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The Journal of Experimental Biology 204, 4345-4351 (2001)
© 2001 The Company of Biologists Limited

Venom flow in rattlesnakes: mechanics and metering

Bruce A. Young* and Krista Zahn

Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, USA

*e-mail: youngab{at}lafayette.edu

Accepted 28 September 2001

The functional morphology of venom injection in Crotalus atrox was explored using high-speed digital videography combined with direct recording of venom flow using perivascular flow probes. Although venom flow was variable, in most strikes the onset of venom flow was coincidental with fang penetration, and retrograde flow (venom suction) was observed prior to fang withdrawal. The duration of venom flow was consistently less than the duration of fang penetration. The occurrence of retrograde flow, ‘dry bites’ (which accounted for 35 % of the strikes) and unilateral strikes all support a hypothesis for venom pooling in the distal portion of the venom-delivery system. No significant difference in temporal or volumetric aspects of venom flow were found between defensive strikes directed at small and large rodents. With the species and size of target held constant, the duration of venom flow, maximum venom flow rate and total venom volume were all significantly lower in predatory than in defensive strikes.

Key words: feeding, prey capture, Reptilia, squamata, functional morphology, kinematics, rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox.






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2001