Read, Watch or Listen

Using 1,000-frames-per-second video, researchers led by Alistair Evans recorded strikes from 36 venomous snake species, revealing distinct tactics across three families in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Vipers launched explosive ambushes, adjusted fang placement mid-bite, and even shed a fang in one clip. Elapids crept closer and repeatedly squeezed their jaws to pump venom. Rear-fanged colubrids raked prey to open wounds for venom flow. The work may inform protective clothing, while outside expert Jessica L. Tingle praised the dataset but cautioned against broad generalizations due to its viper-heavy sample.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.