[Herpetology • 2026] Indotyphlops gyirongensis • A New Species of blind snake, Indotyphlops (Serpentes: Typhlopidae), from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China

 

Indotyphlops gyirongensis

Lyu, Tan, Zhao, Wallach, Liu & Guo, 2026

吉隆盲蛇  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.197322

Abstract

Typhlopidae is the most species-rich and broadly distributed family of blind snakes. Due to their secretive habits, fossorial lifestyle, and conserved morphology, the taxonomy and systematics of this group remain poorly understood. Here, a new species of blind snake is described from Xizang, China, based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species is genetically divergent from its closest relatives with an uncorrected CO1 p-distance exceeding 18.3%. Morphologically, it can be diagnosed by a combination of the following characters: 1) large size with 265 mm total length, 2) supralabial imbrication pattern T-V, 3) midbody scales in 18 rows, 4) total middorsal scales 432, 5) subcaudals 17, 6) infralabials 2, 7) absence of a terminal tail spine, and 8) light-colored head cap. Currently, the new species is known only from Xizang, China, but it likely occurs in adjacent regions in Nepal.

Key words: Blind snake, morphology, new species, Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, taxonomy, Typhlopidae

General (top) and ventral (below) views of the holotype of Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov. in life  

photos by Peng Guo

Holotype of Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov. in preservative.
Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the body, dorsal (C) and lateral (D) views of head, and ventral view of tail (E)

photos by Peng Guo

Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A blind snake distinguished from congeners by a combination of characters: 1) large size with 265 mm in total length, 2) SIP T-V, 3) midbody scales in 18 rows, 4) total middorsal scales 432, 5) subcaudals 17, 6) infralabials 2, 7) absence of a terminal tail spine, and 8) light-colored head cap.

Etymology. The specific epithet Gyirong is a noun in apposition, referring to the type locality, Gyirong Town, Gyirong County, Xizang, China. We suggest the English common name “Gyirong blind snake” and the Chinese common name “吉隆盲蛇” (Jílóng Mángshé) for this new species.

 Bing Lyu, Songwen Tan, Zhichao Zhao, Van Wallach, Qin Liu and Peng Guo. 2026. A New Species of blind snake, Indotyphlops (Serpentes, Typhlopidae), from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China. ZooKeys. 1292: 261-273. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.197322 [17-09-2026]

[Herpetology • 2024] Morphological Evolution and Niche Conservatism Across A Continental Radiation of Australian Blindsnakes

Australo-Papuan blindsnake genus, Anilios 

in Tiatragul, Skeels et Keogh, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae132 

 x.com/PutterT  

Abstract  

Understanding how continental radiations are assembled across space and time is a major question in macroevolutionary biology. Here, we use a phylogenomic-scale phylogeny, a comprehensive morphological dataset, and environmental niche models to evaluate the relationship between trait and environment and assess the role of geography and niche conservatism in the continental radiation of Australian blindsnakes. The Australo-Papuan blindsnake genus, Anilios, comprises 47 described species of which 46 are endemic to and distributed across various biomes on continental Australia. Although we expected blindsnakes to be morphologically conserved, we found considerable interspecific variation in all morphological traits we measured. Absolute body length is negatively correlated with mean annual temperature, and body shape ratios are negatively correlated with soil compactness. We found that morphologically similar species are likely not a result of ecological convergence. Age-overlap correlation tests revealed niche similarity decreased with the relative age of speciation events. We also found low geographical overlap across the phylogeny, suggesting that speciation is largely allopatric with low rates of secondary range overlap. Our study offers insights into the eco-morphological evolution of blindsnakes and the potential for phylogenetic niche conservatism to influence continental scale radiations.

Scolecophidia, niche conservatism, ecological niche model, nonadaptive radiation, reptiles, speciation

Sarin Tiatragul, Alexander Skeels, J Scott Keogh. 2024. Morphological Evolution and Niche Conservatism Across A Continental Radiation of Australian Blindsnakes. Evolution. 78(11); 1854–1868. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae132

  x.com/PutterT/status/1852174259126439987

งานวิจัยเชิงประจักษ์หลายงานที่ศึกษาในพื้นที่ที่ถูกจำกัดทางภูมิศาสตร์อย่างเช่นเกาะในมหาสมุทร บ่งชี้ว่าการสงวนชีพพิสัย (niche conservatism) เป็นหนึ่งในคุณลักษณะทั่วไปของการแตกแขนงของสายวิวัฒนาการประเภทนี้ ในงานวิจัยนี้ ผู้วิจัยได้ใช้ข้อมูลทางด้านวิวัฒนาการชาติพันธุ์จากจีโนม ข้อมูลทางด้านสัณฐาน และแบบจำลองชีพพิสัยทางสิ่งแวดล้อมของงูดินในออสเตรเลียเพื่อประเมินความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างลักษณะต่าง ๆ ของงูดินกับสิ่งแวดล้อม และบทบาทของสภาพภูมิศาสตร์กับการสงวนชีพพิสัยที่มีต่อการเกิดสปีชีส์ใหม่ของงูดินในออสเตรเลีย ซึ่งมีทั้งหมด 46 สปีชีส์ กระจายตัวในทุกชีวนิเวศของออสเตรเลียโดยอาศัยอยู่ใต้ดิน จากการประเมินพบว่าลักษณะทางสัณฐานของงูดินแต่ละชนิดในออสเตรเลียมีความแตกต่างอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ความยาวของลำตัวมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงลบกับอุณหภูมิเฉลี่ยประจำปีของภูมิภาคต่าง ๆ และอัตราส่วนของรูปร่างมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงลบกับความแน่นของดิน จากการประเมิน Age-overlap correlation test พบว่าความคล้ายคลึงกันของชีพพิสัยลดลงเทียบกับช่วงเวลาสัมพัทธ์ของการเกิดสปีชีส์ใหม่ แต่ละวงศ์วานวิวัฒนาการของงูดินในออสเตรเลียมีการทับซ้อนทางภูมิศาสตร์ในระดับต่ำ งานวิจัยนี้ได้แสดงให้เห็นถึงกระบวนการวิวัฒนาการของงูดินในด้านสัณฐานและนิเวศวิทยาในเชิงลึก และชี้ให้เห็นถึงความสามารถของการสงวนชีพพิสัยในระดับวงศ์วานวิวัฒนาการหนึ่ง ๆ ที่มีผลต่อการแตกแขนงของสายวิวัฒนาการในระดับทวีปได้

[Herpetology • 2023] Indotyphlops combank • A New blindsnake Species (Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae: Indotyphlops) from the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

Indotyphlops combank

N. Wickramasinghe, Vidanapathirana, De Silva, Tennakoon, Samarakoon & L.J. M. Wickramasinghe, 2023

  taprobanica.org

Abstract 

Based on both morphological and genetic evidence, we describe a new species of typhlopid snake from the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the first scolecophidian snake species to be described from Sri Lanka for nearly 75 years. Being the ninth member to the genus from the island, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characteristics: small body (total length 94–131 mm, snout–vent length 91–128 mm, tail length 2.1–2.8 mm); 20 longitudinal body scale rows; narrow rostral, longer than wide in dorsal aspect (rostral width/rostral length 0.55–0.57), not extending to level of eye; frontal shield extending to upper level of eye; 322–352 middorsal scales (not including intercalary scales); 306–342 midventrals; divided nasal scale; first gland line across head straight, not extending to ocular level; second gland line convex, midpoint reaching midlevel of eye. We have provided molecular phylogenetic evidence to support its distinctiveness from the phenotypically similar I. braminus. 

Key words: herpetology, Indotyphlops braminus, molecular phylogenetics, systematics, taxonomy

The Combank Blindsnake, Indotyphlops combank
a typhlopid snake endemic to the dry zone of Sri Lanka

photo by L.J. Mendis Wickramasinghe

Indotyphlops combank sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet (combank in English) is a noun in apposition, which refers to Commercial Bank (PLC) Sri Lanka. The name is in recognition of the bank’s support for Sri Lankan biodiversity discovery and conservation.

  

Nethu Wickramasinghe, Dulan R. Vidanapathirana, Mahesh C. De Silva, Kamani H. Tennakoon, Sameera R. Samarakoon and L.J. Mendis Wickramasinghe. 2023. A New blindsnake Species (Squamata: Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae: Indotyphlops) from the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. TAPROBANICA. 12(2); 37–47. 

  taprobanica.org/Archives/Volume-9-14-2020-26.htm

[Herpetology • 2023] Indotyphlops laca • “Anteaters” under the Airport: A Slender New Species of Blindsnake, Genus Indotyphlops (Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae: Asiatyphlopinae), from Timor-Leste

Indotyphlops laca 

O'Shea, Wallach, Hsiao & Kaiser, 2023

.  DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2022-0097

  Researchgate.net/publication/371019470

 

Abstract

We describe a slender immature female blindsnake from the main airport in Dili, Timor-Leste, as a new species of Indotyphlops, adding a third species to the country's known blindsnake fauna of Sundatyphlops polygrammicus (Schlegel, 1839) and Virgotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803). The new species has the following combination of characteristics: small size (snout–vent length = 119 mm), slender body (relative body thickness 71), T-V supralabial imbrication pattern, relative rostral width 0.36, 434 middorsal scales, relative tail length 1.7%, absence of enlarged occipital scales, and apical spine absent. The snake was found in an ant nest under several flat rocks near the fuel depot of Nicolau Lobato International Airport, and this habitat and the discovery in a busy location with heavy human impacts indicate that the species is likely a primarily subterranean myrmeco- or termitophage.

 Holotype of Indotyphlops laca sp. nov.  in life, demonstrating its slender body compared with its length. The head of the snake is the lighter coloured region at left.

Indotyphlops laca sp. nov.

Laca's Wormsnake (ENG), 

Ular Kawat Laca (IND), Samea Matan Delek Laca (TET).

diagnosis: Indotyphlops laca (Figs. 3–5) is a small (SVL = 119 mm), slender (relative body thickness 71 or 1.4% of TTL) member of the genus with a T-V SIP, 18 scale rows along the body lacking posterior reduction, 434 middorsal scales, rostral oval with relative rostral width 0.36, semidivided nasal shield, inferior nasal suture contacting second supralabial, eyespot lacking pupil or iris, relative tail length 1.6%, occipital scales not enlarged, and lacking apical spine.

etymology: This species epithet is a patronym, using the name as a noun in apposition. We dedicate this species to Agivedo “Laca” Varela Ribeiro (Fig. 6A), a citizen of Timor-Leste and a native of Raça in Lautém, the country's easternmost municipality. When we floated the idea of naming the species collectively for the Timorese members of our research team, they requested that we honour Laca instead.

 An illustration of the ease with which the holotype of Indotyphlops laca sp. nov. moves through coconut palm bark. This was discovered while trying to set up the specimen for photography in a hotel room, where a brief turn to get the camera allowed the snake to disappear completely!
(A) The entire snake was rarely visible during the photoshoot as it took any opportunity to venture into the pores and tunnels of the bark. (B) The blindsnake is visible at four points (white arrows) as it moves through the inner fibrous bark from left to right. (C) The head and anterior body emerge from the outer layer of bark, but a glimpse of its body (white arrow) is visible in the layer below. (D) The blindsnake is seen taking advantage of one of the slightly larger pores in the bark. (E) The blindsnake emerged, turned around at the sight of a perceived threat, and retreated back into the bark at the same point. (F) Occasionally, only the head would appear in a gap, then it would withdraw, to appear in an entirely different area of the bark seconds later. Unfortunately, we did not measure the diameter of the pores, but from the ease with which this slender snake moved through the coconut palm bark, it is evident that it would be perfectly at home in the galleries and chambers of termite mounds or ant nests.

 

Mark O'Shea, Van Wallach, Emma Hsiao and Hinrich Kaiser. 2023. “Anteaters” under the Airport: A Slender New Species of Blindsnake, Genus Indotyphlops, from Timor-Leste (Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae: Asiatyphlopinae). Canadian Journal of Zoology. DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2022-0097

  Researchgate.net/publication/371019470_a_slender_new_species_of_Indotyphlops_from_Timor-Leste

[Herpetology • 2023] Australia’s Hidden Radiation: Phylogenomics Analysis reveals Rapid Miocene Radiation of Blindsnakes (Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae)

in Tiatragul, Brennan, Broady & Keogh, 2023.

 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107812 

 twitter.com/PutterT

Highlights: 

• Inferred a near-complete species-level phylogeny of Australian blind snakes from over 4900 genetic loci.

• Added seven previously unsampled Anilios species.

• Time-calibrated phylogeny reveals rapid early Miocene radiation of Anilios.

• Several paraphyletic groups require taxonomic revision.

....

Scolecophidians are believed to have originated in Gondwana 160 – 125 Ma (Vidal et al., 2010) and today comprises five extant families of superficially similar snakes including Anomalepididae (20 species in the Neotropics), Leptotyphlopidae (142 species in Africa, Arabia, and the New World), Gerrhopilidae (21 species in South Asia, the Malay Archipelago and Melanesia), Xenotyphlopidae (1 species in Madagascar) and Typhlopidae (275 species in the Neotropics, Africa, Madagascar, Southeastern Europe, Southern Asia, and Australia) (Midtgaard, 2021, Uetz et al., 2021). ....

The most taxonomically and geographically diverse family of Scolecophidia is the Typhlopidae, which comprises 19 genera. Among typhlopid genera, the Australo-Papuan genus Anilios represents the most species-rich radiation (Uetz et al., 2021) (see Fig. 1 for examples). Of the 48 currently recognised species of Anilios, 45 occur exclusively in Australia, A. erycinus is restricted to New Guinea and the Maluku Islands, and A. torresianus and A. leucoproctus are found in both Australia and southern parts of New Guinea (GBIF.Org, 2022). Although natural history accounts for Anilios blindsnakes are lacking, particularly at the species level, the Australian species are presumed to be fossorial and reported to feed primarily on pupae and larvae of ants and termites (Shine and Webb, 1990, Webb and Shine, 1993, Webb and Shine, 1992). In Australia, species are distributed across the mainland, with particularly high biodiversity north of 20°S — in the northern monsoonal tropical part of the continent (Marin et al., 2013b) (see Fig. S1 for map of species distributions).

...

Examples of Australian blindsnakes.
Top row (left to right): Anilios affinis, A. ammodytes, and A. pilbarensis.
Middle row (left to right): A. broomi, A. kimberleyensis, and A. ganei.
Bottom row (left to right): A. grypus, A. ligatus, and A. unguirostris.

Photographs by Stephen M. Zozaya.

twitter.com/PutterT 

 

Sarin Tiatragul, Ian G. Brennan, Elizabeth S. Broady and J. Scott Keogh. 2023. Australia’s Hidden Radiation: Phylogenomics Analysis reveals Rapid Miocene Radiation of Blindsnakes. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 185, 107812. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107812

  twitter.com/PutterT/status/1661346276896829440

[Herpetology • 2022] A Molecular-genetics Perspective on the Systematics of the Parthenogenetic Flowerpot Blindsnake Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) (Serpentes: Typhlopidae)

Flowerpot Blindsnake Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) 

 in Wickramasinghe, Wickramasinghe, Vidanapathirana, ... & Gower, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2062478 

   facebook.com/NethuWickramasinghe 

Researchgate.net/publication/361237554

 

Abstract

Sri Lanka has a rich snake diversity, but the island’s scolecophidians (‘blindsnakes’) are poorly understood due to the cryptic, burrowing habits of these inconspicuous animals and lack of systematic field surveys and morphological and molecular analyses. Here we report findings from a systematic survey carried out over a decade across the island of Sri Lanka, focusing particularly on the globally widespread, parthenogenetic species Indotyphlops braminus. We report 780 locations across the island in which this species was recorded, at elevations of 1–1,424 m asl, and mostly <1,000 m (771 out of 780 localities). We provide a molecular-systematics perspective by reporting new DNA sequence data for 15 specimens from Sri Lanka, and new analyses of asiatyphlopine molecular genetic diversity and relationships. Based on molecular results, we conclude that (i) Indotyphlops, as originally conceived may not be monophyletic, (ii) phenotypically the I. braminus-like blindsnakes widespread across most of Sri Lanka are a single, genetically homogeneous species, and (iii) some populations from peninsular India are very similar in DNA sequence to I. braminus from Sri Lanka, but others are genetically highly distinct and unlikely to be conspecific. Based on the estimated phylogenetic relationships, we recommend that I. braminus is currently best recognized as a phenotypically exceptional species of Indotyphlops rather than, as recently proposed, the only species of a monotypic genus (Virgotyphlops).

Key words: Asia, Typhlopinae, distribution, diversity, phylogenetics, snake, Sri Lanka, Typhlopidae

  Photographs and drawings of example specimens of Indotyphlops braminus found in Sri Lanka during the reported study.
(A) Dorsal view of specimen MW18_102D in life. (B) Ventral aspect in life of MW18_102D. (C) Dorsal view in life of MW18_028D.
(D) Dorsal aspect of head of MW18_102D, showing disposition of head glands. (E) Ventral aspect of head of MW18_102D, showing characteristically pale chin of I. braminus. (F) Dorsolateral aspect of head of MW18_102D.
(G) Line drawing of MW18_102D showing head scalation. (H) Close up view of vent and tail of MW18_102D. (I) Line drawing of MW18_102D showing the scales close to vent, anal scale is denoted with an asterisk and preanals abbreviated as PA. Scale bars in parts G and I = 1 mm.

 

Nethu Wickramasinghe, L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe, Dulan Ranga Vidanapathirana, Kamani H. Tennakoon, Sameera R. Samarakoon and David J. Gower. 2022. A Molecular-genetics Perspective on the Systematics of the Parthenogenetic Flowerpot Blindsnake Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) (Squamata: Serpentes: Typhlopidae). Systematics and Biodiversity. 20(1);  DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2062478  

  facebook.com/NethuWickramasinghe/posts/10166480892150174

Researchgate.net/publication/361237554_systematics_of_Indotyphlops_braminus

[Herpetology • 2021] Madatyphlops eudelini • Morphological, Osteological, and Genetic Data support A New Species of Madatyphlops (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) endemic to Mayotte Island, Comoros Archipelago

Madatyphlops eudelini 

Hawlitschek, Scherz, Webster, Ineich & Glaw, 2021

 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24589

 twitter.com/MarkScherz

 

Abstract

Blind snakes (Typhlopidae) are an enigmatic group of small burrowing snakes whose anatomy, phylogenetics, and biodiversity remain poorly known. Madatyphlops comorensis (Boulenger, 1889), endemic to the Comoros Archipelago in the Western Indian Ocean, is one of many species whose phylogenetic placement and generic assignment is unclear. We used DNA barcoding, external morphological examination, and osteological data from 3D reconstruction with micro‐CT to study specimens of Madatyphlops from the Comoros Archipelago. Our results support the placement of M. comorensis in Madatyphlops and the recognition of the specimens from Mayotte Island as a closely related but distinct species, which we describe as Madatyphlops eudelini sp. nov. In this context, we present the first detailed osteological descriptions of any species of Madatyphlops, which we hope will serve as groundwork for further osteological studies in this genus and contribute to our limited but growing understanding of the osteology of typhlopid snakes.

Keywords: 3D reconstruction, blind snake, Comoros Archipelago, cranial anatomy, Mayotte, micro‐CT, skull

The holotype (ZSM 403/2014) of Madatyphlops eudelini sp. nov.
 (a) Specimen found freshly dead at the type locality. (b) Close‐up lateral view of the head and anterior body.
(c) The specimen preserved in ethanol, lateral view of the whole specimen. (d) Head and neck, dorsal view.
(e) Head and neck, lateral view. (f) Head and throat, ventral view.

 Photos (a) and (b) by Rémy Eudeline, (c) by Oliver Hawlitschek, (d) to (f) by Michael Franzen

Genus Madatyphlops Hedges et al., 2014

Madatyphlops eudelini sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet is a patronym in honor of Rémy Eudeline, with the last letter removed for better pronunciation. Rémy is a high school teacher of sciences, parataxonomist, and then‐resident of Mayotte, who found the holotype specimen during his first visit to the type locality, after the first author of this publication failed to observe this species in more than 10 surveys of the same locality.  

Distribution map of Madatyphlops in the Comoros Archipelago.
 The inlays show the position of the archipelago in the context of the Western Indian Ocean (bottom left)
and a photo of the type locality of Madatyphlops eudelini sp. nov., the humid forest of Mt. Benara on Mayotte Island (top right)

 

Oliver Hawlitschek, Mark D. Scherz, Kathleen C. Webster, Ivan Ineich and Frank Glaw. 2021. Morphological, Osteological, and Genetic Data support A New Species of Madatyphlops (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) endemic to Mayotte Island, Comoros Archipelago. The Anatomical Record. DOI: 10.1002/ar.24589

 twitter.com/MarkScherz/status/1363838725961220096

[Herpetology • 2018] Letheobia akagerae • A New Blind Snake of the Genus Letheobia (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) from Rwanda with Redescriptions of L. gracilis and L. graueri and the Introduction of A Non-invasive Preparation Procedure for Scanning Electron Microscopy in Zoology

Letheobia akagerae

Dehling, Hinkel, Ensikat, Babilon & Fischer, 2018

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4378.4.2 

Abstract

A new species of blind snake in the genus Letheobia is described from Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The new species is most similar to species of the L. gracilis complex, particularly L. gracilis and L. graueri. It differs from all other species of the genus by a unique combination of morphological characters, including the highest number of middorsal scale rows (834) and the most extreme elongation (total-length/midbody-width ratio 131) of all species in the genus and of any species of snake in the world; 22-22-22 longitudinal scale rows; snout in dorsal profile rounded, in lateral profile bluntly rounded with an angular horizontal edge ventrally; rostral broad, posteriorly rounded; eyes invisible; supralabial imbrication pattern T-0; tail short (1.3 percent of total length) with an apical spine; and a pink life colouration. The holotype of the new species was collected in gallery forest at a lake shore surrounded by savanna at 1300 m elevation. We produced scanning electron microscope images of the heads of the investigated specimens applying a liquid-substitution preparation procedure which does not require coating or drying and thus does not irreversibly damage the investigated samples. The obtained images allow an easy and more accurate examination of the scalation.

Keywords: Reptilia, Taxonomy, morphology, Letheobia gracilis, Letheobia graueri, Akagera National Park, liquid substitution, glycerol, uncoated specimens, SEM of liquids, infiltration

FIGURE 4. Holotype of Letheobia akagerae sp. nov. (ZFMK 100862) in life.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality, the Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.

Distribution, habitat and conservation status. The holotype of Letheobia akagerae was found when soil was dug during construction work. The type locality is in gallery forest near the shores of Lake Ihema at around 1290 m a.s.l. Three additional specimens were observed and photographed in tree savanna on a nearby hilltop in the headquarters area of the national park slithering on the ground after heavy rainfalls during the day. All of them showed the extreme elongation of the body and a pinkish live colouration but unfortunately none were retained for further examination. The species may be more widespread and even occur in cultivated areas outside the national park. Until further data on the distribution and abundance of the species becomes available, we recommend L. akagerae be classified as Data Deficient according to the IUCN Red List Criteria ( IUCN 2017).

J. Maximilian Dehling, Harald H. Hinkel, Hans-Jürgen Ensikat, Kenny Babilon and Eberhard Fischer. 2018. A New Blind Snake of the Genus Letheobia (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) from Rwanda with Redescriptions of L. gracilis (Sternfeld, 1910) and L. graueri (Sternfeld, 1912) and the Introduction of A Non-invasive Preparation Procedure for Scanning Electron Microscopy in Zoology. Zootaxa. 4378(4); 480–490. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4378.4.2

[Herpetology • 2017] Worms in the Sand: Systematic Revision of the Australian Blindsnake Anilios leptosoma (Robb, 1972) Species Complex (Squamata: Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae) from the Geraldton Sandplain, with Description of Two New Species

 Anilios obtusifrons Ellis & Doughty,

  in Ellis, Doughty, Donnellan, Marin & Vidal, 2017 

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4323.1.1 

Abstract

The blindsnake genus Anilios (formerly Ramphotyphlops) is the largest and most diverse genus of snakes in Australia with 45 currently recognized species. Recent molecular genetic studies of the genus have identified high levels of cryptic diversity within many taxa, suggesting true species diversity is greatly underestimated. Anilios leptosoma is a slender blindsnake endemic to the mid-west of Western Australia. Although morphological variation has been identified within the species in the past, the systematics and true diversity remained unstudied. Here we use recent molecular data to guide a reappraisal of morphology in order to provide a taxonomic revision of the A. leptosoma species complex. We redescribe A. leptosoma and describe two new species that occur to the south of most of true A. leptosoma’s distribution: A. systenos sp. nov. and A. obtusifrons sp. nov. Anilios systenos sp. nov. is known from the Geraldton region with the furthest record only 100 km to the north-east, a very small range for a species of snake. Anilios obtusifrons sp. nov. has an even smaller distribution, as it is only known from a small coastal area south of Kalbarri and may represent a range-restricted taxa. All species are genetically divergent from each other and can be distinguished by consistent morphological characteristics, including the shape of the snout, the termination point of the rostral cleft and number of mid-body scale rows and ventral scales.

Keywords:  Reptilia, taxonomy, morphology, mtDNA, nDNA, cryptic species, cryptic diversity, Ramphotyphlops leptosoma, Anilios systenos sp. nov., Anilios obtusifrons sp. nov., Western Australia

Taxonomy

Typhlopidae Merrem, 1820

Anilios Gray, 1845

Type species. Anilios australis Gray, 1845, by subsequent designation by Stejneger (1904) [p. 683].

Etymology. Masculine noun formed from the Greek words an—not and helios—sun (without sun) in reference to the fossorial or below ground habits of these species (Savage & Boundy 2012; Hedges et al. 2014).  

Anilios leptosoma (Robb, 1972) 

Murchison Blindsnakes

Etymology. Derived from the Greek words leptos meaning fine or thin and soma meaning body in reference to the thin thread-like appearance of the species. The amendment to the specific epithet to A. ‘leptosomus’ by McDiarmid et al. (1999) and subsequently accepted by other authors (Hedges et al. 2014; Pyron & Wallach 2014; Wallach et al. 2014) is not warranted (Shea 2015). As Robb (1972) did not state explicitly the use of the word ‘soma’ as a noun or adjective, it is to be treated as a noun and does not change from A. leptosoma with the resurrection of Anilios by Hedges et al. (2014).

Anilios systenos sp. nov. Ellis & Doughty

Sharp-snouted Blindsnakes

Etymology. Derived from the Greek word systenos, meaning ‘tapering to a point’ in reference to the tapering appearance of the head and snout to a rounded point when viewed dorsally.

FIGURE 6. Anilios obtusifrons sp. nov. (WAM R129778) in life (photograph—B. Maryan).

Anilios obtusifrons sp. nov. Ellis & Doughty

Blunt-snouted Blindsnakes

Etymology. From a combination of the Latin words obtusus meaning ‘blunt or dull’ and frons meaning ‘front’ in reference to the rounded or blunt appearance of the snout in dorsal and lateral view.  

Ryan J. Ellis, Paul Doughty, Stephen C. Donnellan, Julie Marin and Nicolas Vidal. 2017. 

Worms in the Sand: Systematic Revision of the Australian Blindsnake Anilios leptosoma (Robb, 1972) Species Complex (Squamata: Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae) from the Geraldton Sandplain, with Description of Two New Species.   Zootaxa. 4323(1); 1–24.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4323.1.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/319928179_Systematic_revision_of_the_Australian_blindsnake_Anilios_leptosoma_species_complex_from_the_Geraldton_Sandplain