundings. Observe wild snakes from a safe distance. Compare this with the electrical sensing sharks use and bat echolocation.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do snakes smell with their tongues?
The tongue gathers chemical samples and carries them to vomeronasal organs, which process them.
Why are snake tongues forked?
The tips sample two nearby areas; comparing signals helps identify the direction of a scent trail.
Can snakes smell through nostrils too?
Yes. Snakes have nostrils and a regular olfactory system as well as vomeronasal organs.
Sources and evidence
- University of Connecticut — Smelling in Stereo ↗
Describes how forked tips deliver directional samples to paired organs.
- NC State Extension — Snakes ↗
Explains tongue sampling and the vomeronasal organ.
- Natural History Museum — Snake Senses ↗
Explains how tongue flicks deliver chemical information to the brain.
Sources consulted: 2026-10-18. Written with AI assistance and checked against the linked references; not independently reviewed by a subject specialist. Sources do not endorse this article. See our editorial policy.
Revision: Initial editorial draft prepared 18 October 2026; claims are tied to linked sources and retain stated limitations.