Researchers first encountered the rare horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) in 1968 during an expedition to Iran. It was characterised by an unusual “spider-like” tail.
Scientists first thought that this feature was a neoplasm or a parasite. Since there were no other specimens, they were not in a hurry to identify the snake as a new species.
And only in 2003 specialists found a similar viper. It became the proof that it is a new species. Having observed the snake in natural conditions, the scientists told about the nuances of its behaviour.
This viper during the hunt burrows into the rocks and leaves on the surface only a “spider” on the end of its own tail, wagging it. In this position the snake can stay for several hours until the bird reacts to the ruse.
