Types of Snake Teeth
Snakes have different tooth types depending on how they capture prey and deliver venom.
1. Aglyphous (no specialized fangs)
o All teeth are similar in size and shape.
o No venom delivery system.
o Used mainly to grip prey.
o Examples: pythons, boas.
2. Opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged)
o Enlarged grooved fangs are located at the back of the mouth.
o Mild venom is delivered when chewing prey.
o Less effective for large prey.
3. Proteroglyphous (fixed front fangs)
o Short, hollow fangs are fixed at the front of the mouth.
o Efficient venom injection.
o Found in highly venomous snakes like cobras.
4. Solenoglyphous (hinged front fangs)
o Long hollow fangs that fold back when the mouth is closed.
o Extremely efficient venom delivery.
o Found in vipers.
🐊 Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles
Feature Alligators Crocodiles
Snout shape Broad, U-shaped Narrow, V-shaped
Teeth visibility Lower teeth hidden when mouth closed Upper and lower teeth visible
Color Darker (blackish) Lighter (olive or brown)
Habitat tolerance Mostly freshwater Freshwater and saltwater
Aggression Generally, less aggressive Often more aggressive
Salt glands Poorly developed Well developed (salt tolerance)
🦎 Snake and Lizard Families
Major Snake Families
1. Boidae – Boas (non-venomous constrictors)
2. Pythonidae – Pythons (large constrictors)
3. Colubridae – Largest snake family; mostly non-venomous
4. Elapidae – Venomous snakes with fixed front fangs (cobras, mambas)
5. Viperidae – Venomous snakes with hinged fangs (vipers, rattlesnakes)
Major Lizard Families
1. Gekkonidae – Geckos (adhesive toe pads)
2. Agamidae – Agamas and dragon lizards
3. Varanidae – Monitor lizards (large, intelligent predators)
4. Chamaeleonidae – Chameleons (color change, projectile tongue)
5. Scincidae – Skinks (smooth scales, reduced limbs in some)
☠️Types of Snake Venom
Snake venom affects the body in different ways:
1. Neurotoxic venom
o Attacks the nervous system.
o Causes paralysis and breathing failure.
2. Hemotoxic venom
o Affects blood and tissues.
o Causes bleeding, swelling, and tissue damage.
3. Cytotoxic venom
o Destroys cells and tissues.
o Leads to severe local damage and necrosis.
4. Myotoxic venom
o Damages muscles.
o Can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney failure.
🧠 Neurotoxic Venom (affects the nervous system)
Causes paralysis, breathing failure, and sometimes death if untreated.
Snakes that produce neurotoxic venom:
Cobras
Mambas
Coral snakes
Sea snakes
Kraits
These snakes belong mostly to the Elapidae family. Their venom quickly shuts down nerve
signals.
🩸 Hemotoxic Venom (affects blood and circulation)
Destroys blood cells, interferes with clotting, and damages organs and tissues.
Snakes that produce hemotoxic venom:
Rattlesnakes
Puff adders
Bushmasters
Copperheads
Most vipers
Common in the Viperidae family. Causes swelling, bleeding, and tissue damage.
Cytotoxic Venom (destroys body tissues)
Breaks down cells at the bite site, causing severe pain, swelling, and tissue death (necrosis).
Snakes that produce cytotoxic venom:
Spitting cobras
Puff adders
Gaboon vipers
Often overlaps with hemotoxic venom, especially in vipers and some cobras.
Myotoxic Venom (destroys muscle tissue)
Breaks down muscles and may lead to kidney failure.
Snakes that produce myotoxic venom:
Sea snakes
Some rattlesnakes
Some Australian elapids