By Sheetal Kumari | 8 August 2025
(Image: @random_snakes/X )
This snake entices birds with an odd trick: a spider-like tail. Let’s dig into this curious predator’s secret.
(Image: Wikipedia )
The spider-tailed horned viper inhabits Iran’s rocky deserts. It’s hard to spot and wonderfully camouflaged in its dry environment.
(Image: wildliferescuers/Instagram )
The tail of the snake sports bulbous scales and thin extensions, much like a spider scurrying on a boulder.
The snake vibrates its tail like a spider to entice insectivorous birds within striking distance.
(Image: wildliferescuers/Instagram )
(Image: Kamran Kamali )
When a bird is hooked, the viper attacks in the blink of an eye and injects the bird with venom.
(Image: Omid Mozaffari)
Its scaly texture and dusty hue camouflage it among rocks, rendering it almost invisible to prey.
(Image: @random_snakes/X )
Although known to locals, scientists officially described the species in 2006 following the release of rare footage.
(Image: @random_snakes/X )
Little is known of the behaviour and ecology of the spider-tailed viper owing to its remote locality.
(Image: @random_snakes/X )
Though venomous, it is not dangerous to humans unless provoked. It prefers to avoid conflict.
(Image: Unsplash )
This snake is one of nature’s most inventive predators, employing illusion and patience to exist in the wild.