How do snakes sense heat to locate prey?

Many snake species, such as pit vipers and pythons, have specialised heat-sensing organs called pit organs located near their eyes. These organs detect infrared radiation emitted by warm-blooded prey, even in complete darkness. The sensory pits contain highly sensitive nerve endings that form a thermal image, helping the snake accurately strike its target. This adaptation is crucial for hunting at night or in low-light environments, making these snakes formidable predators.