Crossword Genius

Notice red-backed snake? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adder

'snake?' is the definition.
(type of snake)

'notice red-backed' is the wordplay.
'notice' becomes 'ad' (both can mean an advertisement).
'backed' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'red' reversed gives 'der'.
'ad'+'der'='ADDER'

(Other definitions for adder that I've seen before include "Small poisonous snake, viper" , "Venomous type" , "accountant?" , "British snake; summer" , "Type of snake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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