Pit Viper Snake– Pit viper Snake which belong to the Crotalinae subfamily, are a fascinating group of venomous snakes known for their unique heat-sensing abilities. These snakes are named after their distinctive pit organs located between their eyes and nostrils. These organs enable them to detect infrared radiation from warm-blooded prey, a trait that sets them apart from other reptiles.
Pit vipers, found in parts of the Americas and Asia, have a wide variety of adaptations that allow them to thrive in a variety of habitats, from arid deserts and lush rainforests to mountainous regions as well as wetlands. This wide distribution is evidence of their evolutionary and adaptive abilities.
Some well-known members of this subfamily of snakes include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and lanceheads, each of which reflect their own unique characteristics and ecological roles. For example, rattlesnakes are easily recognized by the rattling sound produced by segments at the end of their tails, which is a distinctive warning signal to potential threats.
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Scientific Classification of Pit Viper Snake
The scientific classification of pit vipers is detailed below, indicating their place within the broader classification of snakes and reptiles:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Serpentes
- Family: Viperidae
- Subfamily: Crotalinae
- Genus: Trimesurus
- Species: Trimeresurus gramineus
Appearance
Pit viper snakes are usually bright green in colour and can sometimes be yellow, brown, or purple-brown in colour. They usually have a lighter, white, yellow, or red spot along the outer row of scales. They also have a yellow or red tail at the end. The lower part of their body is also green, yellow, or white in colour.
Description of Pit Viper Snake
Generally, these pit viper snakes are native to India. The range of this species of snakes is almost limited to South India, especially spread over a large area of Tamil Nadu. These snakes are also found near Harischandragarh and some other mountain ranges of the Western Ghats but are rarely seen. They are also found in limited numbers in the eastern region of India extending to Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Pit vipers prefer to live near bamboo groves and rivers of forests and can also be found in dry bushy forests.
| CONTINENTS | Asia |
| SUBCONTINENTS | South Asia |
| COUNTRIES | India |
| REGIONS | Maharastra, Karnatka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Goa, Orisa, Tamil Nadu |
| BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REALMS | Indomalayan |
Body Structure of Pit Viper Snake
Pit viper snakes have a unique body structure that makes them well-suited to their role as ambush predators. Below is a detailed description of their body structure:
Head:
- Hape: Broad and triangular, distinctly wider than the neck.
- Heat-Sensing Pits: Located between the eyes and nostrils, these pits detect infrared radiation from warm-blooded prey, allowing the snake to hunt effectively in low-light conditions.
- Eyes: Elliptical (cat-like) pupils provide excellent night vision and depth perception.
- Fangs: Long, hinged fangs that fold back when not in use. These fangs are connected to venom glands and can deliver a potent dose of venom to immobilize and pre-digest prey.
Body:
- Shape: Stout and muscular, designed for striking and constricting prey. The body is often robust, giving the snake significant strength.
- Scales: Keeled (having a ridge), which gives the skin a rough texture. The scales provide protection and aid in locomotion.
- Coloration and Patterns: Highly variable among species, often providing effective camouflage. Patterns can include bands, blotches, or stripes that help the snake blend into its environment.
Tail:
- Rattles: Present in rattlesnakes, a distinctive feature used to produce a rattling sound as a warning signal. The rattle is composed of a series of interlocking segments made of keratin.
- Shape: In species without rattles, the tail may taper to a point or have a slightly different shape, sometimes ending in a small spine or scale.
Habitat
Geographic Distribution
- Americas: Found extensively throughout North, Central, and South America.
- Asia: Various species are found in parts of Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, India, and China.
Types of Habitats
- Forests: Many pit vipers, such as the Bothriechis and Trimeresurus genera, thrive in tropical and subtropical forests. These environments provide ample cover and abundant prey.
- Deserts: Species like the Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) are adapted to arid environments, using burrows and natural shelters to escape the extreme heat.
- Mountains: Some species inhabit mountainous regions, where they can be found from lower elevations to alpine zones.
- Wetlands and Swamps: Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) are often found in wetlands, swamps, and areas near water bodies.
- Grasslands and Savannas: Certain species are adapted to open grasslands and savannas, where they utilize ground cover and burrows.
Life Style
Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal: Most pit vipers are primarily nocturnal, hunting at night when their heat-sensing pits are most effective.
- Diurnal and Crepuscular: Some species may be active during the day or at twilight, depending on environmental conditions and prey availability.
Feeding & Hunting
- Ambush hunters: Pit viper snakes often lie in wait for their prey, using camouflage to blend into their surroundings. When prey comes within striking distance, they strike very quickly to inject venom
- Prey: The main part of their diet consists of small mammals, birds, amphibians and other reptiles.
Life Span of Pit Viper Snake
Pit viper snakes, also often known as pit adders, are one of a subfamilies of venomous vipers commonly found in Asia and the Americas. They are identified by a heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and nostril on either side of the head. These snakes exhibit a wide range of lifespans:
- Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): This type of snake is able to live up to 25 years.
- Eyelash Palm Pit Viper Snake: These snakes are able to live for more than 16 years in captivity.
- Vogel’s Green Pit Viper Snake: This snake has an estimated lifespan of about 10-15 years in the wild.
References: Wikipedia
https://bytica.net/pit-viper-snake/