[Herpetology • 2026] Trachischium lalremsangai • A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Trachischium lalremsangai 

Bhardwaj, Bal, Tluanga & Mirza, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919  

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Abstract

A new species of fossorial natricine snake, Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov., is described from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The holotype was collected from Murlen National Park, Mizoram, near the India–Myanmar border, while the paratype originated from Haka Township, Chin State, Myanmar. Based on morphological and molecular data, the new species is related to T. reticulata (Blyth); however, it can be diagnosed from members of the genus Trachischium by possessing 13 dorsal scale rows, two postoculars, one anterior temporal scale, and two posterior temporal scales, in addition to distinctive colouration and other scalation details. The discovery of several new snake species within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot underscores the need for increased research efforts and funding dedicated to this region in the near future.

Key Words: Blythia, Colubridae, Myanmar, Natricinae, northeast India, phylogeny, taxonomy

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov. holotype male MZMU 3757 in situ.

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A large-sized member of the genus reaching SVL of 351–432 mm. Dorsal scales smooth and iridescent, arranged in 13 rows throughout the body. Supralabials 5–6, 3rd and 4th in contact with orbit. Paired prefrontals; a pair of postoculars. Temporals 1+2. Ventrals 135 (+3–4 preventrals) and 28–29 subcaudals paired. Dorsum brown and ventrally, anterior one quarter of the snake is creamish white, while the rest is a shade of brown that has sparse white speckles.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym honouring Prof. Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga of Mizoram University for his contributions to herpetology in Northeast India, his guidance to numerous students, and his facilitation of research throughout the region and the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

 Virender K. Bhardwaj, Amit K. Bal, Chhangte L. Tluanga and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2026. A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Herpetozoa. 39: 203-215. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919 [19 May 2026]

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[Herpetology • 2026] Hemidactylus aravalliensis • A New Species of Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Sauria: Gekkonidae) of the H. persicus complex from Aravalli hills, India

 

Hemidactylus aravalliensis 

Patel, TEJAS THACKERAY, RAJU VYAS & Mirza, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5759.5.2

Abstract

We describe a new species of leaf-toed gecko of the genus Hemidactylus from the southern Aravalli Hills in Gujarat, India. The new species is a member of the H. persicus complex and has previously been reported as conspecific with H. persicus. In light of the recent revision of H. persicus, we reassessed the status of the population reported from Gujarat, India. The population was found to be genetically and morphologically distinct and is here described as a new species. The new species is diagnosable by the following suite of characters: a medium-size (adult snout-vent length up to 65 mm); dorsal scalation on trunk granular, intermixed with slightly enlarged, regularly arranged transverse rows of 14 oval, feebly keeled or sub-trihedral tubercles; original tail lacks any enlarged tubercles; males with 3–8 precloacal pores. The new species, Hemidactylus aravalliensis sp. nov. is the third endemic species of gecko described from the Aravalli Hills and highlights the rich and unique diversity of this ancient yet understudied land mass.

Reptilia, Arid clade, endemic, gekkonid lizard, morphology, taxonomy

Hemidactylus aravalliensis sp. nov.

HARSHIL PATEL, TEJAS THACKERAY, RAJU VYAS and ZEESHAN A. MIRZA. 2026. A New Species of Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata: Sauria: Gekkonidae) of the H. persicus complex from Aravalli hills, India.  Zootaxa. 5759(5); 526-542. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5759.5.2 [2026-02-19]

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[Herpetology • 2025] Lycodon irwini • A ‘Crikey’ New Snake: An insular Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Nicobar Archipelago, India

Lycodon irwini 

Naveen, Mirza, Choure & Chandramouli, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.9.170645 

Abstract

The Nicobar Archipelago, a biodiversity hotspot in the Bay of Bengal, harbours several poorly studied and endemic reptile lineages. Several species of snakes from these islands are known to science with just one or a handful of specimens. One such taxon, historically identified as Lycodon subcinctus Boie, 1827, has remained taxonomically unresolved, known only from a single sighting on Great Nicobar Island to date. Recent taxonomic revisions of the L. subcinctus complex enabled us to reassess the status of the population from the Nicobar Islands. Studies suggested that the species is distinct, and a re-examination of museum material and newly collected specimens, combined with molecular analyses, confirms the distinctiveness of the species and is here described as a new species, Lycodon irwini sp. nov. Given its rarity and restriction to Great Nicobar Island, and taking into account potential threats we recommend that the new species be classified as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List criteria.

Key Words: Colubridae, conservation, island, phylogeny, Sundaland, systematics, taxonomy, wolf snakes

Lycodon irwini sp. nov., adult female holotype (Voucher no. DOSMB 05114), head views.
a. Dorsal aspect; b. Ventral aspect; c. Right lateral aspect; d. Left lateral aspect.

Lycodon irwini sp. nov., dorsolateral view of an adult female in life.

 Lycodon irwini sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. A Lycodon characterized by the following characters: body size fairly large, maximum known total length up to 1197 mm, slender; preocular maybe present or absent (present here only in the holotype), loreal touching orbit; dorsal scale rows 17-17-15, anterior part of the body with smooth scales and posterior parts with the outermost rows smooth and the remaining rows feebly keeled; ventral scales 223–238; subcaudals 78–94, paired; TaL/TL 0.20–0.23; supralabials 8, with the 3rd–5th touching orbit; postoculars 2/2; cloacal plate divided. Dorsum overall in a shade of glossy black, lacking bands and ventrally greyish black with cream ventrolateral ridge.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym honouring the late Stephen Robert Irwin (22 February 1962–1964 September 2006), the renowned Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, and wildlife educator. His passion and dedication to wildlife education and conservation have inspired naturalists and conservationists worldwide, including the authors of this paper.

R. S. Naveen, Zeeshan A. Mirza, Girish Choure and S. R. Chandramouli. 2025. A ‘Crikey’ New Snake: An insular Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Squamata, Colubridae) from the Nicobar Archipelago, India. Evolutionary Systematics. 9(2): 221-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.9.170645 

[Herpetology • 2025] Ablepharus flammeus • A New Species Himalayan Skink of the Genus Ablepharus (Scincidae) from Uttarakhand, northern India

Ablepharus flammeus 

Bragin, Decemson, Lalremsanga, Mirza & Poyarkov, 2025

Fire-bellied Ground Skink | Laiteldulsen ||  SALAMANDRA. 61(4); 

www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php

Abstract

Based on morphological and genetic evidence, we evaluated the taxonomic status of a deeply divergent highland population of Himalayan ablepharine skinks (genus Ablepharus Fitzinger in Lichtenstein, 1823) from Uttarakhand state in northern India. This lineage, here described as a new species, forms a well-supported clade of Ablepharus and differs from the morphologically similar species by a significant divergence in the 16S rRNA and cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA gene sequences. From the phylogenetic analysis of a 2,961 bp concatenated alignment of the ND2, cyt b, 16S, and 12S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes and diagnostic morphological characters, we allocate the newly discovered population from Duggal Bittha village, Chopta region to the A. tragbulensis-A. ladacensis species complex (Clade 1 according to Bragin et al. 2024) and describe it as Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. Our discovery brings the number of Ablepharus species in India to seven and in the Himalayan region to eleven and emphasizes the incompleteness of knowledge on the herpetofaunal diversity of this highland region. In this study, we also compare known morphological data for ablepharine skinks from the Himalayan region and discuss the hidden cryptic diversity within this group of skinks. 

Key words. Sauria, Ablepharus, biodiversity, India, morphology, phylogenetics, taxonomy

Head scale nomenclature and their positional relationship and size illustrated in a schematic line drawing of the adult male holotype of Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. (ZSI-R-29457) (SVL  = 41.57 mm) from the type locality of Chopta, Uttarakhand, India: (A) left lateral view; (B) dorsal view; (C) ventral view. Terminology is modified from Ouboter (1986) and Grismer et al. (2019).

 AL – Anterior loreal; C – ciliary; Cs – chin shield; F – frontal; FN – frontonasal; FP – frontoparietal; IF – infralabial; IP – interparietal; LST – lower secondary temporal; LTT – lower tertiary temporal; LPT – lower pretemporal; LPSL – lower postsupralabial; M – mental; N – nasal; Nu – nuchal; P – parietal; PF – prefrontal; PL – posterior loreal; PM – postmental; PR – preocular; PRS – presubocular; PT – primary temporal; PSO – postsubocular; PO – postocular; R – rostral; SC – supraciliary scales; SL – supralabial; SO – supraocular; UPT – upper pretemporal; UPSL – lower postsupralabial; UST – upper secondary temporal; and UTT – upper tertiary temporal. Drawing by Andrey M. Bragin.

Holotype of Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. (ZSI-R-29457, male) in life.

 Photograph by Andrey M. Bragin.

. The appearance of type specimens of Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. from the type locality of Chopta, Uttarakhand, India in life:
(A) lateral view of the head of male (paratype, MZMU3660); (B) lateral view of the head of female (paratype, MZMU3656); (C) dorsolateral view of male (paratype, MZMU3660); (D) dorsolateral view of female (paratype, MZMU3656); (E) dorsolateral view of juvenile (paratype, MZMU3654). Scale bars: A, B = 2 mm; C–E = 15 mm. Photographs by Andrey M. Bragin.

Ablepharus flammeus sp. n.

Diagnosis: Ablepharus flammeus is a medium-sized, robust ablepharine skink with (1) snout–vent length (SVL) 41.6–50.6 mm; (2) head length (HL2) 7.7–9.1 mm; (3) tail length (TaL) 52.6–68.3 mm; (4) head, body, and caudal scales smooth; (5) supranasals absent; (6) nasal semi-divided; (7) the lower eyelid is movable, covered with small arranged granules and with large transparent window; (8) tympanum rounded, deeply sunk, with one (70%), two (20%) or three (10%) projecting lobules on the anterior border; (9) prefrontals two, separated by frontonasal and frontal or, rarely, prefrontals touch at one point; (10) frontal elongated, in contact with 1st and 2nd supraoculars laterally, ...

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species “flammeus” is an adjective in nominative singular, in masculine gender, formed from the Latin words “flamma”, meaning “fire”. The name of the new species reflects the fiery coloration of the neck, belly, inner thighs, forearms, and the ventral part of the tail in males and juveniles, as well as the intense yellow coloration of these body parts in females. Notably, these small ectothermic lizards thrive at high altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level, with some individuals observed basking near the edges of snowfields. The name also symbolizes the ardent disposition of these lizards and their resilient struggle for survival. Furthermore, the species’ habitat lies near the Tungnath Temple – the highest mountain temple dedicated to the god Shiva – which also serves as the type locality for the species. Fire, as one of Shiva’s symbols, represents both destruction and the fight for life, reinforcing the essence of the species’ name. We propose “Fire-bellied Ground Skink” as the English common name, “Ognennobryukhii gologlaz” (“Огненнобрюхий гологлаз”) as the Russian common name, and “Laiteldulsen” as the Mizo common name for this species. 

Andrey M. Bragin, Ht. Decemson, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Zeeshan A. Mirza and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2025. A New Species of Himalayan Skink of the Genus Ablepharus (Squamata: Scincidae). SALAMANDRA. 61(4); 373–394. [2025-10-30] 

https://www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/contents/2025-vol-61/2201-bragin,-a-m-,-ht-decemson,-h-t-lalremsanga,-z-a-mirza-n-a-poyarkov

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus shivalikensis & C. himachalensis • Two New Species of Bent-toed Geckos of the Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the western Himalayas

Cyrtodactylus shivalikensis & C. himachalensis

 Bhardwaj, Purkayastha, Lalremsanga & Mirza, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.2.3  

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Abstract

The members of the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray (1827) have received unprecedented attention in India in the recent past, especially in northeast India and the eastern Himalayas. However, the western Himalayas have, and in large, been less well-investigated. A recent herpetological survey in the western Himalayas led to the discovery of two new species from the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. The phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial NADH subunit 2 gene indicates that the new species belong to the C. lawderanus group. The new species from Jammu and Kashmir is most similar to C. chamba Agarwal, Khandekar & Bauer 2018 and the one from Himachal Pradesh to C. lawderanus (Stoliczka 1871) in general appearance. The new species differ from previously described taxa to which they are allied in several morphological features, in addition to exhibiting substantial DNA sequence divergence.

Reptilia, Biodiversity hotspot, Gekkonidae, ND2, phylogeny, Sauria

Cyrtodactylus shivalikensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The new species is named after the Shivalik Hills, which form the outer fringe of the Himalayas, from where the new species was collected.

Cyrtodactylus himachalensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The new species is named after the word ‘Himachal’, which refers to the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, where it was collected.

Virender K. BHARDWAJ, Jayaditya PURKAYASTHA, H. T. LALREMSANGA, Zeeshan A. MIRZA. 2025. Two New Species of Bent-toed Geckos of the Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 from the western Himalayas. Zootaxa. 5665(2); 205-222. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.2.3 [2025-07-22]

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[Entomology • 2023] Epithemis wayanadensis • A New Species of Epithemis Laidlaw, 1955 (Odonata: Libellulidae), from the Western Ghats, India

 

[A, B] Epithemis wayanadensis sp. nov. 

Chandran, Raju, Jose & Mirza, 2023

  

[E, F] E. mariae (Laidlaw, 1915)   

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2023.08.006  

Researchgate.net/publication/373809443

 Abstract  

The monotypic genus Epithemis Laidlaw, 1955, is endemic to the Western Ghats and is represented by the nominate species Epithemis mariae (Laidlaw, 1915). Epithemis mariae is distributed across the Western Ghats, and as part of an ongoing study, we identified a distinct population from Wayanad. Morphological and molecular data for E. mariae and the population from the Wayanad plateau affirm that the two are distinct taxa and allow us to describe a new species. Epithemis wayanadensis sp. nov. is described based on male specimens collected from Wayanad, a part of the Western Ghats in Kerala state, southern India.

 

Keywords: Anisoptera, barcode, biodiversity, dragonfly, endemic

Epithemis wayanadensis sp. nov.: A, in habitat; B, frontal view of the face; C, lateral view of caudal appendages; D, lateral view of secondary genitalia, 
Epithemis mariae; E, in habitat; F, frontal view of face; G, lateral view of caudal appendages; H, lateral view of secondary genitalia.

 Epithemis wayanadensis sp. nov. 

 

 

Ayikkara Vivek Chandran, David Valiyaparambil Raju, Subin Kaniyamattathil Jose and Zeeshan Ayaz Mirza. 2023. A New Species of Epithemis Laidlaw, 1955 (Odonata: Libellulidae), from the Western Ghats, India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 16(4); 597-604. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2023.08.006 

 Researchgate.net/publication/373809443_A_new_species_of_Epithemis_from_the_Western_Ghats_India

[Herpetology • 2024] Ophisops venustus • Notes on the Ophisops beddomei complex (Squamata: Lacertidae) with the description of a new allied cryptic species from western India

 

Ophisops venustus 

Patel, Vyas, Thackeray, Pal & Mirza, 2024

  

 www.taprobanica.org 

facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation 

Abstract

The lacertid Ophisops beddomei was considered to be widely distributed in the northern and central Western Ghats, and some parts of western India. Recent studies, however, provide evidence of it being a species complex that harbours several morphologically cryptic species. In an attempt to resolve this species complex, we provide a re-description of O. beddomei sensu stricto based on type specimens and fresh material from near the type locality. Additionally, we describe a new species based on a series of 15 specimens from the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra in western India. The new species is allied to O. beddomei and can be diagnosed from all its congeners by the following suite of characters: a small-sized Ophisops (adult, SVL up to 36 mm); upper eyelid movable; supranasal fused with nasal; two frontonasals; prefrontals not in contact; enlarged tympanic scale present; 46–53 dorsal scales; 28–31 scales at mid-body; 19–21 lamellae underneath the fourth toe; six chin shields; 15–19 scales between symphysis of chin shields and ventral plates; large mental scale, extending beyond first supralabial; 8–11 femoral pores on either side interrupted by 0–1 poreless scales in males and 3–4 poreless scales in females; and subtle colour pattern differences. Molecular data for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene further supports the distinctiveness of the new species and shows an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 8% from O. beddomei sensu stricto. These are among the only lacertids that inhabit high-elevation plateaus and deciduous forests in the Western Ghats and surrounding hill ranges. The findings also indicate that many other similar habitats may harbour as yet undescribed endemic taxa.

Key words : Endemic, hill ranges, Lacerta, plateau, Snake-eyed lizard, taxonomy

Ophisops venustus sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species was morphologically diagnosed as Ophisops based on the absence of a distinct collar, presence of a large transparent disc on the lower eyelid, and digits not fringed laterally (Boulenger 1921, Smith 1935). A small bodied Ophisops characterized by (1) snout-vent length up to 36 mm; (2) upper eyelid movable; (3) supranasal fused with nasal; (4) two frontonasals present; (5) prefrontals not in contact; (6) enlarged tympanic scale present; (7) 46–53 dorsal scales; (8) 28–31 scales at mid-body; (9) 19–21 lamellae underneath the fourth toe; (10) six chin shields, ...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘venustus’ is a Latin first/second-declension adjective in the nominative singular given in masculine, which means ‘charming / elegant / beautiful’ refers to its elegant body colouration in life. Suggested English name is charming lacerta or charming snake-eye.

 

 

Harshil Patel, Raju Vyas, Tejas Thackeray, Saunak Pal & Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2024. NOTES ON THE Ophisops beddomei COMPLEX (SQUAMATA: LACERTIDAE) WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW ALLIED CRYPTIC SPECIES FROM WESTERN INDIA. TAPROBANICA. 13(2); 69–81.  www.taprobanica.org/Archives/Volume-9-14-2020-26/Volume-13-Number-2-November-2024/v13i2332.html

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[Herpetology • 2024] Anguiculus dicaprioi • Phylogeny and Systematics of the colubrid snake Genera Liopeltis and Gongylosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) and Description of A New Himalayan endemic Genus and Species

Anguiculus dicaprioi gen. et sp. nov.

Mirza, Bhardwaj, Pal, Lalremsanga, Vogel, Campbell & Patel, 2024 

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74271-1 

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Abstract

The colubrid snakes of the genera Gongylosoma Fitzinger, 1843 and Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843 are distributed across south and southeast Asia with five and eight nominate species, respectively. Despite their wide distribution, members of these genera are among some of the least-known colubrids. The two genera were considered synonymous in the past only to be separated later, and are defined on rather nebulose characters with a lack of support from molecular data. To test the monophyly of the two genera, we generated molecular data for the type species of Gongylosoma and species representing the two genera, including samples of Liopeltis rappii (Günther, 1860) from the western Himalayas. Results recovered paraphyly of Liopeltis, especially with regard to the genus Gongylosoma. Morphological data supports recognizing the western and eastern populations of L. rappii as two distinct species. The findings from our integrative taxonomic approach advocate establishing a new genus to embody Liopeltis rappii and a new allied species from the central and western Himalayas. A rediagnosis and revised classification of the genera Gongylosoma and Liopeltis is presented. The results further hint at cryptic diversity across members of the two genera, warranting scrutiny of the most widespread members of the group.

 

Keywords: Cryptic species, MicroCT, Phylogeny, Reptilia, Serpentes, Taxonomy

 

Anguiculus dicaprioi gen. et sp. nov. in life,
 (a) holotype female NCBS NRC-AA-0013, Photo by Virender Bharadwaj;
(b) uncollected individual from Nainital, Uttarakhand. Photo by Vipul Ramanuj.

Anguiculus gen. nov.

Type species: Anguiculus dicaprioi gen. et. sp. nov.

Species included: Anguiculus rappii comb. nov. (Günther, 1860), 

Anguiculus dicaprioi sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Small-sized snakes characterized by 15 smooth DSR throughout; head not distinct form neck in adults; internasal not fused with nasal; nasal divided bearing a laterally oriented nostril between the two; eye of moderate size (not large) in relation to the head; 177–192 ventral scales; 57–75 subcaudal scales; anal divided; prefrontal not in contact with supralabial, 6 supralabials (rarely 5), extending beyond the angle of the jaw; loreal present; 1 preocular, 2 postoculars and temporals 1 + 1. The supraoccipital is chevron-shaped. The maxilla bears 22–24 subequal functional teeth. The teeth are arranged in a continuous manner, lacking a diastema, and no enlargement of teeth is observed. The basisphenoid bears median foramen. Hemipenis unilobed, distal less than half of the organ calyculate or spinose; numerous subequal spines present except for two large ones at the base; the organ lacks folds.

Etymology: The generic epithet is a Latin masculine noun that refers to a ‘small snake’. The proposed nomen highlights the small size (SVL) of members of the new genus in relation to members of the family Colubridae. Suggested common English name ‘Himalayan snake’.

New genus

𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒖𝒔 ZMirza, Bhardwaj, Pal, Lalremsanga, Vogel, Campbell & Patel, 2024

Species included:

𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒖𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒊 Mirza, Bhardwaj, Pal, Lalremsanga, Vogel, Campbell & Patel, 2024

: Central and Western Himalayas (Nepal, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh). 

𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒖𝒔 𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒊 (Günther, 1860) 

: Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh)

Zeeshan A. Mirza, Virender K. Bhardwaj, Saunak Pal, H. T. Lalremsanga, Gernot Vogel, Patrick D. Campbell and Harshil Patel. 2024. Phylogeny and Systematics of the colubrid snake Genera Liopeltis and Gongylosoma (Squamata: Colubridae) and Description of A New Himalayan endemic Genus and Species. Scientific Reports. 14: 24743. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74271-1

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[Herpetology • 2024] Ahaetulla longirostris • A New Long-snouted Vine Snake Species in the Genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807 (Serpentes: Colubridae: Chrysopeleinae) from India

Ahaetulla longirostris

Mirza, Pattekar, Verma, Stuart, Purkayastha, Mohapatra & Patel, 2024

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.04.017 

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Abstract

A new species of long-snouted arboreal snake of the genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807, is described from the Indian states of Bihar and Meghalaya. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using three mitochondrial genes recovered the new species as a member of the A. fusca clade and as a sister the species to A. laudankia. The new species differs from its congeners in bearing an elongate rostral appendage, green or ochre dorsum, orange-brown belly, and moderately keeled vertebral dorsal scale row. This description of a new reptile species highlights the need for systematic documentation of biodiversity in the region.

Keywords: Bihar, Himalayas, Meghalaya, phylogeny, taxonomy, synonymy

 Ahaetulla longirostris sp. nov. holotype female NCBS NRC AA-0023 showing head scalation, (a) dorsal view, (b) left lateral view, (c) ventral view.

 An uncollected individual of Ahaetulla longirostris sp. nov. from Valmiki Tiger Reserve (a & b), (c) paratype male and female from Guwahati.

Ahaetulla longirostris sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A medium sized Ahaetulla with maximum TL 1,275 mm having the combination of a long dermal appendage; 193–207 ventrals, 139–163 subcaudals; dorsal scale reduction from 15 to 13 rows that occurs between 145–147 ventrals; dorsal scales of the vertebral and adjacent row on each side moderately keeled; dorsum bright green or ochre-brown throughout with a yellow hue on the lateral and ventral aspect of the head, a yellowish-white lateral stripe running the entire length of the snake from the neck; and venter bright orangish brown with a pair of pale longitudinal stripes.

Etymology. The specific epithet is taken from longus (L.) for long and rostrum (L.) for snout in reference to the very long rostral appendage.

 

 

Zeeshan A. Mirza, Soham Pattekar, Sourabh Verma, Bryan L. Stuart, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Pratyush P. Mohapatra and Harshil Patel. 2024. A New Long-snouted Vine Snake Species in the Genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807 (Colubridae: Chrysopeleinae) from India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.04.017

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[Herpetology • 2024] Smithophis mizoramensis • A New Species of Smithophis Giri et al. 2019 (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Indo-Burma Region

  

Smithophis mizoramensis

 Mirza, Bhardwaj, Lalmuanawma, Choure, Lalremsanga, Vabeiryureilai, Captain, Zagade & Patel, 2024 

DOI: 10.3390/d16080480 mdpi.com/2903710  

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Abstract

The natricine snake genus Smithophis Giri, Gower, Das, Lalremsanga, Lalronunga, Captain, and Deepak, 2019, is represented by four species, three of which are distributed in northeast India and Bangladesh, and a single species in Yunnan and Myanmar. In the past, S. bicolor (Blyth, 1855) was said to be widespread across northeast India and Myanmar; however, recent studies have shown it to be a species complex. Here, we describe a new species of the complex from the Indian state of Mizoram that resembles S. bicolor. The new species differs in bearing a patterned dorsum, a darker venter, and moderately keeled sacral scales. Re-examination of types of S. arunachalensis Das, Deepak, Captain, Wade, and Gower, 2020, shows the presence of strongly keeled sacral keels in males, which is an important diagnostic character. A revised key to members of the genus is presented with notes on S. arunachalensis.

Keywords: biodiversity hotspot; Colubridae; morphology; natricinae; Opisthotropis; taxonomy

Smithophis mizoramensis sp. nov. in life,
(a) BNHS 3767, photo by Jignesh Patel;
(b) an uncollected individual from Tam Dil National Wetland, Saitual district, Mizoram,

photo by Prashant Vaghela.

Smithophis mizoramensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A Smithophis with 17 smooth dorsal scales throughout the body and moderately keeled sacral scales in males. Temporal scales are present. Circum-orbital scales 4–5. Dorsal coloration is a shade of olive with indistinct dark reticulate patterns in life, overall black with faint gray reticulate markings or bands on the body in preservative. Each ventral scale is darker anteriorly edged with a yellowish/off-white border; the tail is ventrally darker compared to the ventral scales. Sequence divergence of 10–14% from other Smithophis for the gene cyt b.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the Indian state of Mizoram, where the new species was discovered, and that has yielded many notable herpetological discoveries. The type and all other currently known localities of the new species are in Mizoram. This is the first snake to be named after the state. As individuals were mostly encountered in and around small hill streams, we suggest the common names Mizo Brook Snake (English) and Tuithiangrul (Mizo).

 Zeeshan A. Mirza, Virender K. Bhardwaj, Jote Chawntual Lalmuanawma, Girish Choure, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Ashok Captain, Akshay Zagade and Harshil Patel. 2024. A New Species of Smithophis Giri et al. 2019 from the Indo-Burma Region. Diversity. 16(8); 480. DOI:doi.org/10.3390/d16080480 mdpi.com/2903710 

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[Herpetology • 2024] Japalura mictophola • A New Montane-dwelling Species of Japalura Gray, 1853 (Squamata: Agamidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Japalura mictophola 

Mirza, Gowande, Thackeray, Bhosale, Sawant, Phansalkar & Patel, 2024

DOI: 10.47605/tapro.v13i1.317

Abstract 

The montane agamid lizard Japalura austeniana (Annandale, 1908), is rare and is distributed across parts of the eastern Himalayas of India and China. Support from molecular and morphological data provides evidence for the existence of a species complex in the populations referred to that binomen, and we here describe a morphologically cryptic allied new species. Evidence from molecular data suggests the presence of additional undescribed species across the distribution of that species complex. Elevation might be the restricting factor for gene flow explaining most of the diversification of that montane species complex across the Himalayas. 

Keywords: Agamidae, biodiversity hotspot, biogeography, conservation, Himalayas, systematics

Japalura mictophola sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. A large-sized Japalura, reaching SVL of 92.9 mm with heterogeneous dorsum scalation and an exposed tympanum. Body laterally compressed and ventral scales subequal. Four large supra-tympanic scales and the males bear a distinct vertebral crest. Supra-tympanic scales are not in contact with orbital scales and are separated by two medium-sized smooth scales.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a combination of two words, the Greek word miktós ‘μικτός’ meaning mixed, and the word phola (=scales) referring to the mixed (heterogeneous) scales on the dorsum of the species.

 

 Zeeshan A. Mirza, Gaurang Gowande, Tejas Thackeray, Harshal Bhosale, Mandar Sawant, Pushkar Phansalkar and Harshil Patel. 2024. A New Montane-dwelling Species of Japalura Gray, 1853 (Squamata: Agamidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. TAPROBANICA. 13(1); 1–8. DOI: 10.47605/tapro.v13i1.317

  taprobanica.org/~file/317_japalura_taprobanica_13_1_2024_mirza_etal_1_8-24a49-3349_1246.pdf

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[Herpetology • 2023] Sahyadriophis uttaraghati & S. beddomei • Systematic Assessment of Hebius beddomei (Günther, 1864) (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae) with Description of A New Genus and A New Allied Species from the Western Ghats, India

Sahyadriophis uttaraghati

Patel, Thackeray, Campbell & Mirza, 2023

DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy3030024 

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Abstract

Hebius beddomei (Günther, 1864) is an endemic natricine colubrid snake species from the biodiverse Western Ghats, India. A recent molecular phylogeny provided evidence for the paraphyly of the genus Hebius, with Hebius beddomei recovered as sister to a clade containing Fowlea and Atretium. Freshly collected specimens and existing museum material allowed us to elucidate the generic status of the species and identify two distinct populations, one of which is described as a new species. A new genus, Sahyadriophis gen. nov., is proposed to accommodate Sahyadriophis beddomei gen. et comb. nov., and Sahyadriophis uttaraghati gen. et sp. nov. is described as a new species from the northern part of the range. The discovery of a new Oligocene divergent lineage, Sahyadriophis gen. nov., highlights the role of the Western Ghats as a source of relic lineages.

Keywords: biodiversity hotspot; integrated taxonomy; molecular phylogeny; natricinae; keelback; Sahyadri

  Images of Sahyadriophis gen. nov. in life,
(a) Sahyadriophis uttaraghati gen. et sp. nov. holotype ♂ NCBS NRC-AA-0024,
(b) juvenile Sahyadriophis beddomei gen. et comb. nov. (uncollected) from Madikeri, (c) adult male Sahyadriophis beddomei gen. et comb. nov. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala;

photos by Harshil Patel (a), Zeeshan A. Mirza (b,c).

Sahyadriophis gen. nov.

Type species. Sahyadriophis uttaraghati gen. et sp. nov.

Species included. Sahyadriophis beddomei gen. et comb. nov. and Sahyadriophis uttaraghati gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Medium-sized snakes in relation to family members measuring SVL 215–495 mm with 19 dorsal keeled scale rows at mid-body. Head distinct from neck. Nuchal groove and glands absent. Pupil rounded. Nostrils in nasals, a pair or internasals. Paired internasals and prefrontals. Posterior maxillary teeth longest and present after a distinct diastema, 18–26 functional maxillary teeth, 10–15 palatine teeth and 22–25 ptyerogoid teeth. Scales at the sacral region bear dentate keels in males.

Etymology. The generic name is a combination of two words: ‘Sahyadri’, a Sanskrit word for the Western Ghats, and the Greek word ‘ophis’ for snakes. The name is masculine in gender.

Sahyadriophis uttaraghati gen. et sp. nov.

Rhabdophis beddomei Wall, 1923: 605 (in part)

Natrix beddomei Smith, 1943: 306 (in part)

Amphiesma beddomei Whitaler and Captain, 2004: 242 (in part); Wallach et al., 2014: 28 (in part)

Diagnosis. A medium sized snake ranging from SVL 365 to 425mm with 19 keeled dorsal scales at mid-body; nine supralabials; ventrals 145–148 ♂, 151–153 ♀ and subcaudals 78–83 ♂, 74–76 ♀; maxilla with 26 teeth, 14 or 15 pterygoid and 23–24 palatine teeth; pterygoid-palatine oriented nearly parallel to the head and converges to a small degree posteriorly; TaL/TL 0.27–0.30 ♂.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a combination of two Sanskrit words: ‘uttara’ for north and ‘ghati’ meaning dweller of the mountains/Ghats. The combination refers to the northern distribution of the new species.

Sahyadriophis beddomei (Günther, 1864) gen. et comb. nov.

Spilotes vittatus Beddome, 1863: XX

Tropidonotus beddomei Günther, 1864: 269; Boulenger 1890: 344, 1893: 252

Rhabdophis beddomei Wall, 1923: 605 (in part)

Natrix beddomei Smith, 1943: 306 (in part)

Amphiesma beddomei Whitaler and Captain, 2004: 242 (in part); Wallach et al., 2014: 28 (in part), Deepak et al., 2022: 8

Hebius beddomei Guo et al., 2014: 437; Deepak et al., 2022: 7

Diagnosis. A medium-sized natricid ranging from SVL 177 to 495 with 19 keeled dorsal scales at mid-body; eight supralabials (rarely seven or nine); ventrals 140–145 ♂, 143–152 ♀ and subcaudals 71–76 ♂, 62–68 ♀; maxilla with 18 teeth, 12 pterygoid and 20–22 palatine teeth; pterygoid-palatine oriented nearly parallel to the head and does not converge or diverge posteriorly; TaL/TL 0.22–0.26 ♂. Additional morphological characteristics of the species are provided in Table 3.

...

 Harshil Patel, Tejas Thackeray, Patrick D. Campbell and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2023. Systematic Assessment of Hebius beddomei (Günther, 1864) (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae) with Description of A New Genus and A New Allied Species from the Western Ghats, India. Taxonomy. 3(3); 415-434. DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy3030024

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