New Rain Snake Species Discovered In Remote Mizoram Forests
Share this article:
Researchers from Mizoram University and Help Earth have identified a new species of rain snake from the montane forests of Mizoram, deepening scientific understanding of the region’s reptilian diversity. Named Smithophis leptofasciatus , or the narrow-banded rain snake, this discovery highlights Mizoram’s role as a biodiversity hotspot and offers crucial ecological insights into a little-known group of semi-aquatic snakes.
Representative Image/ Credit: Meta AI
Characterised by its narrow, incomplete creamish-white or yellowish-lime transverse bands on a glossy black body, Smithophis leptofasciatus exhibits distinct morphological traits that set it apart from other known members of the Smithophis genus. The research is based on two collected specimens, supported by field observations of several live individuals in their natural habitat.
“This species not only adds to the growing diversity within Smithophis, but also redefines the distribution of previously known species,” said Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha, one of the corresponding authors. “Our study confirms that what was previously identified as Smithophis bicolor from Mizoram is, in fact, a genetically and morphologically distinct species.”
A particularly notable finding involved the reproductive behaviour of the species. A gravid female kept in captivity laid six eggs, a detail that adds to the scarce knowledge available on reproduction within the Smithophis genus.
“Mizoram clearly plays a central role in the evolution and diversification of this genus,” noted Dr. H.T. Lalremsanga, co-author and head of the Developmental Biology & Herpetology Lab at Mizoram University.
Such repeated discoveries from the same region suggest that the ecological dynamics of Mizoram’s montane forests may be especially conducive to the diversification of reptilian fauna, particularly within the Smithophis lineage.
Scientists Discover Distinctive Snake With Cream Bands
In a significant herpetological breakthrough, a new species of rain snake has been discovered in the tropical montane forests of Mizoram by a research team comprising experts from Mizoram University and the conservation group Help Earth. The newly described species, Smithophis leptofasciatus sp. nov., has been officially documented in the latest issue of Taprobanica: The Journal of Asian Biodiversity.Characterised by its narrow, incomplete creamish-white or yellowish-lime transverse bands on a glossy black body, Smithophis leptofasciatus exhibits distinct morphological traits that set it apart from other known members of the Smithophis genus. The research is based on two collected specimens, supported by field observations of several live individuals in their natural habitat.
Misidentification Corrected Through Molecular Evidence
The research team has not only documented a new species but also rectified a long-standing misidentification within the genus.“This species not only adds to the growing diversity within Smithophis, but also redefines the distribution of previously known species,” said Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha, one of the corresponding authors. “Our study confirms that what was previously identified as Smithophis bicolor from Mizoram is, in fact, a genetically and morphologically distinct species.”
Rain Snake Thrives In Shaded, Humid Terrain
The narrow-banded rain snake was found in humid, shaded microhabitats near small forest streams, at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,200 metres above sea level. The species’ semi-aquatic and nocturnal nature was observed during monsoon fieldwork, offering rare behavioural data for this group.A particularly notable finding involved the reproductive behaviour of the species. A gravid female kept in captivity laid six eggs, a detail that adds to the scarce knowledge available on reproduction within the Smithophis genus.
A Biodiversity Hotspot With Three Unique Rain Snakes
This discovery marks the third known species of Smithophis from Mizoram, following the earlier identification of S. atemporalis and S. mizoramensis. It further cements Mizoram’s place as a vital centre of snake biodiversity in India’s Northeast.“Mizoram clearly plays a central role in the evolution and diversification of this genus,” noted Dr. H.T. Lalremsanga, co-author and head of the Developmental Biology & Herpetology Lab at Mizoram University.
Such repeated discoveries from the same region suggest that the ecological dynamics of Mizoram’s montane forests may be especially conducive to the diversification of reptilian fauna, particularly within the Smithophis lineage.
Next Story