Members of the Rhabdophis nuchalis species complex in life:
A, R. nuchalis from Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China; B, R. leonardi from Hkakarborazi NP, Kachin State, Myanmar;
C, R. pentasupralabialis from Jiulong, Sichuan Province, China; D, R. chiwen from Xiling Xueshan, Dayi, Sichuan Province, China;
E, R. swinhonis from Taiwan Island; F, R. guangdongensis from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.Photos by Li Maoliang (A), Thet Zanw Naing (B), Hou Mian (C), Li Jianong (D), Chung Wei You (E), Lu Zhuo-Yu (F).in Nguyen & David, 2023.
AbstractThe species Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) is recorded for the first time from Vietnam (Lao Cai Province) based on the re-examination of specimens deposited in the collections of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris) which were formerly identified as Rhabdophis nuchalis. Furthermore, we also re-evaluate the taxonomy and distribution of species of the complex Rhabdophis nuchalis group and we provide an updated identification key to species of this complex.
Keywords: Rhabdophis nuchalis; taxonomy; distribution; new records; Lao Cai Province; Laos
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| Distributions of species of the Rhabdophis nuchalis complex of species (except Rhabdophis swinhonis, endemic to Taiwan Island, China). Numbers indicate the different localities where the species have been recorded (See Appendix I for the details of localities). Notes: dot in the center of an icon indicates the type locality; ?, the identification requires additional verification. |
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| Range of Rhabdophis leonardi in Vietnam and Laos. Vietnam: Sa Pa, Lao Cai (MNHN 1935.0071): dorsal view of body (A); ventral view of body (B), lateral of head (C); dorsal of head (D); Ta Sua NR., Bac Yen, Son La “uncollected” (E). Laos: Phou Samsum Mountain, Xiangkhoang Province, unpreserved specimen (F). Photos by Patrick David (A – D); Maya Nguyen (E); Anne Lottier (F) |
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| Members of the Rhabdophis nuchalis species complex in life: A, R. nuchalis from Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China; B, R. leonardi from Hkakarborazi NP, Kachin State, Myanmar; C, R. pentasupralabialis from Jiulong, Sichuan Province, China; D, R. chiwen from Xiling Xueshan, Dayi, Sichuan Province, China; E, R. swinhonis from Taiwan Island; F, R. guangdongensis from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Photos by Li Maoliang (A), Thet Zanw Naing (B), Hou Mian (C), Li Jianong (D), Chung Wei You (E), Lu Zhuo-Yu (F). |
Tan Van Nguyen and Patrick David. 2023. On the Occurrence of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) in Vietnam and Laos, with Preliminary Comments on the Taxonomy and Distribution of the Complex of Rhabdophis nuchalis (Squamata: Serpentes: Natricidae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 30(4); 224-236. DOI: 10.30906/1026-2296-2023-30-4-224-236
