Günther's Dwarf Reed Snake

discussion

REMARKS. — This small, distinctive species of Pseudorabdion, once thought to be rare, has been found with increasing frequency on Negros Island. The species has been reported from other islands, Luzon (Casto de Elera [1895]), Mindanao or Dinagat (type of Typhlogeophis brevis Günther), and the Calamianes (specimen in the collection of CAS), but these records need confirmation. Also, see Leviton and Brown (1959: 487 et seq.) for a discusion of the status of Typhlogeophis brevis Günther, which was based on a single specimen said to have come from Mindanao or Dinagat islands, and was distinguished from P. oxycephalum in having its eyes “ hidden ” beneath the ocular scale. Pseudorabdion oxycephalum, endemic to the Philippine Islands, does not appear to be close to Sulawesian or Bornean species. Indeed, its closest relative, P. montanum, is at present known only from the highlands on Negros Island.

Synopsis of the Snakes of the Philippines A Synthesis of Data from Biodiversity Repositories, Field Studies, and the Literature

distribution

PHILIPPINE DISTRIBUTION (ENDEMIC) (Map 31 b [p. 142]). — Cebu, Masbate, Negros (Prov.: Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental), Panay (Prov.: Aklan). Localities needing confirmation include: Calamianes Ids., Luzon (Prov.: Aurora, Bataan, Nucva Ecija), Mindanao or Dinagat Ids.

Synopsis of the Snakes of the Philippines A Synthesis of Data from Biodiversity Repositories, Field Studies, and the Literature

materials_examined

TYPE LOCALITY AND TYPE SPECIMEN (S). — Philippines. Holotype: BMNH 1946.1.1.99.

Synopsis of the Snakes of the Philippines A Synthesis of Data from Biodiversity Repositories, Field Studies, and the Literature

vernacular_names

Gunther’s Dwarf Reed Snake; Negros Light-scaled Burrowing Snake

Synopsis of the Snakes of the Philippines A Synthesis of Data from Biodiversity Repositories, Field Studies, and the Literature