by insaniac » Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:53 am
@ mitsipedro :
Venom doesn't necessarily have to come from a venom gland.
Forgive me if I'm wrong but...
The salivary glands of many, if not all, species of monitor lizards produce venom in very low concentrations with vestigal function (Fry et al., 2006). The effect of these proteins on humans is negligible and the animals are not considered venomous. Complications arising from lizard bites are almost aways the result of infections via the bacteria in the saliva.
Also, their delivery system is poorly developed, and most of the venom (including the bacteria ) only flows around their teeth in the lower jaw.
IMO This could have a lot to o with the differences in bite effects..?
I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other...