Fanging

Fanging is the act or condition of using fangs, the elongated teeth found in certain reptiles and some other animals. In scientific contexts, fangs are specialized dentition connected to venom glands or used for grasping and piercing prey. The term is most often applied to venomous snakes, but it can describe similar biting strategies in other fang-bearing species.

In venomous snakes, fangs are hollow or grooved teeth that serve as conduits for venom produced in the venom glands. When a snake bites, muscles contract to force venom through the duct and into the prey. Fanging behavior is closely tied to the snake’s jaw mechanics and striking action, and it may occur during predation or defense. Fangs are not permanently fixed in all species; some snakes have fangs that fold against the roof of the mouth when not in use, while others keep fangs exposed.

Fang morphology is commonly categorized into several systems. Solenoglyphous snakes have long, hinged fangs that fold back against the palate. Proteroglyphous snakes possess short, fixed front fangs. Opisthoglyphous, or rear-fanged snakes, have enlarged fangs toward the back of the mouth. In some lizards, such as certain venomous species, fangs are more grooved than hollow, delivering venom through a channel within the tooth.

Outside snakes, fanging can describe biting behavior in other fang-bearing animals, though the mechanics and venom delivery differ by lineage. While fanging is a natural mechanism for prey capture and defense, encounters with venomous fanging can pose serious health risks, and medical attention is advised in case of a bite.