The unexpected discovery of blind snakes (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) in Micronesia: Two new species of Ramphotyphlops from the Caroline Islands
January 1, 2012
Two new blind snakes in the genus Ramphotyphlops are described from Ulithi (R. hatmaliyeb sp. nov.) and Ant Atoll (R. adocetus sp. nov.) in the Caroline Islands, the first blind snake species known from Micronesia east of Palau (excluding Ramphotyphlops braminus). Both species are unusual in being known only from small, low-lying atolls. They can be distinguished from other Ramphotyphlops by the combination of 22 scale rows over the length of the body; a wedge-shaped snout, without a keratinized keel; and a broad, pyriform (R. adocetus) or ovate (R. hatmaliyeb) rostral scale.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Title | The unexpected discovery of blind snakes (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) in Micronesia: Two new species of Ramphotyphlops from the Caroline Islands |
| Authors | A.H. Wynn, R.P. Reynolds, D.W. Buden, M. Falanruw, B. Lynch |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Zootaxa |
| Index ID | 70032633 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |