The Komodo’s deadly bite - 12:12 pm
15 Jun 2009
It’s been known for a long time that a Komodo’s bite is bad news. It was thought that they had particularly virulent bacteria in their mouths and the ‘dirty’ bites would cause septicaemia in the wounded prey. Recently though, it’s been discovered that there is a well developed venom gland with ducts leading to the teeth. The Komodo holds on to its victims with a vice-like bite, slowly letting the venom seep into the large wound. It’s power lies in its body, enabling it to hang on to prey and not let go while the weak venom spreads.
To view a hunting Komodo on Rinca Island click here
(Fry et al. 2009. A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus. PNAS, 106: 8969-8974
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