The spider-tailed viper embodies the essence of two widely feared creatures: arachnophobia (the fear of spiders) and ophidiophobia (the fear of snakes).

Imagine the only scenario where you might confront both fears: donning a clown costume (a fear of heights) and dangling from a high ledge (another fear of heights).

Nevertheless, this scenario is improbable. The spider-tailed viper typically resides in the rocky crevices of the Zagros Mountains, straddling the borders of Iraq and Iran.

Its name derives from its extraordinary tail, which mimics a spider with a swollen tip adorned with elongated “leggy” scales.

The first documented specimen was captured in 1968 and preserved in formaldehyde. When researchers from the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago examined it two years later, they initially mistook it for a Persian horned snake, which is prevalent in the Middle East.

Initially, the spider-like appendage on the snake’s tail was thought to be a spider that inadvertently ended up in the jar. However, further examination revealed that the peculiar ornament was actually part of the snake’s tail.

The significance of this unusual anatomical feature remained ambiguous, with speculation about it being a rare anomaly linked to a parasite or tumor.

In 2003, a second specimen was discovered in a damaged state, yet still exhibiting the same tail’s adornment.

The snake was identified as a new species, Pseudocerastes uralachnoides, which translates to “false horn with a spider-like tail,” sparking curiosity among researchers about whether this reptile uses its tail as a lure.

While it may sound peculiar, numerous predators utilize parts of their bodies to draw in prey. For instance, monkfish develop bioluminescent lures protruding from their heads.

The tufted wobbegong shark boasts a caudal fin that resembles a fish. Additionally, over 50 snake species are known to employ a technique called caudal luring, where they wag their tails to entice prey.

What makes the spider-tailed viper exceptional is that it is the only species known to have evolved a “caboose” that closely resembles a large arachnid.

It took thirty years for scientists to ultimately validate their hypothesis about its caudal luring technique. They set up camp in the arid mountains of Ilam province in western Iran and captured footage of six successful spider-tailed viper hunts, all occurring…

During these hunts, the snake wagged its spider-like tail, capturing the attention of nearby birds. As the birds approached, the snake struck and injected venom, resulting in the bird’s swift demise. Minutes later, the bird was consumed whole.

Spring marks peak hunting season, coinciding with birds nesting and feeding their young. However, juvenile spider-tailed vipers must adopt different hunting methods.

These young snakes hatch without their distinctive “spider butt” and develop it as they grow. Until reaching maturity, they are believed to prey on small mammals and amphibians.

The lesson here: if you’re trekking through the Zagros Mountains and spot a peculiar-looking spider, it’s best to keep your distance.

We don’t fully understand the effects of snake venom on humans, so you may want to avoid that curiosity altogether.

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