Odontology

Most of colubrids are aglyphous.

>>> Aglyphous : maxillar with full teeth not connected to salivary or poisonous glands.

However 2 different types are distinguished: the aglyphous sensu stricto and the aglyphous opisthodont. The latter have teeth more developed on the posterior part of the maxillar and separated by a diastema (gap).

Opisthodont example: the genus Heterodon


The Philodryas are opisthoglyphous

>>> Opisthoglyphous : presence of grooved teeth on the posterior part of the maxillar and separated from those which precede by a diastema.




The difference between « opisthoglyphous » et « opisthodont » is mainly the presence, in the opisthoglyphous, of a groove on the teeth concerned. This groove allows a flow of venom (sensu lato).


The opisthoglyphous :

The bite must be long for a real envenimation. Often these species masticate!
However, some species have sufficiently long fangs, that a simple bite is sufficient for an envenimation (i.e. Dispholidus typus).

The appearance of the bite is typical. Many marks of teeth.

Feeling of burning often accompanied by swelling and discolouration.

How the symptoms progress varies according to the species responsible for the bite.

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