Research led by Monash University has unveiled new insights into the striking mechanisms of venomous snakes, demonstrating their ability to strike faster than the blink of an eye. Utilizing high-speed 3D cameras, the study meticulously captured the precise movements of various snake species, including vipers, cobras, and rear-fanged snakes, as they lunged at a warm gel designed to simulate animal flesh. The findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, represent the first comprehensive comparison of strike performance among 36 venomous species worldwide.
Understanding the intricacies of how snakes deliver venom was the primary goal of the research, which was spearheaded by lead author Dr. Silke Cleuren as part of her PhD work under the guidance of Professor Alistair Evans in the School of Biological Sciences. Dr. Cleuren emphasized the remarkable speed and precision with which these snakes have evolved their venom-delivery strategies. “Some vipers can reach their prey in less than one-tenth of a second, faster than the human eye can blink,” she noted. “What’s truly fascinating is how each family of snakes achieves the same lethal outcome through distinct methods.”
To capture this extraordinary behavior, Dr. Cleuren and her team conducted their experiments at Venomworld, located on the outskirts of Paris. This facility specializes in venom collection from some of the world’s most dangerous snakes for use in medical and pharmaceutical applications. Collaborating with Anthony Herrel from the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle and Remi Ksas from Venomworld, the researchers filmed a range of species, including the western diamondback rattlesnake, West African carpet viper, and rough-scaled death adder. The team filmed these snakes striking at the heated gel at an impressive rate of 1,000 frames per second.
Describing her experience, Dr. Cleuren admitted, “Annoying a venomous snake with a piece of gel on a stick was an incredible adrenaline rush. I’ll admit I flinched a few times. But the footage we captured revealed behaviors that are impossible to see with the naked eye.”
The results of the study revealed distinct striking techniques among the different snake families. Vipers, for instance, were found to strike within 100 milliseconds and then “walk” their fangs into position before injecting venom. In contrast, elapids, such as cobras and death adders, approach their prey more cautiously, striking and biting repeatedly to ensure venom is effectively delivered. Colubrids, which have fangs positioned further back in their mouths, utilize a side-to-side jaw motion to create a wound that maximizes venom transfer.
Professor Evans highlighted the significance of these findings, stating, “Each snake family has evolved a strike perfectly tuned to its hunting style and prey. It’s a brilliant example of how evolution shapes form and function in the natural world.”
This groundbreaking research not only enhances our understanding of snake behavior but also sheds light on the evolutionary adaptations that make these creatures some of the most efficient predators in their environments. The study opens doors for further investigations into the mechanics of snake strikes and the ecological implications of their venom delivery strategies.
