Why do some snakes have heat-sensing pits?

Certain snakes, like pit vipers and pythons, have heat-sensing pits near their mouths to detect infrared radiation from warm-blooded prey. These pits contain highly sensitive nerve endings that allow the snake to “see” heat in complete darkness. This adaptation helps them locate prey and strike accurately, even in low-light environments. Heat-sensing pits are a critical tool for hunting and survival in these predators.