Description of a new species of the genus Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 from Myanmar (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae)

摘要

The population systematics of the colubrid snake so far referred to as Dendrelaphis gorei (Wall, 1910) were investigated by carrying out a multivariate analysis of geographic variation. The results reveal the existence of two distinct and apparently disjunct phenotypes. These phenotypes are assumed to represent independent evolutionary lineages. The first lineage corresponds with D. gorei which inhabits the Assam Valley and adjoining Himalayan foothills. However, the name Dendrophis gorei Wall, 1910is actually a junior synonym of Dendrelaphis biloreatus Wall, 1908. Consequently, the latter name is adopted for this lineage. The second lineage, described in this paper as a new species, inhabits the South Myanmar lowlands and neighbouring mountain chains. It is distinguished from D. biloreatus on the basis of its higher ventral count (203-212 versus 190-199), its undivided anal shield (divided mD. biloreatus) and its higher average number of anterior temporal shields (usually 2 versus usually 1).