| dc.description.abstract |
The Asian colubrid species related to Lycodon ruhstrati (Fischer 1886) are revised on the basis of
their morphology, pattern and colouration, in combination with DNA analyses. Lycodon ruhstrati auctorum
is revealed to be a species complex. We restrict this specific nomen to populations of Taiwan. The mainland
populations thus far gathered under this name form two taxa. For the first one, with dorsal scales entirely
smooth, the name Lycodon futsingensis (Pope 1928) is available. The second taxon is described here as
Lycodon ruhstrati abditus n. subsp. This subspecies is genetically close to the nominate form restricted here
to Taiwan but differs by some morphological characters. In addition to the differences in ventral and
subcaudal scale counts, and maxillary teeth formula, Lycodon ruhstrati abditus n. subsp. has keeled vertebral
scales whereas in L. futsingensis all dorsal scales are unkeeled. Another new taxon is described here as
Lycodon ophiophagus n. sp. to accommodate an isolated population on the Thai Peninsula. It is
distinguishable by its ventral and subcaudal scale counts, the long posterior maxillary teeth, the colouration
and by having keeled dorsal scale rows. Lycodon pauci-fasciatus is a valid species, redefined on the basis of
new material from central Vietnam. Lycodon multifasciatus, until recently regarded as a subspecies of
Lycodon ruhstrati, is also considered to be a valid species. |
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