Crossword Genius

Who finds the total snake? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adder

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'who finds the total' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'total' could be 'add' (synonyms) and 'add' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'er' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adder that I've seen before include "Viper common in northern Eurasia" , "One contributing more" , "British snake; summer" , "Reptilian" , "accountant?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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