solenoglyphous

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solenoglyphous Applied to snakes that have long, hollow, articulated fangs which fold against the roof of the mouth when the jaws are closed. The fangs are the only teeth in the maxilla (upper jaw) and are capable of injecting venom deep into prey. The pit vipers (Crotalidae) and true vipers (Viperidae) are solenoglyphous. Compare OPISTOGLYPHOUS; PROTEROGLYPHOUS.

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