Few actions in the animal kingdom evoke as much fear and intrigue as a snake bite. Recent research conducted by Monash University has uncovered the intricate mechanics of how venomous snakes strike, utilizing high-speed 3D cameras to document the rapid precision of various species, including vipers, cobras, and rear-fanged snakes, in remarkable detail.
This groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, marks the first comprehensive comparison of strike performance across 36 venomous snake species globally, filmed lunging at a warm gel designed to imitate animal flesh. The lead author, Dr. Silke Cleuren, conducted this research as part of her PhD under the guidance of Professor Alistair Evans in the School of Biological Sciences.
Dr. Cleuren expressed the team”s objective: “We aimed to understand how each family of snakes developed its own unique venom-delivery strategy.” She highlighted the remarkable speed at which some vipers can reach their target, noting that certain species can strike in under one-tenth of a second, faster than the human eye can blink. “What”s truly fascinating is the distinct methods each group employs to achieve their lethal aim,” she added.
For the experiments, Dr. Cleuren traveled to Venomworld near Paris, an establishment dedicated to collecting venom from some of the most dangerous snakes for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Collaborating with Anthony Herrel from the Museum national d”Histoire naturelle in France and Remi Ksas from Venomworld, the research team successfully enticed species such as the western diamondback rattlesnake, West African carpet viper, and rough-scaled death adder to strike at the heated gel while filming at a rate of 1,000 frames per second.
“Provoking a venomous snake with a piece of gel on a stick provided an incredible adrenaline rush; I must admit I flinched a few times,” Dr. Cleuren remarked. However, the footage captured revealed behaviors that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
The findings indicated that vipers can strike within 100 milliseconds and then maneuver their fangs into position before releasing venom. In contrast, elapids, including cobras and death adders, approach their prey more cautiously, striking and biting multiple times to inject venom effectively. Colubrids, which have fangs positioned further back in their mouths, employ a side-to-side jaw movement to create a gash that optimizes venom delivery.
Professor Evans commented on the implications of the research, stating, “These discoveries shed light on the evolution of one of nature”s most sophisticated weapons. Each snake family has honed its strike to align perfectly with its hunting style and prey.” This study serves as a brilliant illustration of how evolution fine-tunes form and function in the natural world.
