The term 'Sidewinder, for one' refers to a type of RATTLESNAKE, SNAKE, and air-to-air missile. The Sidewinder RATTLESNAKE is a species of venomous pit viper found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is characterized by its small size and the distinctive rattle at the end of its tail. The Sidewinder SNAKE is a species of non-venomous colubrid SNAKE found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is characterized by its small size and the ability to move quickly across sand dunes. The Sidewinder air-to-air missile is an infrared homing surface-to-air missile developed by the United States Navy in the 1950s. It is designed to be launched from aircraft and is used by the U.S. military and other countries around the world.