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Type: Article
Published: 2021-10-15
Page range: 406-418
Abstract views: 579
PDF downloaded: 43

A new semifossorial snake of the genus Arrhyton (Squamata: Dipsadidae) from eastern Cuba, with taxonomic comments on other species

Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba. Obispo #61, esquina Oficios, Plaza de Armas, Habana Vieja, CP 10100.
Centro Oriental de Ecosistemas y Biodiversidad (BIOECO), Museo de Historia Natural “Tomás Romay”, Enramadas # 601, Santiago de Cuba 90100, Cuba.
Calle Máximo Gómez # 4 entre H y Final, Guanabacoa, La Habana 12500, Cuba.
Department of Biology, Center for Biodiversity, Temple University, 1925 N 12th St Suite 502, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
Reptilia Caribbean Islands Serpentes Colubroidea phylogeny species groups Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov.

Abstract

The genus Arrhyton is endemic to Cuba, with eight currently known species. A new species, Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov., is described from the karst areas of Gibara, Holguín Province. The new species is closely related to A. redimitum, another eastern species, according to morphology and molecular phylogeny. It differs from all other species of the genus by having a conspicuous, white nuchal band, a contrasting black pattern on the head, a gray-colored body with faint stripes, and a high number of ventral and subcaudal scales. Additional comments on other species include new locality records and information on morphology and relationships.

 

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