Fang structures

There are three known fang structures found in snakes. In this blog I will list and explain a little about them. This article correlates with the venom gland article that I did because the Opisthoglyphous fangs are typically associated with the Colubridae family, which is believed to be the oldest family. The Solenoglyphous fangs are associated with the Viperidae family, which is believed to be the newest family and also has the most complicated venom apparatus.

Opisthoglyphous fangs: These fangs are mostly found in the Colubridae family. The fangs are typically angled backwards and grooved. For rear-fanged snakes to envenomate they have to move the prey to the back of its mouth to pierce with its fangs. The hunt of larger prey is much harder for snake species with this type of fangs and usually catch small prey.

Proteroglyphous fangs: The snakes with these fangs exhibit shortened maxillae with enlarged fangs pointing down and slightly backwards. A hollow syringe-like structure is found within the fangs that encompasses the venom channel completely. Snakes with this fang type are known to yield the most toxic venom of all snakes and usually associated with neurotoxins. Some species have another modification on this fang allowing them to spit the venom in a predators eyes (Spitting Cobra).

Solenoglyphous fangs: These fangs are only found within the Viperidae family. These fangs have hollow, hinged fangs that are situated anteriorly in the oral cavity. This fang type if the most sophisticated venom delivery apparatus. Each maxilla is reduced to a core that is supporting a single hollow fang. These fangs can reach a size of 55 mm and are folded against the palate when the mouth is closed. Solenoglyphs are known to produce mainly haemotoxins and cardiovascular toxins.

Mackessy, S. (2009), 'Handbook of Venoms and Toxins of Reptiles'. New York: CRC press, Pgs. 5-12.