OPISTHOGLYPHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Opisthoglyphous is an adjective that refers to a particular characteristic of some snakes, particularly the rear-fanged ones. This term is derived from the Greek words “opistho,” meaning “behind,” and “glyphus,” meaning “carved or channeled.” It is used to describe the position and arrangement of the fangs in these specific snakes.
In opisthoglyphous snakes, the venom-carrying teeth, known as fangs, are situated at the back of their upper jaw. Unlike some other venomous snakes, these fangs are not elongated and hinged but are rather short and fixed. Opisthoglyphous snakes often possess grooves or channels on the inside of their fangs that help direct and deliver venom.
This unique arrangement allows opisthoglyphous snakes to inject their venom into their prey during the process of biting and chewing. However, the venom produced by these snakes is typically mild compared to that of front-fanged venomous snakes, and their bite is not considered dangerous to humans. Therefore, opisthoglyphous snakes are not commonly deemed highly venomous.
Opisthoglyphous snakes can be found in various geographical regions, including tropical climates. Some well-known species that possess this characteristic include the boomslang and the rear-fanged colubrids. Researchers and herpetologists study opisthoglyphous snakes to better understand their venom composition, feeding behaviors, and evolutionary adaptations.
Etymology of OPISTHOGLYPHOUS
The word "opisthoglyphous" is derived from two Greek words: "opistho", meaning "behind" or "at the back", and "glyph", meaning "carving" or "engraving". The term is primarily used in the field of zoology to describe a type of snake that possesses fangs at the back of their upper jaw. The fangs of opisthoglyphous snakes are not capable of folding and are used to deliver venom when biting.
