Biologists have identified a new species of earth snake that has eluded detection so far by burrowing and keeping to a restricted ecosystem, according to a new study in the journal ZooKeys.
Researchers discovered the new snake through a reptile specimen collection program in east-central Mexico. The program’s primary objective was to study rarely-seen reptiles in this part of the country.
One particular specimen displayed a unique pair of traits for earth snakes, a remarkable orange and black color banding motif. The biologist came to realize these snakes were the manifestation of a whole new species and proceeded to describe it within the new paper.
"Most of these snakes have notably small geographic ranges and sometimes are only found in one type of vegetation. This makes them particularly vulnerable to the destruction of their habitat. It is important to know them before it gets too late," the study said.
Finding a New Snake Species
The study team further investigated their specimens with genetic and anatomical analyses.
"These snakes are remarkably similar to each other and it has been only through molecular analyses and rigorous specimen examination that we have come close to understand how diverse they are," the authors wrote in their report.
The area involving the species is discovered is yet to be thoroughly explored, and the scientists said it seems probable the region could yield future discoveries. Furthermore, scientists' work indicated the existence of other undescribed varieties of earth snake.-read more
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ReplyDeleteIs it venomous?
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