Spider-Tailed Horned Viper

With the finesse of a fly-fisherman, the spider-tailed horned viper lures its feathered prey to its doom.

The spider-tailed horned viper is a venomous snake that inhabits a small area in western Iran. Scientists first discovered it in 1968 but thought the tail was a random mutation. Yet, it was 2006 before scientists had a live specimen to examine and determined that the unique tail indicated they had a new species.

Spider-Tailed Horned Viper Amazing Facts

The spider-tailed horned viper, also known as the Persian horned viper, is a species of venomous snake that inhabits the western Iranian plateau. As the name suggests, this unique serpent possesses a distinctive spider-like tail tip, which it uses to lure unsuspecting prey into striking distance.

While it may not be the largest or deadliest species of snake, the spider-tailed horned viper has several fascinating features and behaviors that make it an incredible animal to study.

• The species uses a caudal lure (the tail!) that looks like a spider – a phenomenon known as feeding mimicry.
• These vipers blend into their environment well enough that birds land on them, so focused on the “spider” that they do not see the snake until it’s too late.
• They can strike in .2 seconds.
• Many of the local birds have figured out the viper’s game – it appears that only the visiting birds fall prey to its charms.

Evolution and Origins

The spider-tailed horned viper is a poisonous serpent that lives in a limited area of western Iran, which was first identified by researchers in 1968, who initially believed that its unique spider-like tail was a random genetic mutation.

Belonging to the Viperidae family and Pseudocerastes genus, the spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) is a venomous type of viper, commonly referred to as “false-horned viper,” and is a native to the western part of Iran and adjacent areas of Iraq.

The most notable characteristic of the horned viper is its horns above the eyes, and these vipers can reach a maximum length of 33 inches. The horned viper’s coloration typically corresponds to its surroundings.

Location

They have only been found in a few areas in western Iran and are rare enough that CITES agreed to add them to Appendix II to restrict international trade. 

The Persian horned viper, also known as the spider-tailed horned viper, is primarily located in the western regions of Iran and the eastern regions of Iraq, specifically in the Zagros Mountains, with a higher concentration on the western side of the mountain range; unfortunately, its distribution range is dwindling and relatively limited.

Scientific Name

The spider-tailed horned viper, or Pseudocerastes urarachnoides, is part of the Viperidae family and means false horned, spider-like tail. Vipers are a family of venomous snakes with retractable fangs that inject venom deep into their prey. They are present in most parts of the world except Siberia, Ireland, the arctic circle, and Australia.

Pseudo = false

cerastes = false

ura = tail

arachna = spider

ides = like

The species was named by Steven Anderson, a biological expert specializing in South-East Asian reptiles. The scientist first stumbled on a specimen at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and was fascinated by the arthropod-like lure at the end of its tail.

Population and Conservation Status

The IUCN listed it as “data deficient” because there isn’t enough data to determine whether they are threatened or endangered. Its range is small enough that there’s a concern among the scientific community. Scientists seek more information and want to have a more detailed study done. 

Appearance and Description

These vipers are unique-looking. Their eyes are tan-colored with vertical pupils. They have rough skin with keeled scales that blends well with the granite of their home range; and scales that extend upwards from the eyes, forming “horns.” The most unique feature of the Spider-tailed Horned Viper is its tail: a bulbous, fleshy-looking end with long, thin scales that dangle from it. 

Venom

It is venomous and will strike when threatened. However, it doesn’t seem to be aggressive towards people unless cornered. A study done by Brouw (2021) discovered that the venom of this species has a coagulating impact on humans and affects the X-factor; nevertheless, no incidents of human envenomation in their natural habitat have been documented, and the severity of the venom’s effects on humans remains unclear.

Behavior and Humans

This viper is an ambush predator with a twist. It wiggles the end of its tail, making it appear alive. Its favorite food is of the feathered variety, and several videos show a spider-tailed horned viper luring a bird close enough to strike. However, it doesn’t restrict its diet to birds – the spider-tailed horned viper also hunts arthropods, rodents, and lizards.

People have become its most significant predators, and its unique hind end has attracted collectors.

Similar Animals

• Russel’s Viper
• Common European Adder
• Horned Viper
• Peringuey’s Adder