Like most animals on the planet, snakes have the five normal
senses. Those would be sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste.
Some features of the senses are limited, while others are
extended beyond the norm.
Eyes - The range of sensitivity of the eyes vary greatly from
snake to snake. Most snakes see the actual movement of objects
clearer than the object itself. Snakes that are active during
the day normally see in this fashion. On the other end of the
spectrum, some snakes, such as the blind snakes, see shades of
light and dark. Snakes do not have eyelids in the traditional
sense. They cover their eyes with a clear membrane, called the
brille.
Ears - Snakes lack an external ear opening. Their ear bone is
attached to their jaw bone. They can only hear very low sounds.
Tongue - The snakes tongue is the most interesting part of their
anatomy. Everyone knows the typical action for the tongue;
flicking. Snakes flick out their tongue, and either wave it in
the air, or touch the ground with it. This is one of their touch
sensors. It is also used to find or detect chemical scents.
Molecules of any chemical are collected by the tongue, brought
back into their mouth, and analyzed by the Jacobson's organ.
Using this method, a snake can more effectively find and follow
its prey.
Some snakes can detect infrared heat rays. Some species of
snakes have small holed, or pits, on their faces, including; pit
vipers, boas, pythons. This pit allows them to distinguish
minute changes in temperature in the direction they are pointed.
Hunting prey is made simple by picking out warmer temperatures
in front of them.
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