What specialized heat-sensing organs are located between the eye and the nostril of *Crotalus oreganus*?
Answer
Deep facial pits sensitive to infrared radiation
Pit vipers, including *Crotalus oreganus*, possess specialized loreal pits, which are deeply recessed holes situated on the face, specifically located between the eye and the nostril on each side of the head. These organs are critically important for survival and hunting as they are incredibly sensitive to infrared radiation. This sensitivity allows the snake to create a 'heat signature' image of warm-blooded prey, enabling effective targeting and striking even in conditions of complete darkness. The presence of these pits is a definitive feature distinguishing pit vipers from many non-venomous mimics.
Related Questions
What is the scientific cataloging name for the Western Rattlesnake?What specialized heat-sensing organs are located between the eye and the nostril of *Crotalus oreganus*?What texture characterizes the dorsal scales of the Western Rattlesnake skin?What feature on the tail is explicitly stated as not being a reliable indicator of the snake's age?What shape do the pupils of the Western Rattlesnake take, a feature typical of nocturnal or crepuscular hunters?How does the head shape of *Crotalus oreganus* differ from the neck region?What darker marking, besides the main blotches, aids in identifying *C. oreganus* when patterns are faint?What anatomical feature provides definitive confirmation of pit viper classification over Gopher snakes (*Pituophis* species)?What physical aspect of the tail tip distinguishes juveniles or non-rattling Western Rattlesnakes from many harmless colubrids?What defining trait remains relatively consistent across the diverse geographic range of *C. oreganus*, aiding identification when color fails?