A New Species of the Genus Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from the Dabie Mountains, Anhui, China

Simple Summary A new species of odd-scaled snake in the genus Achalinus is described from Dabie Mountains Luan City, Anhui Province, China, based on one male and two female specimens. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses based on a mitochondrial DNA fragment (CO1) indicated the new taxon is different from its congeners (p-distance >= 9.4%). Morphologically, the new species can be diagnosed from the other species by a combination of 12 characters. The recognition of the new species brings the number of described Achalinus species to 22. A new species of Xenodermid snake, Achalinus dabieshanensis sp. nov., was described based on three specimens (two female and one male) collected from the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui Province. It can be distinguished from known congeners by a significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial gene fragment COI (p-distance >= 9.4%) and the following combination of characteristics: (1) length of the suture between the internasals being distinctly shorter than between the prefrontals; (2) a single loreal; (3) dorsal scales strongly keeled, in 23 rows throughout the body; (4) two pairs of prefrontals; (5) six supralabials; (6) five infralabials; (7) temporals 2 + 2 + 3 (or 2 + 2 + 4); (8) 141-155 ventrals; (9) 45-55 subcaudals, unpaired; (10) anal entire; (11) weakly iridescent tinged, uniform, brown to black dorsum with vertebral scales and about three adjacent dorsal scales dark brown forming a longitudinal vertebral line from posterior margin of parietals to tail tip; (12) light brown venter, ventral shields wide, visible on both sides, light brown flanks, giving the appearance of a black subcaudal streak. The recognition of the new species increases the number of described Achalinus species to 22.

Automated summary

A new species of odd-scaled snake, Achalinus dabieshanensis sp. nov., has been discovered in Dabie Mountains, Anhui Province, China. Genetic analysis shows a significant divergence between this new species and its congeners (p-distance >= 9.4%). Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from others by 12 specific characteristics, bringing the total number of described Achalinus species to 22.