Spider-tailed horned viper
Spider-tailed horned viper | |
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Close-up of P. urarachnoides showing spider-like tail tip | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Genus: | Pseudocerastes |
Species: | P. urarachnoides
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Binomial name | |
Pseudocerastes urarachnoides | |
The spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) is a
The species is endemic to western Iran[4] and over the border region with Iraq. It was originally described by scientists as Pseudocerastes persicus, attributing the tail to either a parasite, deformity, or tumors. Another specimen was found in 2003.[5] P. urarachnoides was officially described in 2006. The head looks very similar to that of other Pseudocerastes species in the region, but the spider-tailed horned viper has a unique tail with a bulb-like end that is bordered by long drooping scales that give it the appearance of a spider.[4] The tail tip is waved around and used to lure insectivorous birds to within striking range.[6]
Etymology
The specific name, urarachnoides, is derived from Ancient Greek (οὐρά tail + ἀράχνη spider + οειδής like), and refers to this snake's spider-like tail tip, as does the common name, spider-tailed horned viper.[4]
Description
Like other vipers in the genus Pseudocerastes, the scales above the eyes rise up to give P. urarachnoides a horned appearance. A specimen had been collected in 1968 as part of the Second Street Expedition to Iran and deposited in the Field Museum of Natural History at Chicago, identified as Pseudocerastes persicus. It was, however, found to be distinct, and it was described as a new species in 2006.[7] The species is distinguished by a number of characteristics. There are about 16 to 17 scales between the horns, and the scales on the body above are rougher than on other species in the genus. There are 15 pairs of subcaudal scales, and the scales on the sides of the tail are elongated and appear like appendages of an arthropod. The tip of the tail is inflated into a bulb-like shape.[8]
Distribution and habitat
The species is found in the western parts of Iran and over the border into the eastern part of Iraq. It is found in the Zagros Mountains, more commonly on the western side of the mountains. Its current range is relatively small and getting smaller.[9] This species lives in higher elevations that are primarily composed of gypsum. It prefers deep cracks and holes within the rock. They use these areas because they trap humidity and moisture during the hot summer months. During the day, it is most commonly found in the shade of a bush.[10]
It overlaps in distribution with
Mimicry and behaviour
The snake is a superb mimic. The tail resembles a spider or other arachnid, and the authors who described the species speculated that it was used as a lure to attract birds, as a digested lark had been found in the stomach of the paratype specimen.[4]
The tip of the tail is used as a lure in several other species of snake, including the horned adder (
Footage of the spider-tailed horned viper using its tail to lure a migrating bird featured in the Asia episode of the BBC series Seven Worlds, One Planet narrated by David Attenborough.[12]
Venom
The venom of Pseudocerastes urarachnoides mainly acts as a
Taxonomy
Molecular studies based on
References
- . Retrieved 24 July 2022.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
- S2CID 91922478.
- ^ a b c d e Bostanchi, Hamid; Anderson, Steven C.; Kami, Haji Gholi; Papenfuss, Theodore J. (2006). "A New Species of Pseudocerastes with Elaborate Tail Ornamentation from Western Iran (Squamata: Viperidae)" (PDF). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. Fourth Series. 57 (14): 443–450. (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides, new species).
- ^ Bostanchi, H., Anderson, S., Kami, H., & Papenfuss, T. (2006). A New Species of Pseudocerastes with Elaborate Tail Ornamentation from Western Iran (Squamata: Viperidae). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, Volume 57(No. 14), 443–450.
- ^ .
- ^ Grant, S; Webbink, K; Resetar, A. "Pseudocerastes urarachnoides Bostanchi, Anderson, Kami & Papenfuss, 2006". Field Museum of Natural History (Zoology) Amphibian and Reptile Collection.
- ^ doi:10.30906/1026-2296-2010-17-4-275-279 (inactive 31 January 2024).)
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: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2024 (link - doi:10.30906/1026-2296-2009-16-2-134-138 (inactive 31 January 2024).)
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: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2024 (link - ^ Knapper, Emma (director and writer); Oldroyd, Adam (writer); Attenborough, David (star); Drost, Peter (star) (3 November 2019). "Asia". Seven Worlds, One Planet. BBC One.
- ^ .
- .
External links
- Footage of the spider-tailed horned viper using its tail to lure a migrating bird featured in the Asia episode of the BBC series Seven Worlds, One Planet
- "Iranian spider-tailed viper tricks bird". YouTube. SciNews. 8 May 2016.
- "Species Spotlight: IRANIAN SPIDER-TAILED VIPER (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides)". YouTube. Herpetological Education & Research Project Channel. 8 August 2019.