Viperidae

Crotalinae (Pit Vipers)

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Viperinae (Vipers)

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Viperidae is a family of poisonous snakes found all over the world.

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Vipers and pit vipers typically have thick bodies with slender tail and their heads are triangular.

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Their venom is hemotoxic although some species have both hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom.

Related Topics:
Venom - Hemotoxic - Neurotoxic

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They have a highly evolved venom delivery system, with long fangs which can reach deep into the preys body. Their fangs are hinged and lie folded on the roof of their mouths.

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Pit vipers have infrared sensing organs which help them find prey whose temperature is different from the surroundings.

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They are nocturnal in nature.

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Vipers and pit vipers are usually short in length but there is much variation (Bitis schneideri, max. 28 cm total length; Lachesis muta, up to 3.6 m).

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The Viperidae family is made up of two subfamilies:

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• Crotalinae (Pit Vipers)
• Viperinae (Vipers)