Crossword Genius

But this creature can also multiply! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adder

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

'but this creature' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'also multiply' is the wordplay.
'also' becomes 'add' (I've seen this before).
'multiply' becomes 'er' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'add'+'er'='ADDER'

'can' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adder that I've seen before include "Britain's only venomous snake" , "Mathematical reptile" , "danger in the countryside" , "Totting snake" , "venomous creature" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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