Atractus discovery
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| Atractus discovery | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Atractus |
| Species: | A. discovery |
| Binomial name | |
| Atractus discovery Arteaga, Quezada, Vieira, & Guayasamin, 2022 | |
Atractus discovery is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species can be found in Ecuador.[1]
The species was described as Atractus discovery and placed within the genus Atractus following the diagnostic framework established by Jay Savage (1960). Phylogenetic analyses support its assignment to the genus. The species exhibits the typical morphological traits of Atractus, including smooth dorsal scales and a fossorial body form.[2]
The specific epithet discovery is used as a noun in apposition and commemorates The Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grants initiative, which supported the fieldwork that led to the species’ discovery.[2]
Description
The holotype is an adult male measuring 284 mm (11.2 in) in SVL and 28 mm (1.1 in) in tail length. It has a slightly distinct head, smooth dorsal scales arranged in 17 rows, and 168 ventral and 27 paired subcaudal scales. The species has eight supralabial scales (fourth and fifth contacting the eye), seven infralabials (first four contacting the chin shields), and a single postocular. The loreal scale is notably elongated, and the anal plate is single. Females are slightly larger, ranging from 308 to 328 mm (12.1 to 12.9 in) SVL with tails between 19 and 24 mm (0.75 and 0.94 in). In terms of scale counts, males have 168 ventral and 27 subcaudal scales, while females have 170 to 172 ventrals and 17 to 18 subcaudals. The dorsal color is light brown with faint darker speckling, while the belly is bright yellow with a distinct dark brown stripe running lengthwise.[2]
Atractus discovery is compared with several other small, brownish Atractus species inhabiting the Amazonian slopes of the Andes. It differs from A. avernus, A. duboisi, A. occipitoalbus, and A. orcesi by having 17 dorsal scale rows rather than 15. From A. ecuadorensis, A. zgap, and A. resplendens, it is distinguished by its yellow belly with a dark stripe and by having only one postocular scale instead of two.[2]