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pit viper
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Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma). Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). pit viper snake skulls
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Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma).
Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma).

pit viper

snake
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Also known as: Crotalinae
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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.