Pirmad Cat Snake

description

Description of hemipenis of ZSI-CZRC-V- 7541 (Fig. 7). The right hemipenis is fully everted and removed in situ for further analysis. The hemipenis is sub-cylindrical and moderately elongate (length: 17.0 mm, maximum width: 5.7 mm), extending to the 7 th subcaudal. The sulcus is undivided, bounded by thick walls on both sides, and terminates at the centre of the lobe. It can be differentiated into three zones; the proximal zone is covered with 4 - 6 rows of spines (~ 40 % of the total length), the middle zone with 5 or 6 rows of spinulate flounces arranged transversely (~ 35 % of the total length), and the distal calyculate area (~ 25 %) with 4 or 5 rows of irregular calyces with papilate edges. The sulcus spermaticus is exposed before entering the calyculate area. There is not much variation in the arrangements of spines and body calyces on sulcate and asulcate sides. The overall structure of the hemipenis of ZSI-CZRC-V- 7542 is similar to that described for ZSI-CZRC-V- 7541.

On the taxonomic validity of Boiga whitakeri Ganesh et al., 2021 with new insights on Boiga dightoni (Boulenger, 1894) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae)

distribution

Distribution. Based on currently available data, Boiga dightoni is widely distributed in the southern Western Ghats (south of the Palghat Gap), at elevations of 9 - 1258 m (Appendix 4). Murthy (1984) extended the northern range of this species to Topslip in Anamalais. Murthy (1984) reported 23 dorsal scale rows at midbody for the specimen he collected, which is known only for B. dightoni among Western Ghats' Boiga. The identity of this specimen (ZSI / SRS / S- 73) is confirmed by photographs presented by Murthy (1984). With an additional specimen from the same locality (ZSI-CZRC-V- 7541), we reconfirm the distribution of B. dightoni in Topslip in the Anamalai hills. The northernmost known distribution of B. dightoni is based on a specimen (BNHS 1842) from Palagapandy in the Nelliyampathy Hills, Kerala, a specimen that was previously (Ganesh et al. 2020) misidentified as B. nuchalis. The southernmost known occurrence of this species is Ponmudi in Kerala (Fig. 1). Thus, B. dightoni is found only south of the Palghat Gap in the Western Ghats. Boiga dightoni in parts of its range is probably sympatric with B. nuchalis and B. thackerayi immediately south of the Palghat Gap, based on dis

On the taxonomic validity of Boiga whitakeri Ganesh et al., 2021 with new insights on Boiga dightoni (Boulenger, 1894) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae)

description

Other specimens: FMNH 217699 Ponmundi, Trivandrum; BNHS 1839 and BNHS 2813 from Peermade, Travancore State. Taxonomic history. Boiga dightoni was described as Dipsas dightoni by Boulenger (1894), based on a specimen presented by H. S. Ferguson from “ Pirmeed ” in Travancore. Since then this species has not been collected despite several surveys, until Inger et al. (1984) reported it from the Ponmudi Hills further south. Though recognized by subsequent workers, almost nothing is known about this species (Das 2002; Whitaker & Captain 2004; Wallach et al. 2014).

Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key

description

Redescription of the holotype. A medium-sized snake reaching 1,083 mm total length, snout-vent length: 858 mm, tail length: 225 mm; with fairly slender habitus, narrower neck, wider head; long tail (relative tail length 20.8 %); 23 – 23 – 15 scale rows; rostral scarcely visible from above; preocular 1, larger than loreal; postoculars 2; loreal 1; supralabials 8, with 3 rd – 5 th touching eye; infralabials 13 / 14, with 1 – 5 touching chin shields; temporals 18 / 17; preventrals 2; ventrals 242, angulate laterally; cloacal 1; subcaudals 99 pairs. Dorsal colour brownish-grey, with traces of obscure transverse markings across; no markings on top of head; head with a few minute dark dots on labia, loreal and near parietals; labials, chin and venter ashy brown, finely spotted with darker shade along both sides. Variation. Other specimens agreeing with holotype in most aspects and showing the following variation: snout to vent length 352 – 908 mm; tail length 194 (incomplete in other specimens); anterior scale rows 21 – 21 – 15 (16) scale rows; temporals 17 – 19; infralabials 11 – 12; ventrals 235 – 248; subcaudals 102 – 112 pairs (incomplete in the rest); number of cross bars 0 – 66 on

Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key