Viper pits allow snakes to see in infrared and hunt in the dark. In actuality, there is an antenna hidden within the holes of a viper’s face. Some viper pits sense heat signatures from meters away. Additionally, they sense heat wavelengths. While this may not sound like much, this allows snakes to hunt in complete darkness! There are only a few snakes that have viper pits. These snakes belong to the pit viper, boa, and python families. Some of the specific snakes that have viper pits include: Rattlesnakes, copperheads.
The viperidae are found in most parts of the world, except for some islands. They are venomous and have long fangs that inject their venom. Three subfamilies are currently recognized. All viperids have a pair of long solenoglyphous fangs used to inject venom from glands located behind the eyes. When not in use, the fangs fold back against the roof of the mouth.
These small snakes, also known as the eyelash pit viper, can be found in Central America and northern South America. They get their name from the bristly scales that mimic eyelashes over their eyes. According to sources, they are often distinguished by their vivid coloration.
In addition, they can sense via infrared (heat) detecting organs located in pits in front of their eyes. A link is provided to a picture of a pit viper on Wikipedia. The pits are clearly visible.
As an adult, a pit viper can get anywhere from 200-250 cm’s long. As a baby, a pit viper is around 30 cm’s long. The bushmaster is the largest pit viper in the world.
“Pit vipers live on the ground, underground or in the trees,” said an expert. Lifespan is estimated at 25 years. Venomous snakes have distinct heads with a more triangular-shaped head compared to non-venomous snakes.
The saw-scaled viper may be responsible for more human deaths than all other snake species combined. Its venom, however, is lethal in less than 10 percent of untreated victims.
A Russell’s viper can live up to 20-25 years old in the wild due to hazards. Although both true and pit vipers have vertically orientated pupils one difference is that true vipers lack the temperature-sensitive facial pits that give the pit vipers their name.
The rattlesnakes are truly American pit vipers since they are not found in the Old World.
Of all vipers, the rattlesnakes are among the most easily recognized with a rattle-like structure at the end of their tail formed out of old layers that do not fall off when the snake molts. When shaken, the rattle serves as a warning signal.
The name pit vipers comes from heat-sensing glands located on either side of the triangle-shaped head. Together, these pits enhance the viper’s predatory capacity with thermal rangefinder characteristics; therefore, when hunting at night and deprived of sight, the loreal pits will inform the range of prey.
Are pit vipers aggressive?
Some pit vipers strike when threatened. Others hide. About 30% of strikes inject no venom. The idea victims can suck out venom is false.
Pit vipers aren’t aggressive. They strike feeling threatened or irritated. Heat-sensing pits help them prey. Pit vipers don’t make good pets due to venom.
Rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths and coral snakes are pit vipers. They have heat-sensing pits on their triangular heads. Adults reach one to twelve feet.
Pit vipers have hollow fangs, triangular heads, and heat-sensing facial pits. They live worldwide, especially the Americas and Asia. Their venom affects blood and tissue. Some have one-inch fangs injecting deep.
Wagler’s pit vipers aren’t aggressive. Their triangular heads identify them. The largest reach twelve feet. Pit vipers are reptiles.
This viper isn’t aggressive to humans. Its venom is neurotoxic and hemotoxic. Antibiotics treat bites. It is revered in some cultures. Conservation aids survival. It maintains ecosystems despite risks.
Pit vipers live worldwide, especially the Americas. Most snakes don’t bite humans. The aggressive saw-scaled viper is an exception. Cottonmouth venom kills fastest.
Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic pit vipers in the southeastern United States. They damage tissue, blood cells, and blood vessels, causing bleeding and organ failure. Yes, copperheads are pit vipers.
The Bamboo pit viper is similar to others with heat-sensing pits and hemotoxic venom. But it has adapted to its rainforest niche. Its venom prevents blood clotting. When striking, venom enters through hollow fangs.
Pit vipers have heat-sensing facial pits. Eighteen old world and eleven new world genera exist, totaling 151 and 97 species. New world genera are the only American vipers. They include lanceheads, rattlesnakes, and Asian pit vipers.
Pit vipers have poor eyesight and react to motion. They detect ground vibrations, alerting them to predators. They also “see” heat, allowing nocturnal hunting of warm-blooded prey. They ambush prey by camouflage and stillness.
How venomous is a pit viper?
Pit viper venom is a mix of toxins causing tissue destruction and coagulopathy. Some species have significant neurotoxins blocking nerve transmission. The Mojave rattlesnake produces a potent neurotoxin.
Pit vipers inject venom by rotating retractable fangs downward and forward into victim tissues. Contraction of venom gland muscles forces venom through fangs.
Predators to Bamboo pit vipers are large mammals and birds. Venom is degraded by stomach acid when ingested, so snakes are edible.
Eyelash palm pit vipers can live over 16 years in captivity. Bushmasters live 12 to 18 years in captivity, with a maximum of 24 years.
Pit Viper sunglasses are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor ice skating.
The Calloselasma rhodostoma pit viper species is endemic to Southeast Asia. No subspecies currently recognized. Females slightly longer than males. Loreal pit not contacting upper labials. Smooth dorsal scales. Found in Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, West Malaysia and Java.
Venom derives from modified salivary glands. Pit vipers have a pit on each side of the head between eye and nostril. Non-venomous snakes lack pits. Pit viper tail scales typically go all the way across in 1 row.
Oklahoma pit vipers have retractable fangs to inject venom. They have elliptical pupils while nonvenomous snakes have round pupils.
The mamushi is the most venomous pit viper in Japan. It accounts for 3,000 bites annually with at least ten deaths. It’s best to steer clear if encountered.
Pit viper venom causes symptoms from mild swelling and pain to paralysis and death. Some venom proteins have medical uses like drugs for blood pressure and heart disease.
Pit vipers have heat-sensing loreal pits connecting to nerves enabling navigation in darkness. Research on pits enabled night-vision equipment development. Some pit vipers found hibernating and defending others’ young.
Why are some snakes known as pit vipers?
Pit vipers are venomous snakes with heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. The pits detect infrared radiation, helping locate prey. Pit vipers include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes. Their heads are triangular. They have hollow, rotatable fangs. Pit vipers inject venom through bites. They vary in size, color. Most active at night. Some have over 1 inch long fangs. Loreal pits connect to nerves, aiding night vision. Inspired development of sensing equipment. Some snakes hibernate together, defending each other’s young. Mainly found in the Americas, Eurasia.