Narrow band rain snake, new species described from Mizoram. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Guwahati
A team of scientists from Mizoram University and Guwahati, based in the protection of biodiversity, help Earth to record a new type of rain snake from an elevated tropical forest in Mizoram.
The narrow band’s rain snake (Smithophis leptofasciatus) was described in the latest issue of Taprobanica: Journal of Asian Biodiversity.
Lal Muansanga, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Vanlal Hrauia, Mathipiryureilai, Lal Biakuala, HT Demonilai, Hmar T. Lalremsang and Sanath C. Bohra-Jako Novo-to-to-Sciience’s name.
The rains are thus named because they become more active and visible during the rainy season.
The authors said the description was based on detailed morphological and molecular analyzes of two collected specimens, along with the observation of several living individuals. The new species is characterized by its narrow, incomplete creamy white or yellowish lime transverse belts on the shiny black body, which distinguishes it from close relatives.
“Our study has confirmed that this snake, formerly identified as Smithophis bicolor, is a genetically and morphologically different species. Not only does it contribute to the growing variety in the Smithophis family, but also redefines the distribution of previously known species,” Purkayastha, one of the corresponding authors.
The name Leptofasciatus is a Greek and Latin hybrid, which means “narrowly zone”, referring to distinctive dorsal tags of snakes. A narrow zone rain snake inhabiting damp, shaded micro -cabitats near small streams in forests between 900 and 1200 meters above sea level were found. Its semi-exhaust, night lifestyle was revealed by observation of fields during the monsoon.
The gravid woman observed in captivity laid six eggs and provided rare reproductive data for this elusive group.
This is the third species of Smithophis, which is to be described from Mizoram after Smitthophis atemporalis and Smithophis Mizoramensis.
“The new species strengthens Mizoram’s meaning as a hotspot of biodiversity. The state plays a central role in the evolution and diversification of this family,” Dr. Lalremsang, co -author and head of developmental biology and herpetology laboratory at Mizoram University.
The study recommended further surveys and evaluation of habitats, as the narrow extent and forest dependence of a narrow -band rain snake suggests that it can be susceptible to degradation of habitats.
Published – 6. August 2025 20:12
