A new species of Thamnodynastes from the open areas of central and northeastern Brazil (Serpentes: Dipsadidae: Tachymenini)

Author(s)

Franco, Francisco L. ; Trevine, Vivian C. ; Montingelli, Giovanna G. ; Zaher, Hussam

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SALAMANDRA; v. 53, n. 3, p. 339-350, AUG 15 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

The genus Thamnodynastes Wagler, 1830 is currently composed by nineteen species of viviparous and opisto-glyphous snakes, largely distributed in South America, from Colombia to Argentina. The analyses of a large data set of specimens from South American collections evidenced one unknown species from the open formations of central and northeastern Brazil, which is described here. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by a unique combination of characters, including 19 dorsal rows of smooth scales on the midbody, the smallest number of subcaudals in the genus, and a distinct hemipenial morphology and coloration pattern. To define this new species we present robust diagnostic characters and discuss comparisons with other species of this diverse and taxonomically complex genus of Neotropical snakes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50206-9 - Origin and evolution of snakes and their diversification in the Neotropics: a multidisciplinary approach
• Grantee: Hussam El Dine Zaher
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/13327-5 - Phylogeny of the tribe Tachymenini Bailey, 1967 (Serpentes, Dipsadidae, Xenodontinae)
• Grantee: Vivian Carlos Trevine
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate