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Posts Tagged "true viper"

Melanin deposit – Timber Rattlesnake

Posted on Oct 6, 2014

Melanin deposit – Timber Rattlesnake

Do you see the perceptible streak of blue along the right side of the head of this Timber Rattlesnake? That is a special shield for its venom and venom glands that can be found in both pit vipers like Crotalus horridus as well as true vipers. This melanin deposit helps to block visible and ultraviolet light from harming the internal systems and prevents detoxification of the venom itself. That is some advanced evolution!

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