[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 • 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] Gonyosoma iadinum • A New Species of the Gonyosoma prasinum species complex (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Indochina

  

Gonyosoma iadinum  

Poyarkov, Bragin, Idiiatullina, Tran, Le, David & Nguyen, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.3.2 

Researchgate.net/publication/394344438

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Abstract

A new species of the genus Gonyosoma Wagler is described from Vietnam and Laos, based on an integrative approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. Gonyosoma iadinum sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of diagnostic characters. It differs from its morphologically closest relative, Gonyosoma coeruleum Liu, Hou, Lwin, Wang & Rao, in the structure of the cloacal plate and hemipenes, as well as in significant genetic divergence in the cytochrome b (cyt b) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene sequences (p > 8.1%). The new species is currently known from central and southern Vietnam and central and southern Laos, where it has been recorded in montane evergreen forests of the Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau and the Langbiang Plateau in Vietnam. In Laos, it has been documented in Khammouan Province and the Bolaven Plateau. The species inhabits elevations ranging from 655 to 1,550 m above sea level. Further studies are required to reassess the taxonomic status of the Gonyosoma prasinum complex, particularly in Hainan Island, China. Based on its known distribution and available data, we suggest that the new species should be classified as Least Concern (LC) under the IUCN Red List criteria. We also provide an updated taxonomic key for the Gonyosoma species.

Reptilia, Gonyosoma iadinum sp. nov., Vietnam, Laos, Truong Son Range, cloacal plate, morphology, molecular phylogeny, systematics

Gonyosoma iadinum sp. nov. in life from Vietnam.
A – Chu Yang Sin NP, Dak Lak (ZMMU Re-18222, holotype); B – Bao Loc, Loc Bac, Lam Dong (ZMMU Re-14426, paratype);
C – Ta Dung NP, Dak Nong (ZMMU Re-18223, paratype); D –Song Thanh NP, Quang Nam;
E – Ba Na-Nui Chua NR, Da Nang; F – Bach Ma NP, Thua Thien-Hue.

Photos by A. M. Bragin (A), N. A. Poyarkov (B-D), H. H. Nguyen (E), and H. A. Vu (F).

Gonyosoma iadinum sp. nov. 

Gonyosoma coeruleum in life.
– in China: Panzhihua, Sichuan (A); Puer, Yunnan (B)
– in Thailand: Doi Inthanon NP, Chiang Mai (C); Doi Phu Kha NP, Nan (D); Kaeng Krachan NP, Prachuap Khiri Khan (E); Khao Sok NP, Surat Thani (F)
– in Vietnam: Tam Dao NP, Vinh Phuc (G); Pu Hoat NP, Nghe An (H); Pu Mat NP, Nghe An (K)
– in Laos: Xay, Oudomxai (L) – in Myanmar: Pyin Oo Lin, Mandalay (M)
– in Malaysia: Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia.

Photos by D. Y. Zhou (A), Y. H. Pu (B), M. Suetrong (C), R. Grassby-Lewis (D), T. Smith (E), M. Khaosok (F), G. Vogel (G), N. A. Poyarkov (H), S. Riley (K), P. Brakels (L), T. Zar (M), R. Kittrell

Gonyosoma prasinum in life
– in India: Aizawl, Mizoram (A-C); Ukhrul, Manipul (D)
– in Bhutan: Phuntsholing Neleykha, Chukha (E)
– in Myanmar: Htamanthi WS, Sagaing (F).

Photos by P. Shinde (A), G. Vogel (B), L. Biakzuala (C), B. C. Talbott (D), S. Jamtsho (E), S. Liu (F).

The other species of the genus Gonyosoma in life
—G. boulengeri in Mt. Chieu Lau Thi, Ha Giang, Vietnam (A);— G. frenatum in Tongzi, Guizhou, China (B);
—G. hainanense in Hainam Is, China (C);—G. jansenii in Sulawensi, Indonesia (D);
—G. margaritatum in Keningau, Sabah, Malaysia (E);—G. oxycephalum in Singapore (F).

Photos by L.P. Tran (A), G. Vogel (B, D), Y.H. Yu (C), Katharina (E), R.B. Taan (F).

Nikolay A. POYARKOV, Andrey M. BRAGIN, Sabira S. IDIIATULLINA, Tuan Anh TRAN, Dac Xuan LE, Patrick DAVID and Tan Van NGUYEN. 2025. A New Species of the Gonyosoma prasinum species complex (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) from Indochina.  Zootaxa. 5673(3); 355-384. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.3.2 [2025-08-06]

 Researchgate.net/publication/394344438_A_new_species_of_the_Gonyosoma_prasinum_species_complex_from_Indochina

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[Herpetology • 2025] Smithophis leptofasciatus • A New Species of the Genus Smithophis Giri, et al., 2019 (Serpentes: Natricidae) from Mizoram, northeast India

 

Smithophis leptofasciatus

Muansanga, Purkayastha, Hruaia, Vabeiryureilai, Biakzuala, Decemson, Lalremsanga & Bohra, 2025

  

TAPROBANICA. 14(2)

Abstract 

Based on two specimens, we describe a new species of snake in the genus Smithophis from Mizoram, as determined through detailed morphological and molecular analyses of the cytochrome b mitochondrial gene. The new species genetically forms a sister taxon to the clade containing S. atemporalis, S. bicolor, and S. mizoramensis, with a strong nodal branch support along with a deep level of genetic divergence. The species can be easily distinguished from its congeners by several morphological and colouration characters, including the presence of distinct, narrow, and incomplete transverse bands in the dorsum. Our study also precisely determines the distribution of S. bicolor, restricting its range to Meghalaya and removing it from the faunal list of Mizoram. 

Keywords: cytochrome b, India, rain snake, Rhabdops, Smithophis bicolor, systematics, taxonomy

Smithophis leptofasciatus sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. The new species is a small sized natricid snake having a maximum SVL of 329 mm as well as a maximum TaL of 82 mm and can be diagnosed from all its congeners based on a combination of the following characters: (1) 17 smooth dorsal scale rows throughout the body; (2) 195–201 ventrals; (3) 67–78 subcaudals, all of which are paired; (4) anal scale paired; (5) a total of five circumorbital scales surrounding and touching the eye; (6) temporal scales distinctly present; (7) absence of keeled sacral scales in both males and females; (8) dorsum colour ...

Etymology. The specific epithet “leptofasciatus” is a Greek and Latin compound adjective (leptos + fasciatus) in the nominative singular given in masculine, which refers to “narrow banded” transverse body pattern on the dorsum, a distinct and distinguishing characteristic of the species. Suggested common name: narrow-banded rain snake (in English) and Ruahrul (in Mizo).

Lal Muansanga, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Vanlal Hruaia, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Lal Biakzuala, Ht Decemson, Hmar T. Lalremsanga and Sanath C. Bohra. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Smithophis Giri, Gower, Das et al., 2019 (Reptilia: Serpentes: Natricidae) from Mizoram, northeast India. TAPROBANICA. 14(2); 158-165. 

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[Herpetology • 2025] Lycodon poyarkovi • A New Species of Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Northern part of the Truong Son Mountains, Central Vietnam

 

Lycodon poyarkovi  Nguyen & Vogel, 2025 

Poyarkov’s Big-tooth Snake |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5570.3.3 

Rắn khuyết Trường sơn  ||  facebook.con: Nguyen Van Tan 

 Researchgate.net/publication/388179258

 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Lycodon is described based on four specimens collected from the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve, Quang Binh Province, Central Vietnam. Lycodon poyarkovi sp. nov. is superficially similar to L. paucifasciatus Rendahl in Smith, but can be distinguished from the latter by the following characters: higher number of ventral scales in males, higher number of subcaudal scales in females, higher number of crossbands on body and tail, by having a lower number of ventral scales before the first crossband starts, and by having lower numbers of vertebrals covered by the first crossband. The new species seems to be endemic to the northern part of Truong Son Mountains, the Ben Hai River, which is considered an important biogeographic barrier between Lycodon poyarkovi sp. nov. and L. paucifasciatus. We suggest that the new species should be considered as Least Concerned (LC) following the IUCN’s Red List categories. Further studies reassessing the taxonomic status of Lycodon anakradaya and L. cardamomensis are required.

Reptilia, Indochina, new species, morphology, taxonomy, Lycodon paucifasciatus complex group

Figure 6. Photos in life of Lycodon poyarkovi sp. nov. in Quang Binh, Vietnam – from Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP (A-E); from Dong Chau-Ke Nuoc Trong NR (F-H).

Photos by: (A-B) reproduced from Vogel et al. (2009); (C) T.N. Vu; (D) reproduced from Luo et al. (2010); (E) L.P. Tran; (F) T.Q. Phan; and (G-H) N.V. Ha.

Lycodon poyarkovi sp. nov. 

 Distribution ranges of the Lycodon paucifasciatus species complex in Indochina and China.
Notes: Stars indicate the type localities of species; numbers indicate different localities where the species have been recorded (see Appendix III for the details of localities).

 Photos in life of Lycodon paucifasciatus species complex and L. rufozonatus:
– L. anakradaya in Khanh Vinh, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam (A);
– L. cardamomensis in Cardamom Mt., Pursat, Cambodia (B); in Khao Wong NP, Rayong, Thailand (C); Song Hinh, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam (D)
– L. paucifasciatus in Bach Ma NP, Phong Dien NR, Sao La NR, Thua Thien-Hue, Vietnam (E, F, G, respectively);
– L. gibsonae in Khao Yai NP, Prachinburi, Thailand (H)
– L. rosozonatus in Wuzhi Mt., Hainan, China (J)
– L. rufozonatus in Chengdu, Sichuan, China (K); in Taiwan, China (L); Miyako, Okinawa, Yaeyama, Japan (M).

Photos by (A) reproduced from Nguyen et al. (2022a); (B) J.C. Daltry; (C, H) P. Pawangkhanant; (D) reproduced from Do et al. (2017); (E) L.C. Tran; (F) B.V. Nguyen; (G): N.A. Poyarkov; (J) G. Fan; and (K, L. M) G. Vogel.

Tan Van NGUYEN and Gernot VOGEL. 2025. A New Species of Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from the Northern part of the Truong Son Mountains, Central Vietnam (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae). Zootaxa. 5570(3); 484-510. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5570.3.3

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  Researchgate.net/publication/388179258_A_new_species_of_Lycodon_Fitzinger_1826_from_the_Northern_part_of_the_Truong_Son_Mountains_Central_Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2024] Rediscovery and Revision of the Diagnostic Characters of Opisthotropis daovantieni (Squamata: Natricidae) from southern Vietnam, with notes on its hemipenial morphology and defensive behavior

  

Opisthotropis daovantieni Orlov, Darevsky & Murphy, 1998

in Gao, Zhang, V. Nguyen, Jiang, T. Nguyen, Li et Ren, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0048 

Photographs by Jia-Tang Li.

Abstract

The Tien’s Mountain Stream Snake, Opisthotropis daovantieni Orlov, Darevsky, and Murphy, 1998, has been represented solely by its type series, with no additional specimens reported in the past two decades. As a result, limited data exist and O. daovantieni remains one of the least studied members of its genus. Based on a re-examination of the type series, analysis of newly collected topotypic specimens, and a review of museum collections, this study provides an updated and comprehensive morphological characterization of O. daovantieni including detailed descriptions of hemipenial morphology, revised diagnostic characters, phylogenetic positioning, and ecological insights. Based on morphological comparisons with congeners, we also define the informal Opisthotropis spenceri group to facilitate future taxonomic work. In addition, this study documents a previously unreported defensive behavior involving tail-poking, observed in the field and thus far unique within the genus Opisthotropis.

Keywords: diagnostic characters, hemipenis, Opisthotropis spenceri group, sulcus spermaticus, tail-poking behavior

Photographs of Opisthotropis daovantieni (CIB 109024) in life.
 (A) General view of body, (B) lateral head view, and (C) ventral view of body.

Photographs by Jia-Tang Li.

Habitat of Opisthotropis daovantieni in Vietnam.
(A) Macrohabitat, and (B) microhabitat.

Photographs by Jia-Tang Li.

 

Zong-Yuan Gao, Yong Zhang, Vu Nguyen, Ke Jiang, Tao Nguyen, Jia-Tang Li and Jin-Long Ren. 2024. Rediscovery and Revision of the Diagnostic Characters of Opisthotropis daovantieni Orlov, Darevsky, and Murphy, 1998 (Squamata: Natricidae) from southern Vietnam, with notes on its hemipenial morphology and defensive behavior. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0048 

[Herpetology • 2023] Varanus louisiadensis & V. tanimbar • Two New Species of Monitor Lizards (Squamata: Varanidae) endemic to the Louisiade and Tanimbar Archipelagos with A Key to the Subgenus Euprepiosaurus

[Juvenile & Adult] Varanus tanimbar

Weijola & Kraus, 2023

  DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2218574   

  Researchgate.net/publication/371755921

(photos by Valter Weijola, Richard How).

ABSTRACT

We describe two new species of Varanus, one each endemic to the Louisiade and Tanimbar Archipelagos in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, respectively. The new species belong to the subgenus Euprepiosaurus and, therein, to the widely distributed and relatively species-rich Varanus indicus group. They can be distinguished from all other recognised species by scalation, colour-pattern and genetic differences. The new species from Tanimbar is most closely related to V. indicus and V. melinus, from which it can be distinguished by its dark blue/grey tongue and higher middorsal and midventral scale counts. The new species from the Louisiades can be distinguished from its phylogenetically and geographically nearest relative, V. chlorostigma, by the presence of dorsal crossbands, the mostly pink tongue mottled with grey, and higher midbody scale count. The Louisiades constitute the easternmost archipelago of Milne Bay Province in eastern Papua New Guinea, and they host a diverse herpetofauna with a high degree of endemism; Varanus louisiadensis sp. nov. increases the known number of herpetofaunal endemics in that archipelago to 60. The Tanimbar Islands are situated in the southern part of Maluku Province (Moluccas), Indonesia, and are a minor centre of vertebrate endemism; Varanus tanimbar sp. nov. increases the number of known herpetofaunal endemics there to six.

 

KEYWORDS: Melanesia, Wallacea, endemic, reptile, lizard, taxonomy

 The holotype (ZMUT Sa197) of Varanus louisiadensis sp. nov. on Misima Island (photo Valter Weijola).

Varanus louisiadensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Varanus louisiadensis sp. nov. is a member of the subgenus Euprepiosaurus, which is defined by having the unique combination of an asymmetric sperm groove on the hemipenis and a laterally compressed tail (Ziegler et al. Citation2007). Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it within the V. indicus species group defined by the unilateral paryphasmata ornamentation of the hemipenis and lack of blue pigmentation on the tail (Ziegler et al. Citation2007; Weijola et al. Citation2019). It can be distinguished from all other species of Euprepiosaurus by its unique combination of: (1) dorsum black with more-or-less well-defined crossbands composed of yellow ocelli and/or dots, better defined in juveniles and subadults than adults; (2) tail black with distinct yellow bands, better defined in juveniles and subadults than adults; (3) tongue tines and a variable section of the mid-dorsal tongue surface dark grey, the remainder being pink; (4) pink-orange pigmentation usually present on cheeks and sides of neck; (5) venter pale yellow; (6) mid-body scale rows (S) 142–163; (7) mid-dorsal scale rows (XY) 139–169; (8) ventral scale rows (T) 101–113; (9) scales around neck (m) 101–118.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the Louisiade Archipelago of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, where this species is endemic.

  Juvenile Varanus tanimbar sp. nov. caught by local hunters at Saumlaki, Yamdena (photo Valter Weijola).
Adult V. tanimbar sp. nov. (WAM 109896) Lorulun, Yamdena Island (photo Richard How).

Varanus tanimbar sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Varanus tanimbar sp. nov. is a member of the subgenus Euprepiosaurus, which is defined by having the unique combination of an asymmetric sperm groove and laterally compressed tail (Ziegler et al. Citation2007). Molecular phylogenetic analyses place it within the V. indicus species group defined by the unilateral paryphasmata ornamentation of the hemipenis and lack of blue pigmentation on the tail (Ziegler et al. Citation2007; Weijola et al. Citation2019). It can be distinguished from all other species of Euprepiosaurus by its unique combination of: (1) dorsum black with more or less well-defined crossbands composed of lemon-yellow ocelli and/or dots; (2) tail black with distinct yellow bands; (3) dorsal aspect of tongue blue-grey; (4) temporal region typically ornamented with a dark temporal band and a lemon-yellow postocular stripe; (5) venter pale yellow; (6) mid-body scale rows (S) 145–161; (7) mid-dorsal scale rows (XY) 159–170; (8) ventral scale rows (T) 107–109; (9) scales around neck (m) 109–119.

Etymology: The specific epithet tanimbar is a noun in apposition and refers to the Tanimbar Archipelago of Maluku, Indonesia, to which this species is endemic.

 

Valter Weijola and Fred Kraus. 2023. Two New Species of Monitor Lizards (Squamata: Varanus) endemic to the Louisiade and Tanimbar Archipelagos with A Key to the Subgenus Euprepiosaurus. Journal of Natural History. 57(13-16);  947-975. DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2218574   

  Researchgate.net/publication/371755921_Two_new_species_of_Varanus_endemic_to_the_Louisiade_and_Tanimbar_archipelagos

[Herpetology • 2023] Proctoporus titans • A New Species of Proctoporus (Gymnophthalmidae: Cercosaurinae) from the Puna of the Otishi National Park in Peru

 

Proctoporus titans 

Lehr, Cusi, Fernandez, Vera & Catenazzi, 2023

DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy3010002 

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of Proctoporus from the scientifically unexplored southern sector of the Otishi National Park (Region Cusco) in Peru, on the basis of molecular and morphological characters. Seven type specimens were obtained from six localities between 3241–3269 m a.s.l. within a radius of ca. 1.5 km in a Puna valley. Nine adult specimens (four males, five females) from Chiquintirca (Region Ayacucho, ca. 85 km airline from the type locality) are considered referred specimens. Males of the new species have a snout–vent length of 41.3–53.9 mm ( = 46.7, n = 6), females have a snout–vent length of 43.6–52.6 mm ( = 48.1, n = 8). The new species has dorsal scales striated, four supraoculars, four anterior supralabials, loreal and prefrontal scales absent, two pairs of genials (rarely one or three), three rows of pregulars, and five to seven femoral pores in males (absent in females). Sexual dimorphism is evident in the ventral coloration: males have neck, chest, and belly dark gray to black, whereas females have neck, chest, and belly pale gray with a diffuse dark gray fleck in the center of each scale, and an orange iris with a fringed pupil in both sexes.

Keywords: reptiles; lizards; Andean montane forests; Region Ayacucho; Region Cusco; Region Junín; protected areas; narco-trafficking

Systematics

Family Gymnophthalmidae Fitzinger, 1826 

Subfamily Cercosaurinae Gray, 1838

Genus Proctoporus Tschudi, 1845

Proctoporus titans sp. nov. Lehr, Cusi, Fernandez, Vera and Catenazzi, 2023.

 Life holotype of Proctoporus titans sp. nov. (MUSM 40916)
in dorsolateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral views (C). SVL 53.9 mm.

  Life female of Proctoporus titans sp. nov. (MUSM 40915, paratype)
 in dorsolateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral views (C). SVL 46.0 mm.

Etymology: The species epithet titans is used in reference to the Titan community of Illinois Wesleyan University, including former, current, and future students, faculty, and staff. We dedicate this species in recognition of the Titans’ mission “To go out and do well, but more importantly, to do good.”

  Habitat and natural history of Proctoporus titans sp. nov. 
 (A): Panorama of the valley in southern view over the Pantano la Esperanza swamp toward the mountain ridge and swamp, taken 25 May 2022 at 11:44 AM.
(B): western slope of the valley with Peruvian feathergrass in southeastern view taken from the campsite on 21 May 2022 at 8:22 AM. (C): Kitamarapó Waterfall in close aspect taken 25 May 2022 at 11:20 AM.
(D): type locality of P. titans sp. nov. in western view taken on 17 May 2022 at 11:10 AM. (E): Hatchling (MUSM 40917) of P. titans sp. nov., taken on 17 May 2022 at 9:46 AM.

Edgar Lehr, Juan C. Cusi, Maura I. Fernandez, Ricardo J. Vera and Alessandro Catenazzi. 2023. A New Species of Proctoporus (Reptilia, Gymnophthalmidae, Cercosaurinae) from the Puna of the Otishi National Park in Peru. Taxonomy. 3(1); 10-28. DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy3010002 

https://reptilesmagazine.com/new-lizard-species-of-the-genus-proctoporus-discovered-in-peru/

     

[Herpetology • 2021] Echinosaura fischerorum • A New and very Spiny Lizard (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from the Andes in northwestern Ecuador

Echinosaura fischerorum

Yánez-Muñoz, Torres-Carvajal, Reyes-Puig, Urgiles-Merchán & Koch, 2021

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12523

Photographs by J. P. Reyes-Puig & M. A. Urgiles-Merchán

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Neotropical spiny-lizard of the genus Echinosaura from the Imbabura and Carchi Provinces on the western slopes of the Andes in northwestern Ecuador. The new species mostly resembles E. horrida. However, it can be distinguished from all congeners by having keeled enlarged dorsal scales forming a paired vertebral row, two paravertebral series of short oblique rows of projecting scales, and a pair of spine-like scales on temporal and nuchal regions. We also provide a detailed description of the osteology of the skull and pectoral girdle of the new species and present a phylogenetic hypothesis for Echinosaura based on three mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, ND4) and one nuclear gene (c-mos).

Squamata Oppel, 1811

Gymnophthalmidae Merrem, 1820

Echinosaura Boulenger, 1890

Live type specimens of Echinosaura fischerorum sp. nov. showing color variation in dorsal view.
 (A) DHMECN 15208, male (Holotype); (B) DHMECN 15209, male; (C) DHMECN 15211, male; (D) DHMECN 16109, female; (E) DHMECN 16110, male.

Scale bars = 10 mm. 

Photographs by Juan P. Reyes-Puig (A, B, C); Miguel A. Urgiles-Merchán (D); Andrew Better (E).

Echinosaura fischerorum sp. nov. 

Proposed standard Spanish name: Lagartijas espinosas de los Fischer

Proposed standard English name: Fischers’ Spiny Lizards

Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: (1) snout pointed; (2) internasal single; (3) frontonasals paired; (4) frontal single; (5) frontoparietal paired; (6) supraoculars three, large; (7) supralabials five; (8) infralabials four; (9) postmental single; (10) chin shields enlarged, in one pair; (11) dorsum with a vertebral row of paired, enlarged, keeled scales; (12) two paravertebral series of short oblique rows of projecting scales, with scales increasing in size posteriorly on each row so that the most posterior scale of each row is a greatly enlarged, projecting spine; (13) spiny scales forming oblique lines on body flanks; (14) ventral scales squared, keeled; (15) subdigital lamellae on fourth finger 14–18; (16) subdigital lamellae on fourth toe 24–27; (17) femoral pores per hind limb in males 7–9; (18) dorsal surface of tail with two longitudinal rows of enlarged keeled scales that are more conspicuous on the anterior half of tail; (19) subcaudals per caudal segment three (anterior third of tail excluded); (20) tip of snout with creamy orange marks; (21) dorsal background dark brown with creamy orange paravertebral blotches extending onto anterior end of tail; (22) intense orange nuchal spines; (23) base of tail dorsally with a pair of pale orange blotches; (24) venter gray, marmorated with black and dark brown; (25) femoral pores yellowish cream; (26) premaxillary tooth loci 11–12; (27) maxillary tooth loci 17–18; (28) dentary tooth loci 22–23; (29) nasal bones in medial contact along most of their length; (30) postfrontal expands posteriorly to form part of the anterior border of the supratemporal fenestra.

Live specimens of six species of Echinosaura.
(A)Echinosaura fischerorum sp. nov., male (no voucher), Reserva Manduriacu, Pichincha, Ecuador; (B) E. horrida, male (DHMECN 13913), Cerro Zapallo, Esmeraldas, Ecuador;
(C) E. palmeri, male (no voucher), Timbiqui, Colombia; (D) E. brachycephala, male (QCAZ 11911), Reserva Ecológica Bosque Nublado Santa Lucía, Pichincha, Ecuador;
(E) E. keyi, male (QCAZ 8074), Reserva Otokiki, Esmeraldas, Ecuador; (F) E. orcesi, male (QCAZ 15026), Reserva Tesoro Escondido, Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

 Photographs by Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz (B); Jaime Culebras (A, C); Diego Quirola (D, E); Santiago R. Ron (F).

Distribution and Natural History: Echinosaura fischerorum sp. nov. is known from the western slopes of the Andes in northwestern Ecuador, Imbabura and Carchi Provinces, between 1,495–1,750 m (Fig. 17). All known specimen records lie in the lower montane forest ecosystem of the Mira river basin within the Dracula Reserve, a 1,136 ha private protected area managed by the Ecominga Foundation. The record from Imbabura province corresponds to a photograph by Jaime Culebras from Manduriacu Reserve, also managed by the Ecominga Foundation. Most known localities of E. fischerorum sp. nov. are in close proximity to the Ecuador-Colombia border and we expect that this species might also be present in neighboring Colombia. Most specimens were observed active among tree roots during the day and collected in pitfall traps along forest ridges near streams. Gravid females were collected in April and November. One female paratype (DHMECN 15210) contained two large oval eggs in the oviduct and several snail shells in the stomach (Fig. 16).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym in honor of Beat Fischer and Urs Fischer, donors who have contributed significantly to the consolidation of the Dracula Reserve in the sectors of Peñas Blancas and El Pailón, which not only protect the populations of this new endemic species, but also important populations of threatened amphibians and reptiles of the Mira river basin.

Conclusions: 

Fieldwork in the western foothills of the Andes in northwestern Ecuador led us to the discovery of a new species of Echinosaura and increased the number of known species of this genus to eight.

Our phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of Echinosaura fischerorum sp. nov. While its sister species E. horrida is relatively widespread in the tropical lowland rainforest of western Ecuador between sea level and ∼1,500 m, the record of E. fischerorum sp nov. from Manduriacu suggests that this species is most likely widespread between Manduriacu Reserve and Río Mira at slightly higher elevations.

 

Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Omar Torres-Carvajal, Juan P. Reyes-Puig, Miguel A. Urgiles-Merchán and Claudia Koch. 2021. A New and very Spiny Lizard (Gymnophthalmidae: Echinosaura) from the Andes in northwestern Ecuador. PeerJ. 9:e12523. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12523

   

[Herpetology • 2021] Reassessment of Tantilla boipiranga (Serpentes: Colubridae: Colubrinae) and A Preliminary Approach to the Phylogenetic Affinities within Tantilla

 Tantilla boipiranga Sawaya & Sazima, 2003

in Azevedo, Franco, ... et Grazziotin, 2021. 

Salamandra. 57(3); 

  facebook.com/WevertonAzevedo3

Photographs by P. Martins, L. Drummond, D. Santos, A. Abegg, and T. Castro, respectively.

Abstract

 Tantilla is one of the most diverse genera among colubrids, with 67 species arranged in six phenotypically recognized species groups. Tantilla boipiranga is the most recently described species within the T. melanocephala group, and it was described based on a small type series, collected in the rupestrian grasslands of south-eastern Brazil. The morphological diversity and the phylogenetic affinity of this species remain poorly known. Here, based on the assessment of recently collected specimens in combination with results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, we evaluate the morphological variation within T. boipiranga and its phylogenetic position. Our analyses confirm T. boipiranga as genetically distinct from its generic counterparts, and diagnosable based on a combination of colour pattern, meristic counts, and hemipenial morphology. However, contrary to its original description, the hemipenial ornamentation does not differentiate T. boipiranga from the highly variable T. melanocephala. In our phylogenetic analysis, T. boipiranga is retrieved as a monophyletic group, nested within the diversity of T. melanocephala and sister to a clade composed by specimens from south-eastern Brazil. Tantilla melanocephala is recovered as a highly diverse lineage, indicating the possible presence of undescribed species. Additionally, our analysis indicates that the T. coronata and T. planiceps species group are monophyletic, while the T. taeniata species group is paraphyletic and the only sampled species for the T. calamarina group is nested within the T. melanocephala group. Our results suggest that the phenotypic evolution within the genus is probably more complex than previously recognized, and some colouration patterns used to define the groups can in fact represent phenotypical convergences. Moreover, our phylogenetic analysis suggests a strong signal of geographical structure in the tree topology. Three main geographical lineages were found, a North American, a South American and a Central American. The first two lineages were recovered as monophyletic, while the latter is paraphyletic, with Central American species positioned as sister groups of both, the North American and the South American clades. Although a more comprehensive phylogenetic analysis is needed, our study strongly indicates the existence of hidden diversity within the T. melanocephala group and that Tantilla represents an ideal model to evaluate the validity of phenotypical groups in snake systematics and to study the driven mechanisms of morphological evolution. 

Key words. Squamata, Colubridae, Sonorini, fossorial snakes, snake biogeography, snake systematics, snake taxonomy, phylogeny, molecular phylogenetics, comparative morphology

Specimens of Tantilla boipiranga in life.
(A) *Santana do Riacho, MG, Brazil; (B) Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil;
(C) juvenile, male, Taiobeiras, MG, Brazil IBSP 91609; (D) adult, female, Santa Maria do Salto, MG, Brazil IBSP 90487;
and (E–F) adult, male, Linhares ES, Brazil IBSP 90663.

* Type locality. Photographs by P. Martins, L. Drummond, D. Santos, A. Abegg, and T. Castro, respectively.

Tantilla boipiranga Sawaya & Sazima, 2003

 

Weverton dos Santos Azevedo, Francisco Luís Franco, Hans Thomassen, Thiago Marcial de Castro, Arthur Diesel Abegg, Felipe Sá Fortes Leite, Jaqueline Battilana and Felipe Gobbi Grazziotin. 2021. Reassessment of Tantilla boipiranga (Serpentes: Colubrinae) and A Preliminary Approach to the Phylogenetic Affinities within Tantilla. Salamandra. 57(3); 400-412.

  facebook.com/WevertonAzevedo3/posts/2277120839085666