Atractus zgap
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| Atractus zgap | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Atractus |
| Species: | A. zgap |
| Binomial name | |
| Atractus zgap Arteaga, Quezada, Vieira, & Guayasamin, 2022 | |
Atractus zgap is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species can be found in Ecuador.[1]
The species was described as Atractus zgap and assigned to the genus Atractus, following the morphological and phylogenetic criteria established by Jay Savage (1960).[2]
The specific epithet zgap is a noun in apposition and honors the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP), which supports conservation efforts for poorly known and highly endangered species. ZGAP funded the fieldwork that led to the discovery of this species.[2]
Description
Atractus zgap is a small snake with smooth dorsal scales arranged in 17 rows. It has two postocular scales, a loreal scale about twice as long as high, and a 1+2 temporal arrangement. The species has seven supralabial scales (third and fourth contacting the eye), seven infralabial scales (first three contacting the chin shields), and seven maxillary teeth. It also has two to three preventral scales and three gular scales.[2]
Females have 173–177 ventral scales and 25–27 subcaudal scales; one uncollected male was reported with 31 subcaudals. The anal scale is single. The dorsal coloration is brown with faint dark longitudinal lines, while the venter is yellow with fine brown stippling. The holotype is an adult female measuring 376 mm in snout–vent length and 37 mm in tail length.[2]