Fang

Fang is a long, pointed tooth. In mammals, a fang is a modified maxillary tooth, used for biting and tearing flesh. In snakes, it is a specialized tooth that is associated with a venom gland.

Overview

Fangs are most common in carnivores or omnivores, but some herbivores, such as fruit bats, carry them as well. They are generally used to hold or swiftly kill prey, such as in large cats. Omnivorous animals, such as bears, use their fangs when hunting fish or other prey, but they are not needed for consuming fruit. Some apes also have fangs, which they use for threats and fighting. However, the relatively short canines of humans are not considered to be fangs.

In snakes

Among snakes, only some families, including the Viperidae, Elapidae, and Colubridae, have fangs. These are hollow or grooved teeth through which they inject venom. The fangs of 'true' venomous snakes like vipers and elapids are hollow to inject venom more effectively, while the fangs of rear-fanged snakes such as the Colubridae are grooved to channel venom into the wound. Snake fangs are usually long and pointed, and they may be either fixed in place or foldable.

In spiders

Many spiders also have fangs, which are part of the chelicerae. They are used to hold the spider's prey while it injects venom.

In mythology and folklore

Fangs have been a staple of horror films and literature, often being associated with vampires and other mythical creatures. They are often depicted as being long, sharp, and capable of inflicting a deadly bite.

See also

• Tooth
• Venom
• Viperidae
• Elapidae
• Colubridae
• Chelicerae
• Vampire

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