[Herpetology • 2017] Ahaetulla anomala • Ahaetulla nasuta anomala (Annandale, 1906) (Squamata: Colubridae), Resurrected As A Valid Species with Marked Sexual Dichromatism

In this paper we resolve the taxonomic confusion related to Ahaetulla nasuta anomala (Annandale, 1906). On the basis of molecular and morphological data, we remove it from the synonymy of Ahaetulla nasuta (Lacépède, 1789) and reinstate it as a valid species—Ahaetulla anomala. This species is sexually dichromatic, males are green and females are brown in colour. Though the brown morph morphologically resembles Ahaetullapulverulenta (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) there are significant morphological and genetic differences between these two species. Additional information on taxonomy, natural history and distribution of the species is provided.

Keywords: Ahaetullaanomala, Bangladesh, India, morphology, phylogeny, sexual dichromatism, snake, taxonomy, Reptilia

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Based on morphological characters and molecular results discussed above, we consider Dryophismycterizans var. anomalus Annandale, 1906 to be a valid taxon which we regard to represent a distinct species in the genus Ahaetulla, as follows:

Ahaetulla anomala (Annandale, 1906) new comb.

Suggested common name: Variable coloured vine snake (English).

Distribution: This species is currently recorded from the following localities: India. West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha; Bangladesh (Sundarbans East Sanctuary).

 Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Sushil K. Dutta, Niladri B. Kar, A. Das, B. H. C. K. Murthy & V. Deepak. 2017.  Ahaetulla nasuta anomala (Annandale, 1906) (Squamata: Colubridae), Resurrected As A Valid Species with Marked Sexual Dichromatism.   Zootaxa. 4263(2); 318-332.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4263.2.6

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