Rhabdophis hmongorum

H'mong keelback snake
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Rhabdophis
Species:
R. hmongorum
Binomial name
Rhabdophis hmongorum
Kane, Tapley, La & Nguyen, 2023

Rhabdophis hmongorum, also known as the H'mong keelback snake, is a species of colubrid snake.[1] It was discovered on Mount Fansipan in Vietnam.[2]

Discovery

The snake was found in a dry stream on Mt. Fansipan, about 257.5 km (257,500 m) northwest of Hanoi.[2]

Description

The snake was described as "metallic purple", and has an iridescent underbelly.[3] It is around 50.8 cm (20.0 in) in length.[2]

Range

It is possible that the snake's range may cross Vietnam's border into China, but there is not enough evidence to support this claim.[2]

References

  1. ^ Kane, Daniel; Tapley, Benjamin; Van La, Toi; Nguyen, Luan Thanh (7 September 2023). "A new species of the genus Rhabdophis Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Colubridae) from the Hoang Lien range, northwest Vietnam". Zootaxa. 5343 (2): 101–125. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5343.2.1.
  2. ^ a b c d "A new snake species in Vietnam | ZSL". Zoological Society of London. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  3. ^ Pflughoeft, Aspen (2023-09-07). "Elusive mountain creature — with 'metallic purple' body — discovered as new species". McClatchy. p. 2.