What is spider tail snake?

The spider-tailed horned viper, also known as the spider tail snake, is a species of viper native to western Iran. It is named for its unique hunting technique, where it uses a long, spider-like tail appendage to lure prey, such as birds or lizards, towards it. The tail resembles a spider in appearance and movement, which attracts potential prey to investigate, only to be captured by the snake's swift strike.

The spider-tailed horned viper is a relatively small viper, typically growing to around 20-30 inches in length. It has a distinctive horn-like scale above each eye, which gives it its name. Its coloration varies, but it usually has a gray or reddish-brown base color with darker markings on its back.

This species is highly adapted to its arid environment, with specialized scales on its underside that allow it to move quickly on loose sand and rocky terrain. It is a solitary and secretive species, mainly active at night when temperatures are cooler.

The spider-tailed horned viper is venomous, with its venom primarily used to immobilize and digest its prey. While its venom is not usually fatal to humans, a bite from this snake can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage.

Overall, the spider-tailed horned viper is a fascinating and unique snake species with a captivating hunting technique that sets it apart from other vipers.