Abstract
Morphological variation was investigated across the entire geographic range of the snakes of the Xenochrophis piscatorspecies group. Our results, based on morphological univariate analyses, show the existence of several well-definedclusters identified as species. Xenochrophis flavipunctatus (Hallowell, 1861) is distinct from X. piscator (Schneider, 1799)and sympatric with it over a large area. Xenochrophis tytleri (Blyth, 1863) is confirmed as the valid combination for thepopulation living on the Andaman Islands. Xenochrophis asperrimus (Boulenger, 1891) is confirmed, with species status,for populations from Sri Lanka. Xenochrophis melanzostus (Gravenhorst, 1807) is accepted, as a distinct species mostprobably endemic to Java. Xenochrophis schnurrenbergeri Kramer, 1977 is confirmed for populations from Nepal,southeastern Pakistan, and northern and eastern India. Tropidonotus sanctijohannis Boulenger, 1891 seems to be amontane colour morph of X. piscator and is not regarded here as valid. The second population of “X. piscator“ on SriLanka is regarded as different from that of the mainland, but it is not named here due to the uncertain relationships amongpopulations of southern India and Sri Lanka. The variation of X. piscator sensu stricto is discussed. All taxa areredescribed on the basis of new material. The history of all synonyms is discussed and neotypes are designated for Hydruspalustris Schneider, 1799, Coluber melanzostus Gravenhorst, 1807 and Amphiesma flavipunctatum Hallowell, 1861. The holotype of Hydrus piscator Schneider 1799 has been rediscovered and is discussed.References
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