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Type: Article
Published: 2009-03-18
Page range: 1–22
Abstract views: 42
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A new species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Reptilia: Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from Rakwana massif, Sri Lanka

Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka, Thalarukkarama Road, Kudawaskaduwa, Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka
Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka, Thalarukkarama Road, Kudawaskaduwa, Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka
Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka, Thalarukkarama Road, Kudawaskaduwa, Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka
Rivira Media Corporation, No. 742, Maradana Road, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
Reptilia new species Rhinophis Rhinophis erangaviraji sp. nov. shieldtail snakes Sri Lanka taxonomy Uropeltidae

Abstract

A new species of Rhinophis, Rhinophis erangaviraji sp. nov. is described, the tenth species of the genus known from Sri Lanka. The new species is readily distinguished from all other congeners by its colour pattern and scalation. Morphometric analysis supports the distinction of the new species from the superficially similar R. blythii. The new species is known only from the Rakwana massif, where it has been collected in shady areas, within loose soil.

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