crotaline snakes

Crotaline snakes, commonly known as pit vipers, are a group of venomous snakes found mainly in the Americas. They are identifiable by their distinctive heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils, which help them detect warm-blooded prey. This family includes well-known species like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. Crotaline snakes have elliptical pupils and triangular heads, and they are generally characterized by their ability to deliver venom through fangs. While their bites can be dangerous, they typically prefer to avoid humans and strike only when threatened. Their habitats range from deserts to forests.