The spider-tailed horned viper is one of the most remarkable examples of mimicry in the animal kingdom. Found in the rocky deserts of western Iran, this viper’s tail ends in a bulb-like tip with thin scales that perfectly resemble the body and legs of a spider. When the snake flicks its tail, the movement is almost identical to that of an insect crawling across the sand. This lifelike motion draws in birds that feed on spiders, completely unaware that they are approaching a predator. What makes

Wait! What? That’s not a spider? 🕷️ The spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides), a rare and highly specialised snake found only in western Iran. - Its tail ends in a fleshy, bulb-like tip with long scales that mimic the shape and movement of a spider - This tail acts as a lure, wiggling like prey to attract insect-eating birds within striking distance - The rest of the viper’s body stays still, camouflaged perfectly among the rocks - When a bird swoops in for the “spider,” the