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| Trachischium apteii
Bhosale, Gowande & Mirza, 2019
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A new species of natricid snakes, Trachischium apteii sp. nov. is described from the northeastern Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. The new species differs from its congeners in the following suite of characters: dorsal scales in 15:15:15 rows, SVL 293–299 mm, higher ventral count 143–150, very faint dorsal longitudinal lines, absence of yellow patch on the neck and the belly being pale yellow. Preliminary discussion on the phylogenetic position of the members of the genus Trachischium is presented. This discovery of a new snake species advocates the need for dedicated surveys to document biodiversity across Arunachal Pradesh and the neighbouring States of northeastern India.
Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, Molecular phylogeny, Natricidae, Taxonomy, Species complex
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| Fig. 2. Trachischium apteii sp. nov. holotype female BNHS 3550 in life. |
Trachischium apteii sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Large-sized member of the genus, reaching SVL of 293–299 mm. Tail comprising of 11–13% of total length. Dorsal scales smooth and glossy, arranged in 15 rows throughout the body. Six supralabials, third and fourth in contact with orbit. Temporals 1 + 1, anterior temporal long. Ventrals 143–150, subcaudals 25–28. Dorsum colouration dark brown to black with faint dorsal longitudinal lines, lacking yellow patch on the neck and the belly being yellowish.
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Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym, honouring Dr. Deepak Apte, Director of the Bombay Natural History Society, marine biologist and conservationist for his contribution to conservation, and for his continued support to HB and to the Arunachal Expedition, which led to the discovery of the new species.
Natural history notes: The holotype, paratype, and another uncollected individual were found under logs during a daytime search. The individuals were likely seeking refuge under the logs during the day. Locals informed the scientific team that the snakes have also been found while digging during non-monsoon seasons.
Harshal S. Bhosale, Gaurang G. Gowande and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2019. A New Species of Fossorial Natricid Snakes of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from the Himalayas of northeastern India. Comptes Rendus Biologies. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2019.10.003
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