Mizo rain snake

description

(Figs. 1 – 7; Table 2) Rhabdops bicolor (Blyth, 1854): Das (2015: photograph on p. 65), Laltanpuia et al. (2008: 119, in part; fig. 16).

A new genus and species of natricine snake from northeast India

description

Description of holotype. See Table 2 for morphometric and meristic data. Good condition, slightly dehydrated; ca. 20 mm longitudinal ventral incision into ventral surface of base of tail (through which hemipenis observed). Body somewhat laterally compressed (1.5 times as high as wide at midbody) with flattened venter and arched dorsum, widest at midbody, tapering posteriorly and more substantially anteriorly. Head elongate, broader than tall, slightly wider than anterior of body. In dorsal view head slightly ovate, sides very slightly convex, gently converging anteriorly. Front of snout not pointed, truncated. In lateral view head tapers very gently from back to prefrontal, more strongly tapered in front of prefrontal. Paired shields on top of head (= parietals only) abutting along midline rather than imbricate / overlapping. In dorsal view rostral approximately three times broader than long, substantially shorter than distance between it and frontal; projects beyond tip of lower jaw; ventrally with transverse concavity, notched (C-shaped) at margin of mouth. Frontal subpentagonal, lateral edges anteriorly diverging; shorter and smaller than each parietal, shorter than distance bet

A new genus and species of natricine snake from northeast India

distribution

Distribution, natural history and conservation. Smithophis atemporalis gen. et. sp. nov. is presently known with certainty only from in and around the type locality of the campus of Mizoram University and some nearby localities. The precise limits of this species’ distribution are unclear, partly because the species has sometimes previously been confused with S. bicolor, such that anecdotal reports need reassessment. Reassessment of distribution is one of the issues that need to be dealt with before the conservation assessment of this species can be adequately assessed. In Aizawl, S. atemporalis gen. et. sp. nov. is commonly seen during the monsoons, especially in, or close to streams and other wet places, close to human habitation and after rain showers. Locally this species is called ‘ ruahlawmrul ’, a rain-loving snake. Smithophis atemporalis gen. et. sp. nov. appears to have a tolerance for human dominated landscapes, though traffic is likely a threat given that these snakes have been seen on paved roads (Fig. 7). Few sightings have been made in forest habitats, though systematic survey data are not available. Smithophis atemporalis gen. et. sp. nov. have been seen in the wild

A new genus and species of natricine snake from northeast India

etymology

Etymology. The specific epithet is in reference to the lack of temporal shields, a diagnostic feature of the new species. For nomenclatural purposes, the species epithet is considered a noun in apposition. Suggested common name. Mizo rain snake or Narrow-headed smithophis (English). Mizo Ruahrul (Mizo).

A new genus and species of natricine snake from northeast India