The spider-tailed horned viper was discovered in 1968. Experts initially believed that the tail was just a birth defect. Hence the snake wasn’t formally identified as a separate species until 2006. It is a venomous snake, in the family Viperidae and genus Pseudocerastes. The genus is commonly known as “false-horned vipers”. The Spider-Tailed Horned Viper is a medium-sized snake, typically measuring between 60 to 80 centimeters in length. Its most recognizable feature is its tail, which has a bulbous tip that resembles a spider. This tail is composed of elongated scales that mimic the legs of an arachnid and is used as a lure to attract prey. The spider-tailed viper moves the morphed tail in such a way that it does really look like a crawling arachnid, luring in its unsuspecting victim from the sky. Then once the bird touches down, there are instantly fangs in its neck, and then, after a few painful moments of struggle, death. Pseudocerastes urarachnoides, unlike some other members of its genus, is not venomous, but that bit of good news doesn’t seem that significant when it’s clear this snake can probably scare you to death. Two things seem especially noteworthy here. The spider tailed horned viper has a tail that looks – and moves – exactly like a spider. So beyond looking like an alligator-alien, and eating sweet, adorable little birdies, it also embodies two of the scariest animals known to humans: snakes and spiders. Using its spider-esque tail, the spider tailed horned viper lures innocent birds to just the right spot, and then surprises the daylights out of them and eats them alive. Its tail has a bulb-like end covered with long scales. It tricks its prey into coming closer by waving its towel. Next time you see a spider, it could be this cunning predator camouflaged as a spider. The spider-tailed horned viper is an elusive and fascinating reptile that calls the rocky terrain of Western Asia it’s home. These snakes can be found in a variety of habitats, from arid desert regions to rocky hillsides and mountains at elevations of up to 2,500 meters. At the end of its tail, there is a bulbous, dark-colored structure that has a series of long, thin, and spidery-looking appendages. These tail appendages are believed to mimic the movement of a spider, attracting prey such as birds or lizards. The Spider Tailed Horned Viper, found in the Zagros Mountains, is a slender and cylindrical viper with a length of 20-30 centimeters. Belonging to the Viperidae family, it is easily identifiable by its unique spider-like tail and horned head. Despite its fearsome appearance, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling small rodent populations. the CITES office in Iran set out to send a proposal to add spider-tailed horned viper on the Convention’s list and thus prevent its illegal trade. Discovered in 2006 in western Iran, the spider-tailed horned viper is a species of the Pseudocerastes genus, also known as false-horned vipers. Mimicry is widespread across the animal kingdom. Spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides), also known as Persian viper, is a species of viper endemic to Iran. It was discovered/described in 2006, and what makes it interesting is its tail, which has evolved to look like a spider. The snake uses its tail to lure animals that eat the insects within the attack range. Then it strikes from its rocky camouflage bringing death to the unsuspecting animal. This is not the only animal which uses feeding mimicry to attract prey. The behavior is seen in snakes and couple of lizard species, but the Persian viper seems to be the most bizarre with its spider-tail. How long is the spider-tailed viper? about 531mm. It grows to about 531mm in length with a 55mm tail. Iran shares several snake species with other Middle East countries.
How big are Iran spider tailed vipers?
The spider-tailed horned viper inhabits the Zagros Mountains of Iran. This slender, cylindrical viper has a unique spider-like tail and horned head. The viper uses its tail to attract birds, suddenly striking them when they approach. Despite its fearsome appearance, the horned viper plays a vital role in its ecosystem by controlling small rodent populations. The endangered viper reaches lengths of 20-30 centimeters. Its habitat includes open, sandy or hilly deserts with sparse shrubbery found at elevations up to 2,200 meters. As a nocturnal hunter, the viper feeds primarily on rodents but also eats lizards, birds, and arthropods. Little is known about its reproduction in the wild. Captive specimens reveal a breeding season from March to July, with females giving live birth to young. The horned viper’s brilliant camouflage hides it against the gypsum and limestone rock formations except for its spider-like tail. This extraordinary adaptation makes it a prime target for poachers, threatening the species’ already fragile population. Protecting the spider-tailed horned viper’s specialized habitat is crucial to preventing its extinction.
What snake lures a bird with a tail?
The spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) uses its caudal lure to capture birds. The tail looks somewhat like a spider. Maybe the spider trick can fool a bird, but maybe not all animals. If temptation proves too much, a bird will swoop in for the kill – and encounter a nasty surprise instead. The hunter becomes the hunted as the waiting viper strikes with incredible speed. The distinctive shape of the viper’s tail had previously been noted when the species was discovered in 2006, but scientists confirmed their suspicions only recently. Other snakes, too, have simple caudal lures on their tails – but the horned viper is the first to take things to such an extreme, spider-mimicking level.
This viper waves its tail around to lure birds hunting for insects. They strike once the bird is in range. Their body scales are rough. The tail of this venomous snake looks stunning with a spider and uses it to attract small birds. For the first time in the world this unusual snake recorded moment that tempts and grabs its prey. Exactly what triggers a snake to start tail wagging is unknown, but we can make educated guesses. Sometimes, it might be a regularly scheduled probing wiggle, hoping to flush out prey which might be lurking out of sight.
I wonder if any of them have accidentally bitten themselves trying to catch the spider that is their tail. What’s interesting is that this snake probably has no idea that it has a tail that looks like an insect. Petition to mark spider content with a special spider blur so people who are scared of seeing spiders dont have too. But I’m sure it’s a cool video.
Is there a snake spider?
The spider ball python has unique patterns and colors. Why do snakes have two heads? Bicephaly happens when an embryo splits but doesn’t separate. What kind of snakes live in Iran? I know a snake spider hybrid called the Spider-Tailed Horned Viper exists. It has a tail that mimics a spider to attract prey. What does the spider-tailed horned viper eat? It eats primarily birds. Does a spider snake exist? There’s a snake that pretends to be a spider. Another impressive widow spider eats snakes. The Goliath Birdeater stalks, attacks, then drags a snake to its burrow. This tarantula lives in South America.
The spider-tailed horned viper has a tail that mimics a spider to attract its prey. What kind of snakes live in Iran? Iran has five snake species. Montivipera, Eirenis, Spider-tailed horned viper, and Cerastes gasperettii are endemic. What is a spider with a tail called? Scientists discovered an ancient arachnid species with a tail called Chimerarachne. How big is the spider-tailed viper?
Black widows were successful hunters in half the cases. They can subdue snakes 10 to 30 times their size. Do garter snakes eat spiders? They eat amphibians, worms, spiders and insects. Can a spider hurt a snake? Only a few spiders can pose a threat.
A giant spider ate a snake it caught in its web. It took days to fully eat it. Where do spiders eat snakes? Most reports are in the U.S. and Australia. Yes, some spiders feast on snakes. Scientists previously thought their diets were limited. Now research shows more diversity.
It looked like a snake more than a bird dropping. Ambiguity might help it attract more types of prey.
Scientists found a new venomous snake species in Australia called the bandy-bandy snake. It was near the sea, surprisingly. The spider ball python has unique colors. Bicephaly happens when an embryo doesn’t fully separate. Iran has endemic snake species. An ancient spider had a tail. Only a few spiders can hurt humans. It takes days to eat a snake. Their diets are diverse.