Reticulate groundsnake

description

Synonyms. None. Original name. Stegonotus reticulatus Boulenger, 1895: 31. In naming this form, Boulenger (1895) used the term reticulatus (Latin = net-like) descriptively, in reference to the striking dorsal patterning found in these animals. The pattern itself comprises darkened edges around all dorsal scales, producing a netlike surface coloration. The species description was presented in English. Syntypes. BMNH 1946.1.14.87 – 88 (Fig. 24), formerly BMNH 95.4.26.50 – 51, an adult female and an adult male, respectively.

The taxonomic history of Indo-Papuan groundsnakes, genus Stegonotus Duméril et al., 1854 (Colubridae), with some taxonomic revisions and the designation of a neotype for S. parvus (Meyer, 1874)

discussion

Comment. In order to stabilize the nomenclature of S. reticulatus, we hereby designate BMNH 1946.1.14.87 (Fig. 24 A – E; Table 1), the female specimen, as the lectotype of this species (Code, Article 74.7). This specimen is the only syntype with a complete tail, and given the importance of the number of subcaudal scales in diagnoses of species in the genus Stegonotus, it is relevant to ascertain that this characteristic can be fully evaluated. This designation renders BMNH 1946.1. 14.88, the male syntype with a broken tail, as a paralectotype. Even though specimen data for S. reticulatus are sufficient to separate the reticulated morphotype from S. cucullatus, it remains unclear whether the specimens we examined represent more than one species. It does appear as if the species is found primarily along the northern versant of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera, with some specimens also encountered in the southeastern lowlands. However, it is uncertain to what degree the number of captured specimens of a particular phenotype is due to greater survey efforts as opposed to natural distribution patterns. The reticulated morphotype appears to be the most widely distributed Stegonotus specie

The taxonomic history of Indo-Papuan groundsnakes, genus Stegonotus Duméril et al., 1854 (Colubridae), with some taxonomic revisions and the designation of a neotype for S. parvus (Meyer, 1874)

materials_examined

Type locality. “ Fergusson Island, D’Entrecasteaux Group, British New Guinea ” [Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea; ca. 9.54 ° S, 150.67 ° E]. Collection. These specimens were also collected by A. S. Meek (see the account of S. guentheri above).

The taxonomic history of Indo-Papuan groundsnakes, genus Stegonotus Duméril et al., 1854 (Colubridae), with some taxonomic revisions and the designation of a neotype for S. parvus (Meyer, 1874)