Pit Viper

The pit actually refers to the indentations below the eyes. These are infrared-sensing organs used to detect prey. The viper pictured is an example of the Large-scaled Pit Viper from India, Trimeresurus macrolepis. Photo by Jithesh Pai M via natureinfocus.in. It’s not actually that venomous; tea-pickers get bitten somewhat regularly without suffering permanent harm.