Knowra Pit viper Pit viper A venomous snake in the subfamily Crotalinae, distinguished by heat-sensing pits between its eyes and nostrils. The subfamily includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and lanceheads.
Loreal pit : A heat-sensitive facial organ found in pit vipers between each eye and nostril. This organ gives Crotalinae its name and detects infrared radiation from nearby animals.
Crotalinae : A subfamily of venomous snakes that includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and other pit vipers. Pit viper is the common name for members of this taxonomic group.
Snakebite : A wound caused by a snake's bite, which may or may not involve venom injection. Pit viper bites are a major source of medically significant snakebite in parts of the Americas and Asia.
Rattlesnake : A pit viper native to the Americas, most species of which have a segmented tail rattle. Rattlesnakes are the pit vipers best known for their warning sound.
True viper : A viper in the subfamily Viperinae, lacking the facial heat-sensing pits of pit vipers. True vipers are the closest major viperid group but do not have loreal pits.
Infrared sensing in snakes : The detection of infrared radiation by specialized sensory organs in some snakes. Pit vipers use infrared cues alongside ordinary vision to locate warm-bodied prey.
Viperidae : A family of venomous snakes that includes true vipers and pit vipers. Crotalinae is one of the two principal subfamilies within Viperidae.
Antivenom : An antibody-based medicine used to neutralize toxins in venomous animal bites or stings. Antivenom is the main specific treatment for serious pit viper envenomation.
Copperhead : A North American pit viper in the genus Agkistrodon, named for its copper-colored head. Copperheads are a familiar example of a pit viper living near human settlements.
Elapid : A venomous snake in the family Elapidae, which includes cobras, mambas, and coral snakes. Elapids are a distinct venomous lineage, generally with fixed rather than hinged front fangs.
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