Crotalinae/Definition

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Crotalinae [r]: a subfamily of the family Viperidae known as "pitvipers" due to the presence of a heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and the nostril on either side of the head, this distinguishes them from the "true vipers". A distinguishing feature is their triangular-shaped head; their bite is deadly. Examples of members of this subfamily include rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, lanceheads, and Asian pitvipers.