Some snakes possess fangs, specialized teeth used primarily for delivering venom. Only venomous snake species are equipped with fangs, while many others rely on different methods for subduing their prey. These unique dental adaptations play a central role in how venomous snakes interact with their environment and acquire food.
Understanding Snake Fangs
Fangs are distinct from a snake’s regular teeth, serving a specialized function in venomous species. While all snakes have teeth for gripping prey, fangs are elongated, hollow, or grooved structures. They are connected to venom glands located in the snake’s head. Their purpose is to inject venom, which helps to incapacitate or kill prey.
Fangs are anchored in the upper jawbone, and their design varies significantly among different venomous snake families, reflecting diverse predatory strategies.
Fangs and Venom Delivery
Snake fangs are intricately linked to the venom glands, forming a complex delivery system. When a venomous snake strikes, muscles surrounding the venom glands contract, forcing venom through ducts and into the fangs. This pressure ensures efficient venom injection into the target. The specific structure and placement of fangs categorize venomous snakes into different types based on their venom delivery mechanisms.
Proteroglyphous snakes, such as cobras, mambas, and coral snakes, have fixed, relatively short fangs at the front of their upper jaw. These fangs are hollow, functioning like hypodermic needles to inject venom directly into prey. Elapids bite down and hold onto their prey to ensure sufficient venom delivery.
Solenoglyphous snakes, including vipers and rattlesnakes, possess the most advanced fang system. Their fangs are long, hollow, and hinged, folding back against the roof of the mouth when not in use. During a strike, these fangs swing forward, allowing for a deep and precise injection of venom.
Opisthoglyphous, or rear-fanged, snakes have enlarged, grooved fangs located at the back of their upper jaw. Unlike hollow fangs, venom flows down a groove on the fang’s surface into the wound. These snakes often need to chew on their prey to effectively deliver venom. Examples include boomslangs and some colubrids.
Snakes Without Fangs
Many snake species do not possess fangs and are considered non-venomous. These snakes still have teeth, though they lack specialized structures for venom delivery. Their teeth are solid, sharp, and curved backward. These teeth are primarily used for grasping and holding onto prey, preventing escape as the snake maneuvers to swallow.
Non-venomous snakes subdue their prey through other means, such as constriction or overpowering them. Common examples include corn snakes, pythons, and boas.