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pit viper
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Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma). Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). Close-up of a bamboo viper, Trimeresurus stejnegeri, showing its green scales, heat-sensing pit between the eye and nostril, and vertical slit pupil. Diagram showing the skulls of three types of venomous snakes: a cobra (Elapidae) with forward-facing fangs, a pit viper (Crotalinae) with long, hinged fangs, and a rear-fanged snake (Colubridae) with fangs positioned at the back of the mouth. Each skull is labeled to highlight the location and shape of the fangs.
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Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma).
Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma).

pit viper

snake
Also known as: Crotalinae
Written and fact-checked by
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History

pit viper, any species of viper (subfamily Crotalinae) that has, in addition to two movable fangs, a heat-sensitive pit organ between each eye and nostril which together help it accurately aim its strike at its warm-blooded prey. Pit vipers are found from deserts to rainforests, primarily in the New World. They may be terrestrial, arboreal, or aquatic. Some species lay eggs; others produce live young. See also bushmaster, copperhead, fer-de-lance, moccasin, rattlesnake.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.