Gone in 60 milliseconds: dramatic slow-motion snake bites reveal clues about how fangs and venom kill prey
theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/24/slow-motion-snake-bites-how-fangs-and-venom-kill-prey
Photo: theguardian.com · view article
Slow-motion Footage Reveals Venomous Snakes’ Biting StrategiesA study filmed 36 species at 1,000 frames per second while striking a ballistic-gel target resembling skin and muscle.
Key FactsOct 23, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- Researchers filmed 36 venomous snake species at 1,000 frames per second while striking a ballistic-gel target resembling skin and muscle.
- Vipers struck within 100 milliseconds and moved their unfolding fangs forward to improve positioning on the target.
- Elapids, with permanently erect and shorter fangs, often approached stealthily before biting repeatedly.
- Colubrids, whose venom fangs sit far back, opened wider and saw into prey by rotating their jaws.
Only by knowing their diet and hunting methods can we be confident in that we’re going to put forward protection schemes that are going to be successful.— Prof. Alistair Evans, co-author of the study from Monash University, on how the findings inform conservation and protection.
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