Australian scientists working out of a venom laboratory in Paris, France, have shared their research into how fast several snake species strike and deliver their bites.

Speaking to the BBC, co-author of the study Alistair Evans detailed how a gel was warmed to simulate prey and “entice” the snake to bite.

Using slow-motion footage, researchers found vipers were the fastest but some elapids were almost as fast. They also observed how the different species used their fangs to capture their prey and inject venom.