Heat pits to have or not have

[ballpython2]

Does the fact that pythons and some other snake species have heat pits make them more of a predator than snakes that dont have heat pits?

How come all snakes dont have heat pits?

does it depend on your origin of habitat?

 

[reverendsterlin]

Does the fact that pythons and some other snake species have heat pits make them more of a predator than snakes that dont have heat pits?

How come all snakes dont have heat pits?

does it depend on your origin of habitat?

some snakes are sight hunters and/or are daylight hunters
Rev

 

[Takumaku]

There are multiple trains of thought as to the origin of infrared sensing (heat pits) in Vipers, Boas, and Python snakes. Science currently hasn't determine the true nature, so it's still anyone's best guess.

First, one argument is that the snakes evolved in an area of extreme heat (deserts) or extreme darkness (caves). Because of this, these snakes lost the ability to hunt by sight and taste. So, one train of thought is the heat pits were developed to help the "blind snakes" hunt for prey.

Another train of thought is the heat pits evolved to help the snakes identify predator by allowing them to get a 3D heat map of the item.

 

[pitbulllady]

There are multiple trains of thought as to the origin of infrared sensing (heat pits) in Vipers, Boas, and Python snakes. Science currently hasn't determine the true nature, so it's still anyone's best guess.

First, one argument is that the snakes evolved in an area of extreme heat (deserts) or extreme darkness (caves). Because of this, these snakes lost the ability to hunt by sight and taste. So, one train of thought is the heat pits were developed to help the "blind snakes" hunt for prey.

Another train of thought is the heat pits evolved to help the snakes identify predator by allowing them to get a 3D heat map of the item.

Also, not all snakes feed on warm-blooded prey. Heat-sensing pits would be rather useless if the quarry is a fish, frog, lizard, another snake, or an invertebrate, with a body temp the same as its background.

There's also a lot of evidence to suggest that heat pits also help the snakes find a place to cool off in the heat of the day. Snakes with such heat pits apparently evolved in hot climates, in the tropics or in deserts, where keeping cool is more important than keeping warm. Experiments have shown that captive Rattlesnakes with their heat pits blocked are unable to locate a cool artificial "cave", and are thus unable to get out of direct sunlight, while snakes with their heat pits left uncovered quickly found the "caves" and took refuge inside. Such snakes appear to rely more on their heat pits to locate shade and other cooler areas, rather than eyesight or scent.

pitbulllady

 

[crpy]

Also colubrids do have heat receptors between thier labial scales, especially Pituophis.

 

[UrbanJungles]

Snakes with "heat pits" are amongst the most evolved. The more "primitive" types of snakes (colubrids) lack them while animals like rattlers have refined the art of being a predator (heat pits & venom).

It's not to say that colubrids aren't successful predators, but those snakes with venom and thermo-sensory capabilities are more lethal assassins.

 

[crpy]

Snakes with "heat pits" are amongst the most evolved. The more "primitive" types of snakes (colubrids) lack them while animals like rattlers have refined the art of being a predator (heat pits & venom).

It's not to say that colubrids aren't successful predators, but those snakes with venom and thermo-sensory capabilities are more lethal assassins.

True, BUT, colubrids DO have heat sensing receptors that vary in thermo detection per spp. please dont make me try to find my herp cited literature, they are packed. I'll tell ya who I know that can back me up

 

[UrbanJungles]

I never said they didn't. I should have clarified by saying refined thermo-sensory capabilities. Those with "pits".

 

[crpy]

I never said they didn't. I should have clarified by saying refined thermo-sensory capabilities. Those with "pits".

whew, cool

 

[ballpython2]

whew, cool

Thanks for those responses I wasnt quite sure exactly how they worked.

I was just thinkin about it cause i never seen any pits on my corn snakes but my ball python has them.

So when it comes to live feeding has anyone ever seen or heard of a snake getting severly hurt when trying to take down live prey?

Cause usually snakes only end up with bad prey bites when they ignore live food then the food gets hungry.

In my experience as a herp keeper I have never had any problems with live food besides a mouse's toe scratchin one of my snakes but they scratche healed quickly without issue.

None of my animals have ever been injuried in live feedings.

But since I know this happens I would like some examples instead of me taking the niave route.

 

[JohnEDove]

So when it comes to live feeding has anyone ever seen or heard of a snake getting severly hurt when trying to take down live prey?

Cause usually snakes only end up with bad prey bites when they ignore live food then the food gets hungry.

In my experience as a herp keeper I have never had any problems with live food besides a mouse's toe scratchin one of my snakes but they scratche healed quickly without issue.

None of my animals have ever been injuried in live feedings.

But since I know this happens I would like some examples instead of me taking the niave route.

I have seen live prey cause some pretty bad injuries while being constricted. Years ago it was the belief that snakes would not take dead prey so everyone fed live and cringed every time a rodent would sink its teeth into the snake as the snake killed it.
One simple bite by the prey can become infected which can develop into something just as bad as the prey nibbling on the snake for hours or days.
You can read about such an incident at this link.
WARNING GRAPHIC INJURY PICTURES
http://www.beginnersreptiles.com/LiveFeed.html