Quck answer
Pit vipers have a unique ability to detect heat, allowing them to “see” their prey even in complete darkness. They have heat-sensitive organs located on their faces, called pit organs, which can detect even the slightest changes in temperature. These pit organs are so sensitive that they can detect temperature differences as small as 0.003 degrees Celsius. This thermal vision allows pit vipers to hunt at night and in other low-light conditions. In fact, pit vipers are so skilled at this that they can accurately strike their prey even if it’s completely invisible to the human eye.
Wild Animals
The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), a highly venomous snake, is a type of pit viper. Aaron Horowitz/Getty Images
The villain in the 2011 movie “Rango” could have easily been called “Pit Viper Jake” instead of Rattlesnake Jake. Although less catchy, it would have been more accurate.
Vipers, which are known for their venom, are a widespread snake family found on most continents, with the exceptions of Australia and Antarctica. All vipers carry venom in twin glands behind their eyes, and the toxic mixture is delivered through movable fangs that can be retracted against the roof of the mouth.
Rattlers belong to a subfamily of vipers called Crotalinae or pit vipers, which have a unique, built-in tool they use to find both prey and predators.
Infrared Sensing
“There are currently 260 species of pit vipers recognized by science,” says herpetologist Emily Taylor via email. Most of these species are found in the Americas, although some are found in parts of Southeast Asia.
In addition to rattlers, the list of pit vipers includes cottonmouths, copperheads, and bushmaster snakes. The name “pit viper” refers to the heat-sensitive pits located between their eyes and nostrils.
“Pit vipers are distinguished by the two infrared-sensing pits on their faces. Other vipers lack these pits and also lack the ability to sense infrared radiation,” says Taylor.
These pits are essentially very simple eyes that detect infrared radiation, which is a type of energy invisible to the human eye. Every object in the universe with a temperature above absolute zero emits some amount of infrared radiation. Pit vipers use these pits to produce “thermal images” of nearby animals.
The southern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix) is a species of venomous pit viper endemic to eastern North America.
Pikist
According to wildlife biologist Andrew Durso, the structures in a pit viper’s face are “essentially very simple eyes that see in the infrared spectrum. They have a narrow opening leading to a wider cavity, in the middle of which a membrane filled with infrared receptors is suspended away from the body, acting as a retina.”
Many pit vipers go hunting after dark for rodents, birds, and other creatures that are warmer than themselves, so this thermal imaging is a helpful superpower. While their “real” eyes do not sense infrared radiation, the sensory information from their eyes and pits is likely combined in their brain.
According to Taylor, it is difficult to determine how snakes perceive their surroundings, but they likely use both their eyes and pits to create a dual image. Vipers use their long, hollow, and independently moving fangs to inject venom into their prey, which is a cocktail of thousands of chemicals that disrupt physiological pathways. Venom can be categorized into hemotoxins, which cause internal bleeding, and neurotoxins, which interfere with normal nervous system functions. Depending on the species, a snake’s venom can contain both types of toxins. Pit vipers specialize in ambush hunting and can strike with up to half of their total body length, but they may miss their target. Nonvenomous kingsnakes are known to swallow pit vipers whole. While snakebite fatalities are rare, envenomation can lead to various unpleasant symptoms. Most pit vipers give birth to live young, with certain rattlers delivering up to 25 infants per litter. South American bushmasters are the longest venomous snakes in the New World, growing to be nearly 12 feet long.
FAQ
1. How do pit vipers ‘see’ in the dark?
Pit vipers have a unique sensory organ on their heads called pit organs or heat-sensing pits. These pits detect thermal radiation, which allows the snakes to create a thermal image of their surroundings. This ability is not dependent on visible light, making it possible for pit vipers to ‘see’ in complete darkness.
2. What is the range of a pit viper’s thermal vision?
The range of a pit viper’s thermal vision can vary depending on the species. Some pit vipers can detect temperature differences as small as 0.003 degrees Celsius, while others can detect temperature differences of up to 0.1 degrees Celsius. This gives them a range of up to several meters, allowing them to locate prey and predators in the dark.
3. Can pit vipers differentiate between different types of thermal radiation?
Yes, pit vipers can differentiate between different types of thermal radiation. They can distinguish between the thermal radiation emitted by living organisms and that emitted by inanimate objects. This ability allows them to locate prey in the dark, even if it is hiding behind a rock or in a crevice.
4. Are pit vipers the only animals that can detect thermal radiation?
No, pit vipers are not the only animals that can detect thermal radiation. Some other animals, such as certain species of insects and birds, also have the ability to detect thermal radiation. However, pit vipers are unique in their ability to create a thermal image of their surroundings, allowing them to ‘see’ in complete darkness.
5. Are pit vipers dangerous to humans?
Yes, some species of pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes and copperheads, are venomous and can be dangerous to humans. However, pit vipers are generally not aggressive towards humans and will only attack if they feel threatened. It is important to be cautious and avoid getting too close to these snakes in the wild.
6. How can humans protect themselves from pit vipers?
To protect themselves from pit vipers, humans should avoid areas where these snakes are known to live, such as rocky outcroppings and wooded areas. If hiking in these areas, it is important to wear protective clothing and sturdy boots. If a pit viper is encountered, it is important to give it plenty of space and not attempt to handle it.
7. Are pit vipers important to their ecosystem?
Yes, pit vipers are important to their ecosystem as both predators and prey. They help to control populations of rodents and other small animals, and are themselves an important food source for larger predators such as birds of prey and mammals. It is important to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by protecting all species, including pit vipers.
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