Australian scientists working at a venom laboratory in Paris, France, have published research examining the speed at which several snake species strike and deliver their bites. The study utilized a warmed gel to simulate prey and slow-motion footage to observe the snakes' actions.
Methodology
Alistair Evans, a co-author of the study, explained that a gel was warmed to simulate prey, which prompted the snakes to bite. These bites were then captured using slow-motion footage for detailed analysis.
Research Findings
Researchers observed that vipers exhibited the fastest strike speeds among the species studied. Certain elapid species were also noted to strike at speeds nearly as fast as vipers. The study further documented the different ways various species used their fangs to secure prey and inject venom.