Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
(C)
(D)
(E)
Plate 2.1 C-E
(
Continued
)
1979; Weinstein and Kardong, 1994). Some elapids exhibit incomplete fang can-
nula without complete fusion of the venom duct groove (Bogert, 1943). None of the
known colubroids of the former colubrid assemblage possess such dentition. The teeth
associated with Duvernoy's glands are never canaliculate (i.e., never with a lumen),
but instead are solid, often enlarged, and sometimes deeply grooved (Fry et al., 2008;
Weinstein and Kardong, 1994; Weinstein et al., 2010; Young and Kardong, 1996).
Duvernoy's gland morphology may vary considerably among non-front-fanged
colubroid species, and enlarged teeth associated with glands may be present mid- [e.g.,
Pampas snake, boipemi, cobra espada comum (other names as well),
Tomodon dorsa-
tus
,
Plate 2.3A-D
], or notably posterior (e.g.,
Malpolon monspessulanus
,
Plate 2.4A-C
),
in the maxilla (Broadley and Wallach, 2002; Fry et al., 2008; McKinstry, 1978; Taub,
1967; Weinstein et al., 2010). Several medically important species (i.e., some members
of the tribe, Dispholidini, see Section 4.3) have multiple enlarged, deeply grooved pos-
terior maxillary teeth with modifications probably adapted for enhanced conduction of
secretions into inflicted bite wounds (Broadley and Wallach, 2002; Meier, 1981; Section
4.3). It is important to note that other medically important species (e.g.,
R. tigrinus
and
