Types of Mouths in Reptiles

Reptiles are a diverse group of animals found on every continent except Antarctica. All reptiles are exothermic (cold-blooded) and have scales covering their bodies. The physiology and feeding habits of reptiles vary greatly from small, arboreal lizards to large, saltwater crocodiles. Some reptiles feed only on plants while other species are strictly carnivores. The size, shape and function of reptile mouths vary greatly.

  1. Snake Mouths

    • Snakes have specialized mouths that help them capture, constrain and swallow their prey. Snakes' mouths have evolved to allow them to feed on animals that are much larger than the size of their heads. They have several rows of razor-sharp teeth that curve backward to prevent prey from escaping as they suffocate it. Some snakes have evolved large, hollow fangs which they use to inject potent venom into their prey. Once the prey is dead, by either constriction or envenomation, snakes unhinge their jaws and use muscles in the sides of their throat to push the prey into their stomachs.

    Turtle Mouths

    • Turtles do not have teeth like other reptiles, but instead have hard beaks similar to birds'. Turtle beaks are called rhampothecas, and their size and shape vary greatly by species. Some turtles have sharply pointed beaks and strong jaws that help them shred small animals such as fish and snakes into bite-sized pieces. Other turtles are strictly herbivorous and have round beaks that are not so powerful and used primarily to pull apart foliage and berries.

    Lizard Mouths

    • Lizards have many different types of mouths. Most lizards have mouths lined with several rows of teeth that they use to capture and chew small insects and mammals. Some species have evolved specialized mouths. Komodo dragons have a complex saliva that contains many different types of pathogenic bacteria. Komodo dragons simply bite large animals such as deer and allow the bacteria to kill the animals in two to three days. Other lizards such as Gila monsters and Mexican bearded lizards have grooved teeth that deliver venom to potential predators as well as prey, though they primarily consume eggs and small animals.

    Alligator and Crocodile Mouths

    • Alligators and crocodiles are voracious predators and feed on prey ranging from fish to birds, but they can also eat much larger animals such as deer. Crocodile and alligator mouths are not watertight when closed, but they have evolved a structure called the paletal valve that seals their throats when they are underwater. The valve allows them to attack prey underwater without swallowing large volumes of water. Crocodiles have long, narrow mouths with several teeth on the bottom that are exposed over their upper lip. Alligators have wide, rounded mouths and all of their teeth point downward over the lower lip.