Snake With Fake Spider on Its Tail Studied by Scientists; Perth Roadworks Sign ‘Similar Principle’
Iranian viper lures birds with a fake spider; A90 lures drivers with a fake 'road open'.
A viper, which can be honest about one end of itself at a time. Photo: Holger Krisp, “Crotalus-basiliscus-basiliskenklapperschlange”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
PERTH — Scientists have scanned the skeleton of the spider-tailed horned viper, a snake from Iran which wiggles a fake spider on its tail to lure birds in, and Perth drivers say they know how the birds feel.
“There’s a sign near Inchture that says ‘road open’,” said a commuter. “Wiggles it at you. Then you get there and it’s a contraflow. It’s the same trick.”
Scientists confirmed the lure is made of skin and scales over ordinary bones. Roads officials confirmed the sign is “made of metal over ordinary disappointment.”
The real story: Real: CT study of the spider-tailed horned viper (Earth.com, 20 Oct 2026)
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