All snake species possess teeth, and many also feature specialized teeth known as fangs. This dental anatomy is central to their predatory lifestyle, enabling them to capture, hold, and, in some cases, envenomate prey. The distinctions between general teeth and fangs, and their varied forms, highlight the evolutionary adaptations across different snake species.
General Characteristics of Snake Teeth
All snakes have numerous teeth. These teeth are sharp, slender, and curved backward, serving to grasp and hold prey rather than for chewing, as snakes swallow their food whole. This backward curvature helps prevent captured animals from escaping the snake’s mouth. Snakes have multiple rows of teeth, often with one row on the lower jaw and two on the upper, maximizing gripping capability.
Tooth replacement occurs continuously throughout a snake’s life, ensuring a constant supply of sharp, functional teeth. When a tooth is lost or damaged, a new one develops behind it and moves into place. This ongoing regeneration allows snakes to maintain effective feeding ability despite the wear and tear that occurs during predation.
Fangs as Specialized Teeth
Fangs are specialized teeth found exclusively in venomous snakes. They are distinct from general teeth in their structure and function, having evolved for the efficient delivery of venom. Unlike typical snake teeth, fangs are either hollow or grooved and are directly connected to venom glands. Their primary purpose is to inject venom into prey, which helps to immobilize or kill the target quickly.
Types of Fangs and Venom Delivery
Snake dentition is categorized into different types based on the structure and position of their fangs, which directly influences their venom delivery mechanism. These classifications reflect diverse evolutionary pathways for subduing prey.
Aglyphous snakes, such as pythons and boas, do not possess specialized fangs for venom delivery. Their mouths are lined with solid, ungrooved teeth used for gripping and holding prey during constriction. These snakes subdue their prey through physical constriction rather than chemical incapacitation.
Opisthoglyphous, or rear-fanged, snakes have grooved fangs located at the back of their upper jaw. Examples include the boomslang and vine snakes. For venom delivery, these snakes typically need to chew on their prey for the venom to flow down the grooves and into the wound. The venom from these fangs is often less potent than that of front-fanged snakes, and its effectiveness can depend on the duration of the bite.
Proteroglyphous snakes, including cobras and mambas, feature fixed, relatively short, hollow fangs at the front of their mouths. These fangs are similar to hypodermic needles, allowing for a quick and direct injection of venom with a rapid strike. The venom flows through the hollow core of the fang from the venom gland.
Solenoglyphous snakes, which include vipers and rattlesnakes, possess the most advanced venom delivery system. Their fangs are very long, hollow, and hinged, allowing them to fold back against the roof of the mouth when not in use. During a strike, these fangs swing forward, penetrating deeply into the prey to deliver large quantities of venom efficiently, much like a hypodermic needle. This retractable design protects the long fangs when the snake’s mouth is closed and enables a powerful, precise injection.