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| Arrhyton albicollum Díaz, Fong G., Salas & Hedges, 2021 |
Abstract
The genus Arrhyton is endemic to Cuba, with eight currently known species. A new species, Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov., is described from the karst areas of Gibara, Holguín Province. The new species is closely related to A. redimitum, another eastern species, according to morphology and molecular phylogeny. It differs from all other species of the genus by having a conspicuous, white nuchal band, a contrasting black pattern on the head, a gray-colored body with faint stripes, and a high number of ventral and subcaudal scales. Additional comments on other species include new locality records and information on morphology and relationships.
Keywords: Reptilia, Caribbean Islands, Serpentes, Colubroidea, phylogeny, species groups, Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov.
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| Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov. unvouchered adult individual from the type locality. The mucronate rostral scale is evident in the lower photograph. Photos: Diego Salas Pantoja. |
Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov.
Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin words albus (white) and collum (neck), in reference to the conspicuous white neck band.
Proposed English name. Gibara White-collared Racerlet
Luis M. Díaz, Ansel Fong G., Diego Salas and S. Blair Hedges. 2021. A New Semifossorial Snake of the Genus Arrhyton (Squamata: Dipsadidae) from eastern Cuba, with Taxonomic Comments on other Species. Zootaxa. 5052(3); 406-418. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5052.3.6
