What is one distinguishing characteristic of poisonous snakes in Tennessee besides pupil shape?

One distinguishing characteristic of poisonous snakes in Tennessee is the presence of pits between the nostril and eye, which is a feature found in certain snake families, particularly among pit vipers like copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. These pits are sensitive heat-sensing organs that allow the snake to detect the body heat of nearby prey, enabling them to hunt effectively, especially in low light conditions. This adaptation is crucial for their survival and hunting strategy.

In contrast, characteristics like long tails, bright coloration, and webbed feet do not specifically indicate a snake's venomous nature or play a significant role in their identification. While some non-venomous snakes may exhibit bright colors or have tails of varying lengths, these features do not reliably differentiate between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes in the region. Webbed feet are also not a trait found in snakes; instead, they are typically associated with amphibious animals. Thus, the presence of pits is a key anatomical feature that distinguishes venomous snakes in Tennessee from their non-venomous counterparts.