[Herpetology • 2019] Liopeltis pallidonuchalis • A New Species of the Genus Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Vietnam

Liopeltis pallidonuchalis 

Poyarkov, Nguyen & Vogel, 2019

Pale-necked Ringneck || DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2019.1656784 

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ABSTRACT

A new species of Liopeltis from central Vietnam is described based on morphological and molecular differences. Liopeltis pallidonuchalis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: one single (or missing) loreal; one single nasal shield; dorsal scales in 15–15-15 rows, all smooth; 1 preocular, 2 postoculars and 1 + 2 temporals; 7 supralabials, of which 3rd and 4th in contact with the eye; 8 infralabials; nasal contacting internasal; prefrontal touching or separated from supralabials; ventral scales 126–138; subcaudal scales 67–73, paired; relative tail length about 0.274–0.301; an uniform bronze body colouration; a thin postocular stripe extending from eye to end of the neck becoming indistinct posteriorly. The new species differs from the morphologically closest species Liopeltis frenata by the lower number of ventrals and subcaudals, by characteristic colouration and significant divergence in cytochrome b mtDNA gene sequences (p = 15.3–15.6%). The new species is currently known from northen and central parts of the Annamite (Truong Son) Mountains, central Vietnam, and was recorded from montane evergreen tropical forests of Kon Tum–Gia Lai Plateau (Gia Lai and Thua Thien–Hue provinces, Da Nang City) at elevations of 950–1010 m asl to karst tropical forests in Quang Binh Province in the north at elevation 150 asl. We suggest the new species should be considered as Vulnerable (VU) following the IUCN’s Red List categories. An updated taxonomic key to the Liopeltis species is provided.

KEYWORDS: Liopeltis pallidonuchalis sp. nov, Gongylosoma, Colubroidea, Gongylosoma, systematics, morphology, cyt b

Known distribution of Liopeltis frenata and related taxa. Star denotes type locality. Question mark denotes and unconfirmed record of Liopeltis cf. frenata from Bhutan.

Figure 2. Morphology of  Liopeltis pallidonuchalis sp. nov. holotype in life (ZMMU R-15682, male).
 (a) – general lateral view; (b) – head in lateral view; (c) – head in dorsal view; (d) – head in ventral view.

Photos by Nikolay A. Poyarkov.

Figure 4. Holotype of Liopeltis pallidonuchalis sp. nov. in situ (ZMMU R-15682, male).

 Photo by Nikolay A. Poyarkov.

Systematics 

Family COLUBRIDAE Oppel 1811 

Genus Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843

 Liopeltis pallidonuchalis sp. nov.

Chresonymy Liopeltis frenatus (partim) – Smith (1943): 183; Ziegler et al. (2007): 10–11, Figure 11 (?); Ziegler and Hoang (2009): 115. 

Diagnosis. The new species can be separated from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) one single (or missing) loreal; (2) one single nasal shield; (3) dorsal scales in 15-15-15 rows, all smooth; (4) 1 preocular, 2 postoculars and 1 + 2 temporals; (5) 7 supralabials, of which 3d and 4th in contact with the eye; (6) 8 infralabials; (7) nasal contacting internasal; (8) prefrontal touching or separated from supralabials; (9) ventral scales 126–138; (10) subcaudal scales 67–73, paired; (11) relative tail length about 0.274–0.301; (12) an uniform bronze body colouration; (13) a thin postocular stripe extending from eye to end of the neck becoming indistinct posteriorly. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by its low subcaudal scales count, and by its characteristic colouration. Detailed comparisons with other species of the genus Liopeltis appear below.

Figure 3. Hemipenial morphology of  Liopeltis pallidonuchalis sp. nov. holotype (ZMMU R-15682, male). (a) – asulcal side; (b) – sulcal side.

Photos by Nikolay A. Poyarkov.

Etymology. The specific name ‘pallidonuchalis’ is a Latinised adjective in the nominative singular (feminine gender), derived from Latin ‘pallidus’ for ‘pale’ and Medieval Latin ‘nucha’, derived from Arabic ‘nuka’ for ‘nape’, ‘dorsal surface of neck’, referring to the pale postocular marking of the new species disappearing in nuchal area. 

We suggest the following common names: Pale-necked Ringneck (English), Rắn đai gáy nhạt màu (Vietnamese), Blednyi Gladkiy Kamyshovyi Uzh (Russian), Blasse Halsbandnatter (German).

  

Figure 6. Natural habitat of Liopeltis pallidonuchalis sp. nov. in Kon Chu Rang N.R., Gia Lai Province, Vietnam.

Photo by Alina V. Alexandrova.

Nikolay A. Poyarkov Jr.,Tan Van Nguyen and Gernot Vogel. 2019. A New Species of the Genus Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843 from Vietnam (Squamata: Colubridae).Journal of Natural History. 53(27-28); 1647-1672.DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2019.1656784

  researchgate.net/publication/335888230_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Liopeltis_from_Vietnam

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[Herpetology • 2017] Blythia hmuifang • A Second Species of the Genus Blythia Theobald, 1868 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Mizoram, India

Blythia hmuifang 

Vogel,  Lalremsanga & Vanlalhrima, 2017 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4276.4.8  

Abstract

A second species of the genus Blythia Theobald, 1868, Blythia hmuifang sp. nov., is described on the basis of four specimens originating from Mizoram, India. It differs from Blythia reticulata, the other known species in the genus, by having fewer ventral scales (114–117 vs. 129–149), by having fewer subcaudal scales in males (20–21 vs. 22–32), by the greater proportion of tail length/total length (0.109–0.116 vs. 0.075–0.098), by the colour of the venter (bright orange-red in smaller specimens, cream in the largest specimen vs. black in all ages) and the colouration of the supralabials (lower half pale vs. dark), plus other smaller differences in the colouration and the hemipenis. The distribution of Blythia reticulata is discussed. Morphological data of eight recently collected specimens from Mizoram are given and compared to other populations.

Keywords: Reptilia, Colubridae, India, Blythia hmuifang sp. nov., Blythia reticulata, distribution

FIGURE 3. Holotype of Blythia hmuifang sp. nov. (MZMU 714) in life. 

Etymology: The new species is named in honour of the people of the Hmuifang village who have gone to greatlengths to preserve their natural landscape. As common names, we suggest Mizoram Ground Snake (English), Mizoram Bodennatter (German) and Lunghnuairul (Mizo).

Gernot Vogel,  Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga and  Vanlalhrima Vanlalhrima. 2017. A Second Species of the Genus Blythia Theobald, 1868 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Mizoram, India.  Zootaxa. 4276(4); 569–581.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4276.4.8

  

[Herpetology • 2007] Dendrelaphis kopsteini • A New Species of Dendrelaphis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Southeast Asia

 Dendrelaphis kopsteini 

Vogel & van Rooijen, 2007 

Abstract

A new species of the colubrid genus Dendrelaphis Boulenger 1890 is described. Dendrelaphis kopsteini sp. nov. ranges from Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Sumatra. A detailed statistical analysis of the differences between D. kopsteini sp. nov., D. formosus (Boie, 1827) and D. cyanochloris (Wall, 1921) is provided as the three species have been mixed up frequently in the literature. D. kopsteini sp. nov. differs from all other Dendrelaphis species by a brick red neck coloration. A neotype is designated and described for D. formosus and a lectotype is designated and described for D. cyanochloris.

Keywords:  Serpentes: Colubridae: Dendrelaphis: Dendrelaphis kopsteini sp. nov., Dendrelaphis cyanochloris; Dendrelaphis formosus, Dendrelaphis humayuni, Southeast Asia

Dendrelaphis kopsteini sp. nov.

Ahaetulla formosa (non Dendrophis formosus Boie, 1827): Taylor (1965: 814).

Dendrelaphis formosus: Flower (1896: 883); Tweedy (1983: 63, 154, plate 4); Lim & Lee (1989: 53); Vogel (1990: 10,Abb. 4); Lim & Lim (1992 : 64) ; Manthey & Grossman (1997: 337, Abb. 246); Ziegler & Vogel (1999: 206); Pauwels et al. (2000: 141); Nutphand (2001: 148).

Dendrophis formosa: Frith (1977: 278)?

Dendrelaphis  formosus  (non  Dendrophis  formosus  Boie,  1827)  part.:  Flower  (1899:  605,  660);  Inger  &  Voris  (2001:889); Iskandar & Colijn (2002: 53).

Dendrelaphis spec. A: Rubeli (1988: 133.) 

Diagnosis. A rather stout species of the Dendrelaphis formosus group, with 15 dorsal scale rows at mid-body, 167-181 ventral scales, 140-154 subcaudal scales, 2 supralabials touching the eye and a first sublabialthat touches 2 infralabials. The eye is rather large. The vertebral scales are larger than the lowest dorsal row.There is one loreal plate. A black postocular stripe covers only the lower half of the temporal region and endsat the rear of the jaw. Vertebral scales with a broad black posterior margin. It differs from all other species ofthis genus by the red colour that is visible in life on the skin between the scales of the first part of the body. 

Etymology. This species is named after Dr. Felix Kopstein (1893-1939), who contributed so much to our knowledge of the snake fauna of Indonesia. Several of the specimens we used for our studies were collected by him. He was also the first to report delayed fertilisation.

Suggested English name: Kopstein’s Bronzeback.  

Range. The examined specimens of D. kopsteini originated from Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sumatra.

G. Vogel and J. Van Rooijen. 2007. A New Species of Dendrelaphis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Southeast Asia. Zootaxa. 1394: 25–45.
 http://www.mapress.com/j/zt/article/view/1527/0

ResearchGate.net/publication/235615690_A_new_species_of_Dendrelaphis_Serpentes_Colubridae_from_Southeast_Asia

[Herpetology • 2013] Boiga flaviviridis • A New Species of Cat Snake (Serpentes: Colubridae: Boiga) from Dry Forests of eastern Peninsular India

Boiga flaviviridis  

Vogel & Ganesh, 2013 

Abstract

A new species of cat snake, related to Boiga beddomei (Wall, 1909), is described from the dry forests of eastern Peninsular India. It occupies a large geographic range from Berhampore (type locality), near the River Mahanadi in the northeast to Kaigal near the southern Eastern Ghats in the southwest. The new species is diagnosed by having the following combination of characters: 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody, a high number of ventral scales for the genus Boiga (248–259), a yellowish-green dorsal colouration with numerous faint black bands, an uniform, unpatterned yellow-coloured venter and a relatively short tail (0.180–0.200 of the total length).

Key words: Boiga flaviviridis sp. nov., B. beddomei, B. ceylonensis, Berhampore, Sriharikota, Kaigal, India

Vogel, Gernot and S. r. Ganesh. 2013. A New Species of Cat Snake (Reptilia: Serpentes: Colubridae: Boiga) from Dry Forests of eastern Peninsular India. Zootaxa. 3637(2): 158-168.

 mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03637p168f.pdf

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200650888542093 

 researchgate.net/publication/236142401_A_new_species_of_cat_snake_(Reptilia_Serpentes_Colubridae_Boiga)_from_dry_forests_of_eastern_Peninsular_India

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-new-cat-eyed-snake-from-india.html

[Herpetology • 2012] Dendrelaphis nigroserratus • A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Thailand and Myanmar

Dendrelaphis nigroserratus   

Vogel, Rooijen & Hauser, 2012 

Abstract

A new species of the colubrid genus Dendrelaphis Boulenger 1890 is described. Dendrelaphis nigroserratus sp. nov. occurs in a part of West Thailand as well as in the extreme south of Myanmar. Morphologically, D. nigroserratus sp. nov. is similar to D. cyanochloris (Wall, 1921) with which it occurs sympatrically. It is distinguished from the latter by its highly conspicuous neck coloration, high incidence of paired postparietal shields and its much larger size. In coloration, it resembles

D. striatus (Cohn, 1906) from which it is distinguished by several aspects of its morphology. The discovery of D. nigroserratus sp. nov. underscores the notion that the hilly western parts of Thailand are in need of further exploration.

Key words: Dendrelaphis cyanochloris, Dendrelaphis nigroserratus sp. nov., Dendrelaphis striatus, Indochina, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Proposed Thai name: ngu sai man kho dok lueai si dam – งูสายม่านคอดอกเลื่อยสีดำ, งูสายคอฟันเลื่อย

G. Vogel, J.V. Rooijen and S. Hauser. 2012. A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Thailand and Myanmar. Zootaxa. 3392; 35-46. 

http://www.sjonhauser.nl/dendrelaphis-nigroserratus.html

ResearchGate.net/publication/230650072_A_new_species_of_Dendrelaphis_Boulenger_1890_Squamata_Colubridaefrom_Thailand_and_Myanmar

[Herpetology • 2015] Rabdion grovesi • A Second Species of the Genus Rabdion Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 (Colubridae: Calamariinae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia

Rabdion grovesi 

Amarasinghe, Vogel, McGuire, Sidik, Supriatna & Ineich, 2015

FIG. 1.— Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the adult male holotype of Rabdion grovesi sp. nov. (MZB 2679) photographed in life at the collection locality.

FIG. 2.—An adult Rabdion forsteni (RMB 2532) photographed in life in the Province of South Sulawesi, Indonesia.  DOI: 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-14-00058

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Rabdion based on morphological evidence. The new species, Rabdion grovesi sp. nov., is restricted to South Sulawesi, whereas Rabdion forsteni is widely distributed on the rest of Sulawesi (Indonesia). Rabdion grovesi sp. nov. differs from R. forsteni by having a broader, shallower, and rounded rostral (vs. narrow, deep, and pointed); nasal touched by first and second supralabials (vs. first only); temporals 1 + 2 (vs. 1 + 3); 192 ventrals (vs. 130–157 in males and 152–160 in females); elongate (vs. shorter) dorsal scales; and a bluish gray dorsum (vs. grayish brown) in preservative. Finally, we provide a complete redescription for R. forsteni based on the subadult female syntype, MNHN 7210.

 Keywords: Pointed Snakes, Rabdion forsteni, Redescription, Taxonomy

FIG. 1.— Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the adult male holotype of Rabdion grovesi sp. nov. (MZB 2679) photographed in life at the collection locality. 

A. A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Gernot Vogel, Jimmy McGuire, Irvan Sidik, Jatna Supriatna and Ivan Ineich. 2015. Description of A Second Species of the Genus Rabdion Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 (Colubridae: Calamariinae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Herpetologica. 71(3):234-239. DOI: 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-14-00058

ResearchGate.net/publication/281415696_Description_of_a_Second_Species_of_the_Genus_Rabdion_Dumril_Bibron__Dumril_1854_(Colubridae_Calamariinae)_from_Sulawesi_Indonesia

twitter.com/BioOneComplete/status/635064153749745664

[Herpetology • 2015] Isanophis gen. nov. • On the Taxonomic Status of the Thai Endemic Freshwater Snake Parahelicops boonsongi, with the Erection of A New Genus (Squamata: Natricidae)

Isanophis boonsongi (Taylor & Elbel, 1958)
 งูลายสอหมอบุญส่ง
 Boomsong’s Stream Snake | Isan Keeled Stream Snake

 Isanophides / Isan Gebirgswassernattern

Abstract

Parahelicops boonsongi Taylor & Elbel, 1958 is known from only three specimens from Thailand. It has been placed either in the genus Parahelicops Bourret, 1934, along with Parahelicops annamensis Bourret, 1934, or in the genus Opisthotropis Günther, 1872. We compared its morphological characters with those of P. annamensis and with three other relevant genera, Opisthotropis, Pararhabdophis Bourret, 1934, and Paratapinophis Angel, 1929. Parahelicops boonsongi is phenotypically distinct from Parahelicops annamensis, Opisthotropis, and all other natricine genera. We consequently erect a new genus, Isanophis gen. nov., to accommodate Parahelicops boonsongi.

Keywords: Serpentes, Natricidae, Parahelicops, Parahelicops annamensis, Isanophis gen. nov., Opisthotropis, Pararhabdophis, Paratapinophis

Etymology. The generic nomen Isanophis is derived from the word “Isan”, the Thai name of the north-eastern region of Thailand, and from the Greek word ophis, meaning “snake”. It describes the limited known range of this genus. This generic nomen is masculine in gender.

David, Patrick, Olivier S. G. Pauwels, Truong Q. Nguyen & Gernot Vogel. 2015. On the Taxonomic Status of the Thai Endemic Freshwater Snake Parahelicops boonsongi, with the Erection of A New Genus (Squamata: Natricidae).
Zootaxa. 3948(2): 203–217. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3948.2.3

http://zoobank.org/References/064A12F0-5742-4828-8D26-85AD7B226091

ResearchGate.net/publication/275214709_On_the_taxonomic_status_of_the_Thai_endemic_freshwater_snake_Parahelicops_boonsongi_with_the_erection_of_a_new_genus_(Squamata_Natricidae)

Taylor, Edward H. & Elbel, Robert E. 1958. Contribution to the Herpetology of Thailand. Univ. Kansas Sci. Bull. 38 (13): 1033-1189 http://biostor.org/reference/999

[Herpetology • 2015] Pareas vindumi • A New Montane Species of the Genus Pareas Wagler, 1830 (Squamata: Pareatidae) from Northern Myanmar

Abstract

A new species of the genus Pareas is described from northern Myanmar. It differs from all other known species of the genus by coloration, which is mainly uniform, and its size (one of the largest species in the genus). Furthermore it is characterized by a low number of supralabials (six), a loreal that touches the orbit, presence of a presubocular and absence of a preocular. The new species was found at an elevation of 1890 m a.s.l. and is regarded as an inhabitant of high elevation mountainous areas.

Keywords: Asia, Colubroidea, Oriental region, Pareas vindumi sp. nov., taxonomy

  Gernot Vogel. 2015. A New Montane Species of the Genus Pareas Wagler, 1830 (Squamata: Pareatidae) from Northern Myanmar. TAPROBANICA. 7(1); 1–7. DOI: 10.4038/tapro.v7i1.7501

[Herpetology • 2015] Amphiesma clerki | Revalidation of Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, An overlooked Species in the Genus Amphiesma Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 (Squamata: Natricidae)

Amphiesma clerki (Wall, 1925)

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3919.2.9

Abstract

Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, previously known from its sole holotype and considered a synonym of Amphiesma parallelum (Boulenger, 1890), is resurrected in the genus Amphiesma on the basis of the analysis of morphological variation in 28 specimens of “Amphiesma parallelum” auctorum, plus six living, unvouchered specimens discovered in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, India, and one vouchered specimen from Talle Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Specimens from northeast India (Nagaland), northern Myanmar, and China (Yunnan), previously identified as Amphiesma parallelum either in the literature or in museum’s catalogues, are also here referred to A. clerki. The holotype of Amphiesma clerki is redescribed. As a consequence, the definition of Amphiesma parallelum is modified. A. parallelum inhabits the Khasi Hills and Naga Hills in Northeast India, whereas A. clerki has a wider range in the Eastern Himalayas, northern Myanmar and Yunnan (China). Amphiesma clerki differs from A. parallelum by its longer tail, dorsal scales more strongly keeled, scales of the first dorsal scale row strongly keeled vs. smooth, a postocular streak not interrupted at the level of the neck, and a much more vivid pattern on a darker background colour. Characters of species of the Amphiesma parallelum group, i.e. A. clerki, A. parallelum, A. bitaeniatum, A. platyceps and A. sieboldii are compared. A key to this group is provided.

Keywords: Reptilia, Nepal, India, Myanmar, China, taxonomy

David, Patrick, Ishan Agarwal, Ramana Athreya, Rosamma Mathew, Gernot Vogel & Viral K. Mistry. 2015. Revalidation of Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, An overlooked Species in the Genus Amphiesma Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 (Squamata: Natricidae).
Zootaxa. 3919(2): 375–395. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3919.2.9

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[Herpetology • 2014] On Trimeresurus sumatranus (Raffles, 1822), with the Designation of A Neotype and the Description of A New Species of Pitviper (Viperidae: Crotalinae) from the mountainous areas of western Sumatra; Trimeresurus gunaleni | Ular Hijau Gunung | Sumatran Montane Pitviper

Trimeresurus gunaleni spec. nov.
Fig. 3A. Live adult female Holotype | Fig. 4B. Live male
from Mt. Sibayak, ca. 1,800 m a.s.l., west of Brastagi, Sumatera Utara Province, Sumatra

Photos: G. Vogel | amphibian-reptile-conservation.org

Abstract

Variation in morphological characters were investigated among 126 specimens from at least 67 populations covering the whole range of the large pitviper currently known as Trimeresurus sumatranus (Raffles, 1822). The results showed that two distinct taxa are involved. Herein Trimeresurus sumatranus is redefined. In order to fix the status of this species, a neotype is selected and described. Its type locality is restricted to the vicinity of Bengkulu, Bengkulu Province, Sumatra. The second taxon represents a distinct, previously unnamed species, which is described. The new species differs from Trimeresurus sumatranus by a lower number of ventrals in males (162–179 against 178–185) and females (164–171 vs. 175–191); a distinctly longer tail in males (value of the ratio tail length/total length: 0.201–0.210 vs. 0.150–0.168), the color of the tail (see the description), the color of the eyes: green in the new species, vs. dark grey in T. sumatranus, the color of the ventrals, which are green with a pale posterior suture in the new species and pale with dark posterior suture in T. sumatranus. The new species lives in higher elevations than T. sumatranus and seems to be endemic to the higher mountain ranges of western Sumatra.

Key words. Sumatra, West Malaysia, Borneo, Trimeresurus gunaleni spec. nov., Trimeresurus malcolmi, Trimeresurus sumatranus 

Fig. 13. MZB.Ophi.5452 holotype of Trimeresurus gunaleni spec. nov., adult female.

Photo: N. Maury.

Trimeresurus gunaleni Vogel, David & Sidik, 2014

 Suggested common names: English: Gunalen’s Pitviper.
Bahasa Indonesia: Ular Hijau Gunung.

Karo: Nipe Ratah. Padang (Minang): Ular Ijo Babiso. French: Trimérésure de Gunalen. German: Gunalen’s Grubenotter.

Etymology: The specific nomen is dedicated to Mr. Danny Gunalen, who was the first to find the species alive and who greatly supported the work resulting in the description of this new species.

Distribution: Indonesia; Sumatra. Endemic; Trimeresurus gunaleni spec. nov. is known only from two provinces: Sumatera Barat (Solok and Padang Mountains) and Sumatera Utara (Mt. Sibayak, Mt. Sinabung and Mt. Singkut near Berastagi).

This species can be expected in higher elevations all over the mountainous areas of Sumatra.

Natural History: Trimeresurus gunaleni spec. nov. inhabits regions typically covered with tropical moist montane forests, from 1,500 m to as high as at least 2,000 m, perhaps as much as 2,200 m, where it has been observed by local insect collectors (Figs. 15 and 16). There is no record of populations lower than 1,500 m. On Mount Sibayak, Danny Gunalen collected specimens of Trimeresurus hageni at elevation of 500 m, and Tropidolaemus wagleri at 200 m. Trimeresurus gunaleni is clearly isolated as a high montane dweller.

....

These species or complexes of pitvipers show the close zoogeographic relationships of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra with Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, it can also be seen that Sumatra is split into a northern and a southern region, with the larger northern region closely connected to Western Malaysia and Borneo, and the smaller southern region connected with Java. The limit between these two regions seems to be located between Padang and Bengkulu. Previously, these species complexes were regarded as widely distributed species, obscuring the zoogeographical relations of these regions. We are not confident that the taxonomy of the genus Trimeresurus is fully resolved and previously mentioned taxa might still prove to be endemic for one of the regions.

The finding of such a large and venomous pitviper as T. gunaleni spec. nov. in a group that was supposed to be well known is quite surprising. It is hard to understand that it was overlooked for such a long time despite thefact that the three specimens in the collection of Vienna have been available for a long time (collected 1899) and were already examined by other groups of herpetologists. The mountainous areas of Sumatra are still very incompletely known and further research in these areas is highly desirable.

Gernot Vogel, Patrick David and Irvan Sidik. 2014. On Trimeresurus sumatranus (Raffles, 1822), with the Designation of A Neotype and the Description of A New Species of Pitviper from Sumatra (Squamata: Viperidae: Crotalinae).
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 8(2) [General Issue]: 1–29 (e80).

http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_8_no_2/ARC_8_2_[General_Section]_1-29_e80_high_res.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] งูสิงดอยภูคา | Addition of Ptyas nigromarginata (Blyth, 1854) (Squamata: Colubridae) to the Snake Fauna of Thailand with Preliminary Remarks on Its Distribution

Ptyas nigromarginata (Blyth, 1854)

Green Rat Snake, Black-bordered Rat Snake

Abstract 

The first record of Ptyas nigromarginata (Blyth, 1854) from Thailand and a new record from China are reported. Literature and internet sources were searched for previous records of this species to establish its geographic and altitudinal distributions in Asia. The distribution in India was adapted to the new state division of the northern part of the country. The results show that the species almost exclusively occurs in hill evergreen and montane forests of the Himalayan foothills and mountain ranges continuous with it, at altitudes of 1000–2300 m above sea level. 

Keywords: Ptyas nigromarginata, Nan Province, Lijiang, Himalaya, distribution pattern

Gernot VOGEL and Sjon HAUSER. 2013. Addition of Ptyas nigromarginata (Blyth, 1854) (Squamata: Colubridae) to the Snake Fauna of Thailand with Preliminary Remarks on Its Distribution. Asian Herpetological Research. 4(3): 166–181. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1245.2013.00166 

http://facebook.com/groups/indiansnakes/10153279503645543

[Herpetology • 2013] Protobothrops himalayanus • A New Species of the Genus Protobothrops (Squamata: Viperidae) from Southern Tibet, China and Sikkim, India

Protobothrops himalayanus

Pan, Chettri, Yang, Jiang, Wang, Zhang & Vogel, 2013

Abstract 

A new species of the genus Protobothrops Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1983, was described from Jilong County, southern Tibet, China, and Chungthang, northern Sikkim, India. It differs from congeners by the following characters: 1) relatively large body size (total length up to 1510 mm); 2) dorsal scale rows 25–25–19; 3) except for the smooth outermost row, dorsal scales are weakly keeled; 4) relatively high number of ventral (198–216) and subcaudal (65–76 pairs) scales; 5) 7–8 supralabials; 6) 11 to 13 infralabials; 7) dorsal head uniform dark brown, laterally a reddish-brown obscure postocular streak; 8) dorsum of trunk and tail olive, with distinct black edged red brown transverse bands across the body and tail; and 9) eye from bright brown and reddish brown to mildly brown. The new species was also observed from the Haa Valley in western Bhutan.

Keywords: new species, Protobothrops, Viperidae, Squamata, Himalayan region

Hujun PAN, Basundhara CHETTRI, Daode YANG, Ke JIANG, Kai WANG, Liang ZHANG and Gernot VOGEL. 2013. A New Species of the Genus Protobothrops (Squamata: Viperidae) from Southern Tibet, China and Sikkim, India. Asian Herpetological Research. 4(2): 109–115. 

DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2013.00109 

academia.edu/3877565/A_New_Species_of_the_Genus_Protobothrops_Squamata_Viperidae_from_Southern_Tibet_China_and_Sikkim_India

http://wangwenzhiwen.blog.163.com/blog/static/16421612520135237137584/

Himalayan lance-headed pit viper

[Herpetology • 2006] Trimeresurus (Popeia) buniana • A new species of pitviper of the genus Popeia (Squamata: Viperidae) from Pulau Tioman, Pahang, West Malaysia

FIGURE 2. Upper: Holotype of Popeia buniana, ZRC 2.6176, adult male from the Tekek-Juara Trail. Lower: Adult female: LSUDPC 1135 from Gua Tengkok Air. Collected, released, and photographed by P. Hein.

Fairy Pitviper

Trimeresurus (Popeia) buniana

(Grismer, Grismer & McGuire 2006)

Abstract

We describe a new species of pitviper Popeia buniana from Pulau Tioman, Pahang State, West Malaysia based on it having unique aspects of scalation, body proportions, and color pattern. Its long, thin body is in contrast with the shorter, more robust bodies of other arboreal pitvipers, suggesting it may be an active forager rather than an ambush feeder.  Its close relationship to P. barati and P. sabahi of Sumatra and Borneo, respectively, rather than with species of the adjacent Malay Peninsula is in accord with biogeographic patterns of other flora and fauna endemic to the islands of the Outer Arc of the Seribuat Archipelago. 

Key words: Arboreal,  Popeia,  P. buniana,  P. barati,  P. fucata,  P. nebularis,  P. popeiorum, Malaysia, Morphometrics, New species, Pulau Tioman, Seribuat Archipelago

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Malay word “bunian”, which is a small, feminine, mischievous, elf or fairy-like spirit believed to inhabit the forests. Our respected friend and guide Mr. Muhamad Ishak Mat Sohor, indicated that the bunian of Pulau Tioman lived in the Tengkok Air Cave near the summit of Gunung Kajang, one of our campsites and collecting localities for this new pitviper. We were cautioned to show respect to the bunian so she would not become angry with our taking of specimens from

"her" forest. Therefore, in deference to this belief, we honor the bunian with the feminine patronym buniana, a noun in apposition meaning “Fairy Pitviper”.

Distribution. Popeia buniana is only known from Pulau Tioman (Fig. 3), a small island located 38 km off the southeast coast of Pahang State, West Malaysia.  The addition of P.  buniana to the herpetofauna of Pulau Tioman raises the number of endemic species of reptiles and amphibians on Pulau Tioman to 12 (Grismer 2006).

Grismer L. L., Grismer J. L. & McGuire J. A., 2006. A new species of pitviper of the genus Popeia (Squamata: Viperidae) from Pulau Tioman, Pahang, West Malaysia. Zootaxa. 1305: 1-19.

http://ib.berkeley.edu/labs/mcguire/Grismer%20et%20al.2006.pdf

[Herpetology • 2006] Trimeresurus andalasensis | Sumatran Palm Pitviper • A new Pitviper in Trimeresurus puniceus-complex (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from northern Sumatra, Indonesia

Sumatran palm pitviper

Trimeresurus andalasensis David, Vogel, Vijayakumar & Vidal 2006

Abstract

The brown Asian pitvipers of the genus Trimeresurus related to Trimeresurus puniceus (informal Trimeresurus puniceus-complex) are revised on the basis of morphological and molecular analyses.Variation in morphological characters were investigated among 119 specimens from 62 populations of the whole range of the pitvipers currently known as Trimeresurus puniceus (Boie, 1827), Trimeresurus borneensis (Peters, 1872) and Trimeresurus brongersmai Hoge, 1969. Molecular andmorphological analyses clearly differentiate two groups of taxa, referrable to the informal Trimeresurus puniceus -group and Trimeresurus borneensis-group, and confirm the distinct specificstatus of T. puniceus and T. borneensis. Morphological univariate and multivariate analyses differentiate six clusters of populations that are morphologically diagnosable, of which five are here considered to represent independent lineages and one is placed incertae sedis pending the availability of further specimens. These clusters are considered to be distinct species following theBiological Species Concept and the Phylogenetic Species Concept. 

One of them is described as a new species, Trimeresurus andalasensis spec. nov. (T. borneensis-group), which includes populations from northern Sumatra. Trimeresurus wiroti Trutnau, 1981 is revalidated to accommodate populations from Thailand and West Malaysia. Trimeresurus borneensis is here considered endemic to Borneo. Trimeresurus puniceus is known from Java and from SouthSumatra, but the taxonomy of this species in Sumatra is left unresolved. Also left unresolved is the taxonomic position of specimens from western Sumatra and the Mentawai Archipelago, and fromthe Natuna Islands and Anamba Islands. Although belonging to the T. puniceus-group, they showsome differences to other specimens of the group. They are not referred to any taxon pending thecollection of additional specimens. Lastly, Trimeresurus brongersmai is confirmed as a valid species from the Mentawai Archipelago. A key to these taxa is provided. 

Key words: Indonesia, West Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Serpentes, Viperidae, Trimeresurus, Trimeresurus puniceus, Trimeresurus borneensis, Trimeresurus wiroti, T. andalasensis spec. nov., Trimeresurus brongersmai

Etymology. The specific nomen is the Latin genitive noun forged on Andalas, the ancient name of Sumatra.

Suggested English name: Sumatran palm pitviper.

FIGURE 4. Map: distribution of the taxa recognized in the Trimeresurus puniceus-complex.

Range. INDONESIA. Sumatra Island. Province of Aceh. Known from Blangkejeren, Gunung Leuser National Park, Ketembe, Takengon; Province of Sumatera Utara . Recorded from Toba Massif; Province of Sumatera Barat. Recorded from Gunung Gadut and “Padang Highlands”. This species is endemic to the mountainous areas of northern and western parts of the island.

Specimens recorded by Matsui et al. (1984) from Mt. Gadut, Sumatera Barat Province, are here referred to as Trimeresurus andalasensis spec. nov. on the basis of scalecounts provided by these authors.

David, Patrick; Vogel, Gernot; Vijayakumar, S.P.; Vidal, Nicolas. 2006. A revision of the Trimeresurus puniceus – complex (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) based on morphological and molecular data. Zootaxa. 1293:1-78

http://www.academia.edu/462815/A_revision_of_the_Trimeresurus_puniceus-complex_Serpentes_Viperidae_Crotalinae_based_on_morphological_and_molecular_data

[Herpetology • 2006] A revision of the Trimeresurus puniceus – complex (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) based on morphological and molecular data

Trimeresurus puniceus 

by Viktigpetter http://flic.kr/p/8MbCt3

Abstract

The brown Asian pitvipers of the genus Trimeresurus related to Trimeresurus puniceus (informal Trimeresurus puniceus-complex) are revised on the basis of morphological and molecular analyses.Variation in morphological characters were investigated among 119 specimens from 62 populations of the whole range of the pitvipers currently known as Trimeresurus puniceus (Boie, 1827), Trimeresurus borneensis (Peters, 1872) and Trimeresurus brongersmai Hoge, 1969. Molecular andmorphological analyses clearly differentiate two groups of taxa, referrable to the informal Trimeresurus puniceus -group and Trimeresurus borneensis-group, and confirm the distinct specificstatus of T. puniceus and T. borneensis. Morphological univariate and multivariate analyses differentiate six clusters of populations that are morphologically diagnosable, of which five are here considered to represent independent lineages and one is placed incertae sedis pending the availability of further specimens. These clusters are considered to be distinct species following theBiological Species Concept and the Phylogenetic Species Concept. 

One of them is described as a new species, Trimeresurus andalasensis spec. nov. (T. borneensis-group), which includes populations from northern Sumatra. Trimeresurus wiroti Trutnau, 1981 is revalidated to accommodate populations from Thailand and West Malaysia. Trimeresurus borneensis is here considered endemic to Borneo. Trimeresurus puniceus is known from Java and from South Sumatra, but the taxonomy of this species in Sumatra is left unresolved. Also left unresolved is the taxonomic position of specimens from western Sumatra and the Mentawai Archipelago, and from the Natuna Islands and Anamba Islands. Although belonging to the T. puniceus-group, they show some differences to other specimens of the group. They are not referred to any taxon pending thecollection of additional specimens. Lastly, Trimeresurus brongersmai is confirmed as a valid species from the Mentawai Archipelago. A key to these taxa is provided. 

Key words: Indonesia, West Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Serpentes, Viperidae, Trimeresurus, Trimeresurus puniceus, Trimeresurus borneensis, Trimeresurus wiroti, T. andalasensis spec. nov., Trimeresurus brongersmai

FIGURE 4. Map: distribution of the taxa recognized in the Trimeresurus puniceus-complex.

David, Patrick; Vogel, Gernot; Vijayakumar, S.P.; Vidal, Nicolas. 2006. A revision of the Trimeresurus puniceus – complex (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) based on morphological and molecular data. Zootaxa. 1293:1-78

 academia.edu/462815/A_revision_of_the_Trimeresurus_puniceus-complex_Serpentes_Viperidae_Crotalinae_based_on_morphological_and_molecular_data