A NEW SPECIES OF Phalotris (SERPENTES, DIPSADIDAE)FROM CERRADO IN THE NORTHEAST BRAZIL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18554/acbiobras.v3i1.8723Keywords:
Elapomorphini, taxonomy, snakes, Cerrado, BahiaAbstract
The genus Phalotris currently consists of 15 species of snakes that are distributed in areas of open formations in South America. The species of the genus are arranged in three groups, among which the group of P. nasutus, contemplating this species and P. concolor, P. lativittatus, P. nigrilatus, P. labiomaculatus. In this paper I describe a new species of Phalotris from Cerrado in Northeastern Brazil, belonging to the group of P. nasutus. The new taxon is known only from the holotype, coming from Cocos in southwestern Bahia State. The new species is diagnosed from all congeners by having a unique combination of characters, including: prominent rostral scale, but with rounded apex; rostral scale in contact with prefrontal; 1+1 temporal scales; relatively high number of ventral scales (202) and subcaudal scales (36); uniform dorsal coloration, yellowish in preservation, red-orange in life; back and side of the head of uniform black color, with white spots on the lip; white, evident and very narrow (1-2 scales) anterior nuchal collar; black, evident and extensive (3-5 scales) posterior nuchal collar. Among species of the P. nasutus’ group, the new taxon exhibits greater phenotypic similarity with P. labiomaculatus and P. concolor. The new species is considered endemic to the Cerrado, one of the most threatened biomes on the planet. Several species of Phalotris, especially those restricted to the Cerrado, remain known only from the holotype or a few specimens, which highlights the still limited knowledge about the group.
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