Dr. Silke Cleuren, a lead researcher from Monash University on the study, has been producing amazing work lately. She conducted her research at Venomworld, a venom extraction lab on the outskirts of Paris. The study comprised 36 species of venomous snakes. More recently, it has shed important light on how they bite and how their fangs inject venom into their victims. The study, co-authored by Professor Alistair Evans, aimed to discover how various snake families utilize their specialized anatomical features. This study centered on their survival and thriving in all kinds of environments.
To analyze the motions, the researchers filmed the snakes striking at a stunning 1,000 frames per second. This approach enabled them to slow down their snakes’ highly complex movements when striking upon objects composed of ballistic gel. To the high-speed analysis’s great credit, it did find one delightful truth bomb. Viper species such as the sharp-nosed pit viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus) are capable of striking in 100 milliseconds. Interestingly, these vipers don’t stab their prey; instead, they “walk” their fangs forward into a more optimal position before injecting venom into their targets.
Take elapid snakes, like cobras, mambas, and taipans—animals whose fangs are always erect. Although they are called fangs, these fangs are generally much shorter than those of true vipers. Elapids, like the rough-scaled death adder (Acanthophis rugosus), stalk their prey with stealthy accuracy. Once they hit, they usually bite several times to ensure a strong injection of venom.
The study further emphasized the distinctive mechanics of fang function across snake species. The ominous-looking green pit viper furnishes its long, sharp fangs just before the strike. By comparison, colubrids such as the mangrove snake (Boiga dendrophila) deploy their rear fangs, which are fixed at the back of their mouths, to cut into their prey. In the course of filming, a blunt-nosed viper (Macrovipera lebetina) attacked the camera equipment and broke off one of its fangs. It was the first time researchers had captured this incredible event on camera, and they were excited to document it.
“This is likely how fang loss during feeding most often occurs, but this is the first time it has been caught on camera,” – Researchers
This study’s findings are an important and surprising advance to our understanding of snake anatomy and behavior. According to Dr. Cleuren, knowing what snakes are eating and how they hunt are crucial pieces of information for successful conservation efforts.
“Only by knowing their diet and hunting methods can we be confident that we’re going to put forward protection schemes that are going to be successful,” – Dr. Silke Cleuren
As a great anecdote to share with kids, Evans explained that fangs aren’t even permanent structures for snakes. Only by the constant replacements made for them over the course of their lives are they crucial for their continued reproduction and therefore survival.
“They’re replaced – the snakes make new fangs throughout their life,” – Prof Alistair Evans
The study found that viperids, elapids and colubrids have unique strike patterns. These divergences are intimately tied to differences in their fang morphology. Commenting on the implications of this correlation, Dr. Alessandro Palci said.
“The differences in behaviour that have been reported for viperids, elapids, and colubrids correlate well with what we know about their fang anatomy,” – Dr. Alessandro Palci
The research reveals remarkable insights into how snakes have adapted over time. This knowledge stands to greatly improve conservation efforts for these incredible animals. Understanding these mechanisms only deepens our knowledge about these remarkable animals. It brings attention to the need to protect their natural habitats so future generations can enjoy these species.
“Once they’re biting down they saw or rotate their jaws and cut into the prey, which presumably then gives better penetration of the venom.” – Prof. Alistair Evans
As the study reveals more about the evolutionary adaptations of snakes, it offers valuable insights that could aid in their conservation efforts. Understanding these mechanisms not only enhances knowledge about these complex creatures but also underscores the significance of preserving their habitats for future generations.