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The systematics of Rhabdophis subminiatus (Schlegel, 1837) at subspecies level has long proved to be controversial. We analyse the variation of selected morphological characters in 179 specimens from populations covering the whole range of R. subminiatus sensu lato. Based on this review, we recognize four morphological groups, of which two do not agree with the current definitions and distributions of the currently recognized subspecies R. s. subminiatus. The “northernmost group” agrees with the definition of Natrix helleri Schmidt, 1925. In contrast, the “southernmost group” agrees with the syntypes of Tropidonotus subminiatus and we here restrict this species to the Sunda Region. We also discuss a previous designation of the lectotype of T. subminiatus, which we consider invalid, and we here make it valid in the sense of the Code. Furthermore, our analysis allows us to define a third group that is widespread in the Indochinese Region and Malayan Peninsula. For this geographically “central group”, the name Natrix subminiata siamensis Mell, 1931, is available. We therefore resurrect this taxon from its synonymy with R. subminiatus and we designate a lectotype in agreement with requirements of the Code. Lastly, we recognize a fourth group at species level, endemic to Hainan Island, China, that we describe as a new species. This division into four morphological groups at species level is coherent with phylogenetic analyses recently published in the literature. We also discuss and modify the taxonomic status of Natrix subminiata hongkongensis Mell, 1931 and Natrix (Rhabdophis) laobaoensis Bourret, 1934, now regarded as synonyms of R. subminiatus and R. siamensis, respectively.

Hepatocytes are the primary functional cells of the liver that perform essential roles in homeostasis, regeneration, and injury. Most mammalian somatic cells are diploid and contain pairs of each chromosome, but there are also polyploid cells containing additional sets of chromosomes. Hepatocytes are among the best described polyploid cells, with polyploids comprising more than 25 and 90% of the hepatocyte population in humans and mice, respectively. Cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate hepatic polyploidy have been uncovered, and in recent years, diploid and polyploid hepatocytes have been shown to perform specialized functions. Diploid hepatocytes accelerate liver regeneration induced by resection and may accelerate compensatory regeneration after acute injury. Polyploid hepatocytes protect the liver from tumor initiation in hepatocellular carcinoma and promote adaptation to tyrosinemia-induced chronic injury. This review describes how ploidy variations influence cellular activity and presents a model for context-specific functions for diploid and polyploid hepatocytes.

There are currently 3,900 recognized, extant snake species belonging to 529 genera globally (Uetz et al. 2021; this study), making snakes one of the most diverse major groups of squamates. Of the 665 currently recognized species that were described between 2001 and 2020 (a ~17% increase in total species), ~34% of these (226 species) were described in Zootaxa. This number does not include species resurrected from synonymy. The other ~66% (439) species were described in 105 other journals, bulletins or books (Fig.1a). Overall, the number of new snake species described every year is gradually increasing, and 40% of the new species described since 2011 were published in Zootaxa. Following Zootaxa, the second ranked journal, with 37 described species since 2001, is Herpetologica (Fig. 2). Anecdotally, the choice of Zootaxa as a publication outlet for new species descriptions by most authors is based on speed of publication post-acceptance, publication free of charge, relatively unconstrained number of papers published per year, relatively unconstrained manuscript length, expert section editors and reviewers, and consolidated scientometric parameters.

Species of the genus Hebius Thompson, 1913 with 17 or 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody and an overall dark venter are reviewed, including the two species previously known as Parahelicops annamensis Bourret, 1934 and Pararhabdophis chapaensis Bourret, 1934. Specimens with 17 scale rows are morphologically similar to Hebius venningi (Wall, 1910), which is here redefined based on external morphological characters such as scalation, and dorsal and ventral patterns. Consequently, Natrix nigriventer Wall, 1925 is resurrected from its synonymy with Hebius venningi, whereas Natrix taronensis Smith, 1940, previously considered a subspecies of H. venningi or a full species by some authors but without justification, is here confirmed to full species status. Another group of species, mostly similar in coloration and pattern to the H. venningi group but with 19 dorsal scale rows, includes H. modestus (Günther, 1875), H. deschauenseei (Taylor, 1934) and a new species which is described herein based on specimens from northern Vietnam, southern China and north-eastern Thailand due to distinct morphological differences. We also provide updated taxonomic accounts for the species of this group, including an identification key and distribution maps.

A new species of the genus Lycodon Boie in Fitzinger is described on the basis of three specimens collected on the Khorat Plateau, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Lycodon gibsonae spec. nov. is superficially similar to L. fasciatus (Anderson), it differs by its much larger size, a higher number of ventral and subcaudal scales, and a lower number of bands on the body, the last three characters presenting no overlap with those of L. fasciatus sensu stricto. The new species seems to be endemic to the Khorat Plateau.

A new species of the family Natricidae Bonaparte is described from a single specimen obtained in Arunachal State, northeastern India. On the basis of its external morphology and of its dentition on the upper maxilla, i.e. 24 + 3 distinctly enlarged teeth separated by a short diastema, it is referred to the genus Hebius Thompson. Hebius lacrima spec. nov. is distinguished from other species of the genera Hebius, Amphiesma Duméril, Bibron & Duméril and Herpetoreas Günther, by the combination of an elongate body, 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody, a distinctive broad, white band on the supralabials interrupted by a dark blotch below the eye, absence of dorsolateral stripes replaced by series of transversally elliptical or divided dorsolateral spots, a cream venter with lateral dark blotches, and scales of the first dorsal scale row entirely smooth. The interrupted, broad, lateral stripe of the head differentiates Hebius lacrima spec. nov. from all other species of the genera Hebius and Herpetoreas inhabiting the Indo-Himalayan and Indochinese Regions. This new species is compared in detail with other Asian species of Natricidae having 19 dorsal scale rows.

The Eastern treehole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus (Say), is the primary vector of La Crosse virus (LACV) in the United States. LACV is maintained in natural populations in part by transovarial transmission from infected females to their progeny. Our understanding of the innate immune response in mosquito ovaries is a fundamental step toward understanding the transmission cycle of LACV and other vertically transmitted arthropodborne viruses. We investigated signaling mechanisms between the nutrient content of the vertebrate blood meal and activation of mosquito egg development. In particular, the target of rapamycin (TOR) serine/threonine protein kinase is a central regulator of nutritional signaling, and we examined the roles of TOR and its downstream target, S6K, in Ae. triseriatus by RNA interference. We also examined the transcriptomes of Ae. triseriatus and Ae. aegypti (L.) ovaries by Illumina RNA-seq. We assembled 17,743 novel transcript sequences from Ae. triseriatus ovary mRNA using a novel and highly accurate assembly method, and we identified genes that are differentially regulated during the processes of follicular atresia, apoptosis, and autophagy. Distinct differences exist between the transcriptional regulation of Ae. triseriatus and Ae. aegypti oogenesis. TOR and many other proteins with previously unknown function are transcriptionally regulated during apoptosis and autophagy in mosquito ovaries during oogenesis.

New morphological data including hemipenis morphology is provided for Opisthotropis jacobi, a poorly known Mountain Stream Keelback from Vietnam and China, based on three newly collected individuals from Sa Pa (Lao Cai Province) and Tam Dao (Vinh Phuc Province) in northern Vietnam. In addition, morphological data from Vietnam is summarized based on the original description (Angel & Bourret 1933), on the overview book by Bourret (1936) and on a number of smaller, little-known contributions by the latter author along with re-examination of specimens deposited in the herpetological collection of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris. We also sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b from the newly collected specimens of the Jacob’s Mountain Stream Keelback and performed molecular analyses of new and existing data of the genus. A recently discovered Opisthotropis population from Tay Yen Tu Nature Reserve in Bac Giang Province, northern Vietnam, which at the first glance resembled O. jacobi morphologically, is shown to diverge both genetically and morphologically from the existing species and is herein described as a new species. Opisthotropis voquyi sp. nov. is characterized by the combination of the following characters: internasal not in contact with loreal; one preocular; usually two postoculars; one anterior temporal; one posterior temporal; 7 or 8, rarely 9 supralabials; 25 maxillary teeth; subcaudals 74–86; 15 dorsal scale rows at neck, at midbody and before vent; body scales smooth or only with few faint keels; and dorsal scales being greyish, greyish-brown or brown in preservative, posteriorly more or less edged with pale greyish-brown. Phylogenetically, the new species is supported as a sister taxon to O. jacobi, but the two taxa are approximately 10% divergent based on cytochrome b data.

Sriharikota is bestowed with one of the last remaining, largest and best preserved tracts of coastal tropical dry evergreen forests in India. Surveys were carried out from 2001 to 2007 to inventory the faunal species. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the status and distribution of the fauna of this region and discuss the significance of the island in the conservation scenario of the biodiversity of the Coromandel Coast. A total of 26 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 29 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians and 53 species of fish were recorded. Some of the noteworthy findings were the occurrence of the grey slender loris Loris lydekkerianus and rusty-spotted cat in the island and a new species of yellow-green cat snake Boiga flaviviridis and the discovery of three unreported heronries in the island, including a large breeding colony of the threatened painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala). The beach on the eastern coast of the island is the nesting ground of the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). The main factor responsible for the rich biodiversity of the island, besides due to the variety of habitat types, is the takeover of the island by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the shifting of the human population from the island and the pro-conservation attitude of the authorities. It is suggested that such high-security and disturbed enclaves could play a role in protecting India’s wildlife. However, the development and expansion plans of the spaceport are of concern, and there needs to be a judicious mix of wildlife conservation initiatives with developmental activities in Sriharikota and for other such biodiversity-rich enclaves.

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The purpose of this application, under Articles 12 and 75.3 of the Code, is to conserve the long and continuing usage of the specific name wagleri for a Southeast Asian species of venomous snake by ruling that the specific name Cophias wagleri was established by F. Boie (1827). This would involve setting aside all previous usages of that name and designating a neotype. As originally proposed by Schlegel (1826) Trigonocephalus [Cophias] wagleri is a replacement name for Coluber sumatranus Raffles, 1822 but the Commission is now asked to rule that this name denotes a separate taxon. These actions are required to avoid synonymy between the two specific names and between the generic names Tropidolaemus Wagler, 1830 and Parias Gray, 1849.

The metapopulation concept is a cornerstone in the recent history of ecology and evolution. However, determining whether a natural system fits a metapopulation model is a complex issue. Extinction-colonization dynamics are indeed often difficult to quantify because species detectability is not always 100%, resulting in an imperfect record of extinctions. Here, we explore whether combining population genetics with demographic and ecological surveys can yield more realistic estimates of metapopulation dynamics. We apply this approach to the freshwater snail Drepanotrema depressissimum in a fragmented landscape of tropical ponds. In addition to studying correlations between genetic diversity and demographical or ecological characteristics, we undertake, for the first time, a detailed search for genetic signatures of extinction-recolonization events using temporal changes in allele frequencies within sites. Surprisingly, genetic data indicate that extinction is much rarer than suggested by demographic surveys. Consequently, this system is better described as a set of populations with different sizes and immigration rates than as a true metapopulation. We identify several cases of apparent extinction owing to nondetection of low-density populations, and of aestivating individuals in desiccated ponds. More generally, we observed a frequent mismatch between genetic and demographical/ecological information at small spatial and temporal scales. We discuss the causes of these discrepancies and show how these two types of data provide complementary information on population dynamics and history, especially when temporal genetic samples are available.

This paper analyzes the consequences of the non-respect of the Rules of the Code to ascertain the valid subsequent designation of the nucleospecies (type species) of the nominal genus Trimeresurus Lacepede, 1804. The long accepted designation was invalid because it was based on a nominal species which was not among the prenucleospecies (originally included species) of the nominal genus. In contrast with the commonly accepted viewpoint which makes the Indian taxon Coluber gramineus Shaw, 1802 the nucleospecies of the genus, we show that this role is played by Trimeresurus viridis Lacepede, 1804, a species inhabiting the Lesser Sunda Islands and Timor and, as a nomen oblitum, a senior synonym of Trimeresurus albolabris insularis Kramer, 1977, a taxon now considered a distinct species. The important nomenclatural implications of this finding are discussed here, especially with regard to the recent splitting of the genus Trimeresurus. The generic nomen Trimeresurus should be associated with the Trimeresurus albolabris group of species currently placed in the genus or subgenus Cryptelytrops Cope, 1860. A lectophoront (lectotype) is selected and described for Trimeresurus viridis Lacepede, 1804. Coluber viridis Bechstein, 1802 is an invalid objective junior synonym of Coluber gramineus Shaw, 1802. The current content of the genus Trimeresurus and of its eight subgenera is provided. Some clarifications or improvements to the Code are suggested.

A specimen of the colubrid genus Ahaetulla Link, 1807 collected in 2002 in Jambi Province, Sumatra, Indonesia, proves to be the first record of Ahaetulla mycterizans (Linnaeus, 1758) for this Indonesian island. This species was previously known from Java, West Malaysia and southern Peninsular Thailand. The discovery of this specimen constitutes an opportunity to redefine and illustrate this rare and poorly known species and to compare it with the more common Ahaetulla prasina (Boie, 1827). Additionally, an identification key of the species of Ahaetulla from the Indo-Malayan Region is proposed. This addition brings to 134 the number of snake species currently known from Sumatra Island.

A new species of the Oligodon cyclurus-group is described from southern Vietnam and Cambodia, Oligodon saintgironsi spec. nov. It differs from other members of this group by the combination of 19 scale rows at the neck, 17 or 18 dorsal scale rows at midbody, a long and robust tail, very long and thin hemipenes, and a blotched pattern. It is most similar to Oligodon ocellatus (Morice, 1875). Oligodon analepticos Campden-Main, 1970 is confirmed as a synonym of Oligodon ocellatus. A key to the Oligodon cyclurus-group is provided.

A new species of the snake genus Opisthotropis is described from Tam Dao mountain ridge, northern Vietnam. An extended comparison with all known Opisthotropis species is provided together with a key to the Vietnamese species. O. tamdaoensis sp. n. is the 20th known species of Opisthotropis and the second new mountain stream snake described from Vietnam in the past decade. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

We review molecular methods for estimating selfing rates and inbreeding in populations. Two main approaches are available: the population structure approach (PSA) and progeny-array approach (PAA). The PSA approach relies on single-generation samples and produces estimates that integrate the inbreeding history over several generations, but is based on strong assumptions (for example, inbreeding equilibrium). The PSA has classically relied on single-locus inbreeding coefficients averaged over loci. Unfortunately PSA estimates are very sensitive to technical problems such as the occurrence of null alleles at one or more of the loci. Consequently inbreeding might be substantially overestimated, especially in outbred populations. However, the robustness of the PSA has recently been greatly improved by the development of multilocus methods free of such bias. The PAA, on the other hand, is based on the comparison between offspring and mother genotypes. As a consequence, PAA estimates do not reflect long-term inbreeding history but only recent mating events of the maternal individuals studied ('here and now' selfing). In addition to selfing rates, the PAA allows estimating other mating system parameters, including biparental inbreeding and the correlation of selfing among sibs. Although PAA estimates could also be biased by technical problems, incompatibilities between the mother's genotype and her offspring allow the identification and correction of such bias. For all methods, we provide guidelines on the required number of loci and sample sizes. We conclude that the PSA and PAA are equally robust, provided multilocus information is used. Although experimental constraints may make the PAA more demanding, especially in animals, the two methods provide complementary information, and can fruitfully be conducted together.

A list of the snake species inhabiting freshwaters is provided. It includes 153 species, which represents about 5% of all known snakes. These freshwater snakes belong to 44 genera distributed among the families Acrochordidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, Homalopsidae and Viperidae. The highest diversities in freshwater snakes are found in the Oriental (64 species) and Neotropical (39 species) Regions. Conservation actions are needed for several overcollected species with a limited distribution.

In this first paper of a series of three, the taxonomy of the Asian pitvipers of the genus Tropidolaemus is re-evaluated on the basis of morphological analyses. Variation in morphological characters was investigated on the basis of specimens from the whole range of the pitviper currently known as Tropidolaemus wagleri (Boie, 1827). Our results, based on morphological univariate and multivariate analyses, define three clusters of populations that are morphologically diagnosable and which are here considered to represent distinct species following the Biological Species Concept and the Phylogenetic Species Concept. After a review of available names among the list of synonyms created during the confused taxonomical history of the genus Tropidolaemus, it appears that Tropidolaemus wagleri (Boie, 1827) is the valid name of the first cluster which includes populations inhabiting Southern Thailand, West Malaysia, Sumatra, Nias, Mentawei Archipelago and Bangka Island (but not Belitung). In order to stabilize the binomen, we select and describe a neotype for Tropidolaemus wagleri. A second cluster, for which the binomen Tropidolaemus subannulatus (Gray, 1842) isavailable, includes in this preliminary step populations from Borneo, Sulawesi, Sulu Archipelago and the Philippines. Its detailed taxonomy will be addressed in the second paper of the series. Lastly, the third cluster includes specimens from Mindanao Island, Philippines, recognized here as Tropidolaemus philippensis (Gray, 1842). KEY WORDS: Indonesia, Thailand, West Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Philippines, Serpentes, Viperidae, Tropidolaemus, Tropidolaemus wagleri, Tropidolaemus subannulatus, Tropidolaemus philippensis, Tropidolaemus laticinctus, Tropidolaemus huttoni, taxonomy, neotypeAmong pitvipers of tropical Asia, members of the genus Tropidolaemus Wagler, 1830 are among the most widespread and often commonly encountered venomous snakes in many islands of the Indo-Malayan Archipelago. Long regarded as a synonym or a subgenus of Trimeresurus (see, for example, Brattstrom, 1964), the genus Tropidolaemus was resurrected by Burger (1971) to then accommodate the sole species formerly called Trimeresurus wagleri. The validity of the genus is accepted by all recent authors. This genus is characterized by the absence of a nasal pore, upper surfaces of the snout and head covered with distinctly keeled small scales, strongly keeled gular scales, second supralabial not bordering the anterior margin of the loreal pit and topped by a prefoveal, and a green coloration in juveniles which may or may not change with growth. For long, Tropidolaemus wagleri was the sole species included in the monotypic genus, but David & Vogel (1998) showed that the Indian species Trimeresurus huttoni Smith, 1949 was clearly a member of this genus. In this first paper of a series of three, we address the rather confused nomenclatural history and taxonomy of Tropidolaemus wagleri (Boie, 1827) sensu auctorum (see, for example, David & Ineich, 1999; McDiarmid et al., 1999; Gumprecht et al., 2004). Members of this species complex are widespread throughout the IndoMalayan part of Asia, with an isolated population in Southern Vietnam. Besides this latter country, it is distributed from southern Thailand to the Philippines and Sulawesi Island, including West Malaysia, and the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Bangka, Nias, the Mentawai Archipelago, and Belitung. Although a common and conspicuous, very variable species, few authors tried to investigate its taxonomy, most probably following Boulenger (1896) who synonymised the various names under the sole specific name Lachesis wagleri. Nevertheless, Taylor (1917, 1922) examined Philippine populations and recognized three subspecies, of which two were considered endemic to the Philippine islands, Tropidolaemus wagleri alboviridis (Taylor, 1917) and T. wagleri subannulatus (Gray, 1842). This position was not accepted by Leviton (1964), who investigated the taxonomy of the Philippine populations and considered again Tropidolaemus wagleri to be monotypic. However, Leviton added: “The exact status of the nominal species and subspecies I have placed into the synonymy of T. wagleri cannot be settled until the type specimens and additional material from scattered localities can be examined.” The monotypic status of Tropidolaemus wagleri was accepted by subsequent authors (Harding & Welch, 1980; Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981; Alcala, 1986; Welch, 1988; Golay et al., 1993; David & Vogel, 1996, Manthey & Grossmann, 1997; McDiarmid et al., 1999), although some noted that the taxonomy of the species was unsatisfactory (David & Ineich, 1999). David & Vogel (1998) discussed the taxon described as Trimesurus philippensis Gray, 1842, regarded as valid by Taylor (1922) and Maslin (1942) as Trimeresurus philippinensis, but placed in the synonymy of Tropidolaemus wagleri by Leviton (1964), who, however, seemingly did not examine its holotype. David & Vogel (1998) examined two specimens, namely the holotypes of Trimeresurus philippensis Gray, 1842 and Tropidolaemus hombronii Jacquinot & Guichenot, 1848, clearly a synonym of the former one. David & Vogel (1998) and David & Ineich (1999) noted that both specimens displayed notable morphological differences (scalation of head and body and coloration) with Tropidolaemus wagleri.

More than 80% of the approximately 3000 living species of snakes are placed in the taxon Caenophidia (advanced snakes), a group that includes the families Acrochordidae, Viperidae, Elapidae, Atractaspididae, and the paraphyletic ‘Colubridae’. Previous studies using DNA sequences have involved few nuclear genes (one or two). Several nodes have therefore proven difficult to resolve with statistical significance. Here, we investigated the higher-level relationships of caenophidian snakes with seven nuclear protein-coding genes and obtained a well-supported topology. Accordingly, some adjustments to the current classification of Caenophidia are made to better reflect the relationships of the groups. The phylogeny also indicates that, ancestrally, caenophidian snakes are Asian and nocturnal in origin, although living species occur on nearly all continents and are ecologically diverse. To cite this article: N. Vidal et al., C. R. Biologies 330 (2007).

Many invasive taxa are hybrids, but how hybridization boosts the invasive process remains poorly known. We address this question in the clonal freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculata from Martinique, using three parental and two hybrid lines. We combine an extensive field survey (1990-2003) and a quantitative genetic experiment to show that hybrid lines have outcompeted their parents in natural habitats, and that this increased invasiveness co-occurred with pronounced shifts in life-history traits, such as growth, fecundity and juvenile size. Given the little time between hybrid creation and sampling, and the moderate standing genetic variance for life-history traits in hybrids, we show that some of the observed trait changes between parents and hybrids were unlikely to arise only by continuous selection. We therefore suggest that a large part of hybrid advantage stems from immediate heterosis upon hybridization.

International audience; The freshwaters of Martinique (FrenchWest Indies) have recently been invaded by snails belonging to the Thiaridae family (Gastropoda; Prosobranchia). Eight distinct Thiarid lines have been successively introduced in Martinique, and are still in the process of sequentially replacing one another within local habitats, revealing a range of increasing invasive abilities. Our aimwas to test whether the variation in invasive ability can be partly explained by a specific lifehistory trait, desiccation tolerance, which might be important in view of the typical instability of tropical freshwater habitats. We therefore tested desiccation tolerance in both juveniles and adults under laboratory conditions. Our data show that, although all Thiarid lines resist desiccation quite well, they exhibit extreme variation in the degree of tolerance. These differences are mostly mediated by individual size, but are definitely of genetic origin given that our individuals were of similar ages and were raised under standardized laboratory conditions. The overall invasive success of a line in Martinique, deduced from field surveys, does not correlate with its desiccation tolerance. However, desiccation tolerance does seem to be a limiting factor for the invasion of the small fraction of habitats that are most exposed to drought. More generally, our study exemplifies the possibility that the invasion differential among habitats, rather than a general invasion ability, be predicted according to a particular life-history trait, within a set of closely related invasive taxa.

Examination of specimens originating from several populations currently identified as Elapoidis fusca Boie in Boie, 1827 showed that the Sumatran population differs in several characters from the Javan population. These differences bear on the coloration and pattern, the number of ventrals in males and females, and on the relative tail length of males and females. These differences support the recognition of Sumatran populations as a distinct species for which the name Elaphis sumatranus Bleeker, 1860 is available and here revalidated in the genus Elapoidis . A neotype is selected and described for this latter species as its holotype is lost by all evidence. Beside these two species, one specimen from Sumatra was identified as belonging to another undescribed species but not yet named. Furthermore, the population from Borneo shows differences in the number of postoculars, but due to lack of material, its status is not defined here.

The Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu have been poorly surveyed for birds. The best known bird survey in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu (EGTN) was by V.S. LaPersonne who carried out the the Surveys in Tamilnadu Eastern Ghats between 08 th April, 1929 and 25 th July 1929. This was reported by WHistler & Kinnear. Thereafter information about birds in EGTN has come only from checklists published from time to time, by researchers, whose primary focus was not birds. Hence, to fill this lacuna, a comprehensive survey of birds was undertaken in the EGTN from March 2012-–--February 2015. The objectives of the study were to document the avian richness and abundance in EGTN, put them in perspective to the Vernay Survey conducted more than 80 years back, and identify priority sites for bird conservation. The study covered the hills and forests of Tamil Nadu spanning nine districts. In total, 262 species of birds were recorded during the survey. Eight species of birds fall under the threatened category. Species such as Square-tailed Bulbul Hypsipetes ( lecocephalus ) ganeesa , Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus , Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella , and Malabar Whistling Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii still persist in the same old sites reported in the Vernay Survey. The top five abundant species were the Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer , White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus , Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus , Common Iora Aegithina tiphia , and Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica . The Vaniyar riparian tract in the Shevroys, from its origins in the hills to the Vaniyar dam downstream, is a potential bird conservation site in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu.

We describe Oligodon huahin sp. nov. from a bamboo forest locality on the road to Pala-U waterfall, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, peninsular Thailand. It is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 553.7 mm; 6 maxillary teeth, the posterior two enlarged; 17-17-15 or 17-15-15 dorsal scale rows; 166–173 ventrals and 35–41 subcaudals in males; a single anal; deeply forked hemipenes lacking spines and papillae, extending in situ to the 14th subcaudal; faint to nearly indistinct vertebral, paravertebral and lateral stripes; no dorsal or supracaudal blotches or crossbars; and an uniformly ivory venter lacking subrectangular or squarish blotches. We also report the first finding of Oligodon deuvei in Thailand based on a specimen from Loei Province.

It is commonly observed that reproduction decreases with age, often at a different rate in males and females. This phenomenon is generally interpreted as senescence. Such reproductive declines may stem from at least two sources: a change in resource allocation and a decline in the ability to convert resources into offspring. This distinction is important because a shift in resource allocation may be favoured by selection, while reduced efficiency is purely deleterious. We propose a way to distinguish whether a decline in reproduction is purely deleterious based on estimating reproductive investment, output, and their ratio, efficiency. We apply this approach to the hermaphroditic snail Physa acuta and demonstrate that both male and female functions decline with age. The male decline largely stems from reduced investment into male activity while female decline is due to increased reproductive inefficiency. This shows that age-related declines in reproduction can occur for a number of different reasons, a distinction that is usually masked by the general term ‘senescence’. This approach could be applied to any species to evaluate age-related reproductive decline. We advocate that future studies measure age trajectories of reproductive investment and output to explore the potential processes hidden behind the observation that reproduction declines with age.

The evolution of hermaphroditism from dioecy is a poorly studied transition. Androdioecy (the coexistence of males and hermaphrodites) has been suggested as an intermediate step in this evolutionary transition or could be a stable reproductive mode. Freshwater crustaceans in the genus Eulimnadia have reproduced via androdioecy for 24+ million years and thus are excellent organisms to test models of the stability of androdioecy. Two related models that allow for the stable maintenance of males and hermaphrodites rely on the counterbalancing of three life history parameters. We tested these models in the field over three field seasons and compared the results to previous laboratory estimates of these three parameters. Male and hermaphroditic ratios within years were not well predicted using either the simpler original model or a version of this model updated to account for differences between hermaphroditic types (‘monogenic’ and ‘amphigenic’ hermaphrodites). Using parameter estimates of the previous year to predict the next year's sex ratios revealed a much better fit to the original relative to the updated version of the model. Therefore, counter to expectations, accounting for differences between the two hermaphroditic types did not improve the fit of these models. At the moment, we lack strong evidence that the long-term maintenance of androdioecy in these crustaceans is the result of a balancing of life history parameters; other factors, such as metapopulation dynamics or evolutionary constraints, may better explain the 24+ million year maintenance of androdioecy in clam shrimp.

An increasing number of studies are simultaneously investigating species diversity (SD) and genetic diversity (GD) in the same systems, looking for ‘species– genetic diversity correlations’ (SGDCs). From negative to positive SGDCs have been reported, but studies have generally not quantified the processes underlying these correlations. They were also mostly conducted at large biogeographical scales or in recently degraded habitats. Such correlations have not been looked for in natural networks of connected habitat fragments (metacommunities), and the underlying processes remain elusive in most systems. We investigated these issues by studying freshwater snails in a pond network in Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles). We recorded SD and habitat characteristics in 232 ponds and assessed GD in 75 populations of two species. Strongly significant and positive SGDCs were detected in both species. Based on a decomposition of SGDC as a function of variance–covariance of habitat characteristics, we showed that connectivity (opportunity of water flow between a site and the nearest watershed during the rainy season) has the strongest contribution on SGDCs. More connective sites received both more alleles and more species through immigration resulting in both higher GD and higher SD. Other habitat characteristics did not contribute, or contributed negatively, to SGDCs. This is true of the desiccation frequency of ponds during the dry season, presumably because species markedly differ in their ability to tolerate desiccation. Our study shows that variation in environmental characteristics of habitat patches can promote SGDCs at metacommunity scale when the studied species respond homogeneously to these environmental characteristics.

The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an agricultural pest of major significance worldwide that primarily attacks cucurbit crops. In Reunion Island, it represents the main tephritid pest on cucurbits. In this paper, we provide a genetic characterization of populations of B. cucurbitae from Reunion Island and investigate their geographical origin using ten microsatellite loci at two mitochondrial gene fragments. Microsatellites reveal the occurrence of three different genetic clusters of B. cucurbitae in Reunion Island, all clearly distinguishable from their African and Asian relatives. These three clusters are sympatric and show no signs of recent bottlenecks. Levels of gene flow among clusters are relatively high, yet gene flow also occurs with populations from the African continent and, to a lesser extent, from Asia. The B. cucurbitae clusters show distinct distributions across eastern and western locations in Reunion Island (but not at different altitudes or between wild and cultivated host plants or between sampling periods), and their abundance is also correlated with the average amount of rainfall. Microsatellite and sequence analyses suggest Africa as the most probable source area for populations of B. cucurbitae in Reunion Island.

One of the main advantages of self-fertilization is to provide reproductive assurance when pollen or mates are scarce. In plants, partial or facultative selfing limits the risk of pollination failure. In preferentially outcrossing species, this may result in mixed-mating. In hermaphroditic animals, recent studies suggest that mixed mating might be much rarer than in plants. However more studies are required to substantiate this claim, especially focusing on species whose lifestyle entails a high potential benefit of reproductive assurance via selfing. We studied a hermaphroditic snail, Drepanotrema depressissimum, which inhabits very unstable and fragmented freshwater habitats. Individuals often have to recolonize newly refilled ponds after long droughts, a situation of low population density and hence low mate availability in which selfing could be an advantage. We estimated selfing rates in natural populations from Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles), and used laboratory experiments to characterize the reproductive behaviour and success of individuals with or without mates. We detected no sign of selfing in natural populations. Even when given no other option, isolated individuals were extremely reluctant to self. They produced either no or very small clutches, and in the latter case initiated egg-laying later than non-isolated individuals. Self-fertilized clutches suffered near-total (98%) inbreeding depression at the juvenile stage. The example of D. depressissimum therefore shows that a species can overcome periods of mate shortage and habitat instability without the potential to rely on facultative selfing. We hypothesize that metapopulation persistence in this landscape is probably related to a form of dormancy (aestivation in dry ground) rather than to recolonization by rare immigrants and reproductive assurance.

This paper deals with three nomenclatural and taxonomic problems affecting two species groups of the colubrid snake genus Oligodon Fitzinger, 1826: (i) A neotype is formally designated for Coronella cyclura Cantor, 1839, associating this specific nomen with populations from India, Bangladesh and Myanmar with 19 scale rows at midbody; (ii) Oligodon kheriensis Acharji & Ray, 1936 is shown to be a valid species of the Oligodon cyclurus group occurring in northern India and Nepal; (iii) The type-locality of Simotes multifasciatus Jan & Sordelli, 1865 is shown to be Sultanpur, India. This taxon is considered a synonym of Oligodon cinereus (Gunther, 1864). The range of this species in India is extended. The status of specimens of Oligodon cinereus from India and Myanmar is briefly discussed. Specimens from Thailand identified as Oligodon cinereus multifasciatus and Oligodon cinereus swinhonis (Gunther, 1864) are referred to Oligodon joynsoni (Smith, 1917). India is home to at least 21 species of the genus Oligodon, an updated list of which is provided.

A new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827, Cyrtodactylus teyniei spec. nov., is described based on a single adult female from Borikhamxay Province, central Laos. It is distinguished from any other Cyrtodactylus species by the combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 89.9 mm, (2) longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles 19, (3) ventral scales in 38 rows between ventrolateral skin folds, (4) ventrolateral skin folds without tubercles, (5) enlarged femoral and precloacal scales 54 (precloacal scales 8, plus 23 femoral scales on each side), (6) precloacal depression lacking, (7) precloacal pores 14, (8) subdigital lamellae under the firth toe 19–20, (9) enlarged median subcaudals, and (10) nuchal band absent, dorsum with blotched pattern. An extended comparison with other species of the genus Cyrtodactylus, in particular species recently described from Laos and Vietnam, is provided. Cyrtodactylus teyniei spec. nov. is the seventh species of Cyrtodactylus known to occur in Laos.

We present here an annotated list of the 91 snake species currently recorded from Togo, West Africa. Seven species are here recorded for the first time from this country: Calabaria reinhardtii, Hapsidophrys lineatus, Lycophidion nigromaculatum, Philothamnus carinatus, Leptoophlops cf. narirostris, Letheobia crossi and Typhlops lineolatus. Main morphological data of examined specimens are provided. Some taxonomical problems are pointed out and discussed. The distribution of these species is detailed. We also provide a short discussion on the snake trade in Togo.

A second species of the previously monotypic snake genus Fimbrios is described from the Truong Son Mountain Range, Vietnam. Fimbrios smithi sp. n. is included in this genus on the basis of the combination of the following characters: rostral, mental and first three to four labials with raised, erected edges; a horizontal ridge of tissues above the rostral; a very large loreal. It is distinguished from F. klossi by having the suture between the internasals longer than that between the prefrontals; two suboculars; 193 ventrals, and 72 unpaired subcaudal scales; total length of at least 440 mm in males (with a tail length of 94 mm, and a tail / total length ratio of 0.214); dorsum greyish brown, with a paler flank area, and pale blotches and stripes in the neck region. Fimbrios smithi sp. n. is the seventh snake species that has been described as new from the Phong Nha—Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam, in the last decade; it is the forty-fourth colubrid snake species known from that region, which now comprises 60 snake species in general.

The group of Asian colubrid species morphologically similar to Oligodon taeniatus (Gunther, 1861), previously containing only O. taeniatus, Oligodon mouhoti (Gunther, 1864) and Oligodon barroni (Smith, 1916), is revised on the basis of variation in external morphology and dentition of 175 specimens. The confused nomenclatural history of O. taeniatus and its name bearing type is discussed. A neotype is described for Simotes quadrilineatus Jan & Sordelli, 1865, a synonym of O. taeniatus. The holotype of Simotes taeniatus var. mouhoti Boulenger, 1914 is identified. Three new species within this group are described. Oligodon pseudotaeniatus spec. nov. is described on the basis of specimens from central Thailand. This species is morphologically similar to Oligodon taeniatus, but differs by the combination of 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody, 8 supralabials, the absence of dark dorsal and tail blotches and the presence of a vertebral stripe edged with black but no dorsolateral stripes. Oligodon deuvei spec. nov. is described on the basis of specimens from southern Vietnam and Laos; it differs from other known species of the group by the combination of 12–15 maxillary teeth, 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody, usually seven supralabials, the absence of dark dorsal and tail blotches and the presence of a broad vertebral stripe, often conspicuously orange or rusty red. This species is most similar to Oligodon barroni but differs from the latter by a higher number of maxillary teeth and the absence of dark dorsal and tail blotches. Lastly, Oligodon moricei spec. nov. is described on the basis of a single specimen from southern Vietnam. It differs from other species by the combination of a broad rusty brown vertebral stripe edged with two broad black stripes, 12 maxillary teeth, 17 dorsal scale rows, a high number of ventral scales, seven supralabials and a dark cloudy or smoky venter. These new species are compared with other species known from the Indo-Chinese Region. The diagnoses of O. taeniatus, O. mouhoti and O. barroni are revised. A key to members of the group is given.

Parahelicops boonsongi Taylor & Elbel, 1958 is known from only three specimens from Thailand. It has been placed either in the genus Parahelicops Bourret, 1934, along with Parahelicops annamensis Bourret, 1934, or in the genus Opisthotropis Gunther, 1872. We compared its morphological characters with those of P. annamensis and with three other relevant genera, Opisthotropis, Pararhabdophis Bourret, 1934, and Paratapinophis Angel, 1929. Parahelicops boonsongi is phenotypically distinct from Parahelicops annamensis, Opisthotropis, and all other natricine genera. We consequently erect a new genus, Isanophis gen. nov., to accommodate Parahelicops boonsongi.

A male snake collected in Louangphabang Province and a second specimen observed in Houaphan Province, North Laos, share morphological characters with the Asian genus Fimbrios Smith, 1921, including erected edges on the first supra- and infralabial scales, but differ in the following morphological characters: fewer dorsal scale rows (25–27 vs. 30–33), fewer maxillary teeth (27 vs. 30–35), posterior teeth progressively slightly enlarged, and especially the correspondence of two dorsal scale rows per ventral plate throughout the body (i.e. the first dorsal scale row made of a small scale above the fore part of a ventral, followed by a much larger scale above its hind part), a condition known only in Xenodermus Reinhardt, 1836. As the Laotian specimens differ in morphological characters from other genera and species in the family Xenodermatidae, and on the basis of molecular analyses showing a large genetic divergence from the genus Fimbrios (p-distance ≥14.7 %, mitochondrial COI gene), we place these specimens in a new genus, Parafimbrios gen. nov., and describe them as a new species, Parafimbrios lao sp. nov. Besides the characters mentioned above, the new species is diagnosed by a combination of the following ones: small, strongly keeled dorsal scales; rostral and first four supra- and infralabials with raised, erected edges; horizontal tissue ridges above the rostral; loreal single, large, elongate; ventral scales 177–189; subcaudals 55–56, undivided; dorsal colour purplish-grey, neck with a broad, very pale grey collar reaching downwards the pale grey colour of the venter. The morphological characters of the new genus are compared with those of the genera Fimbrios Smith, 1921, Xenodermus Reinhardt, 1836, Stoliczkaia Jerdon, 1870, Achalinus Peters, 1869, and Xylophis Beddome, 1878. A key to the genera Achalinus , Fimbrios and Parafimbrios gen. nov. is provided. Parafimbrios laos spec. nov. is the 111 th snake species currently recorded from Laos.

Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, previously known from its sole holotype and considered a synonym of Amphiesma parallelum (Boulenger, 1890), is resurrected in the genus Amphiesma on the basis of the analysis of morphological variation in 28 specimens of ``Amphiesma parallelum'' auctorum, plus six living, unvouchered specimens discovered in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, India, and one vouchered specimen from Talle Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Specimens from northeast India (Nagaland), northern Myanmar, and China (Yunnan), previously identified as Amphiesma parallelum either in the literature or in museum's catalogues, are also here referred to A. clerki. The holotype of Amphiesma clerki is redescribed. As a consequence, the definition of Amphiesma parallelum is modified. A. parallelum inhabits the Khasi Hills and Naga Hills in Northeast India, whereas A. clerki has a wider range in the Eastern Himalayas, northern Myanmar and Yunnan (China). Amphiesma clerki differs from A. parallelum by its longer tail, dorsal scales more strongly keeled, scales of the first dorsal scale row strongly keeled vs. smooth, a postocular streak not interrupted at the level of the neck, and a much more vivid pattern on a darker background colour. Characters of species of the Amphiesma parallelum group, i.e. A. clerki, A. parallelum, A. bitaeniatum, A. platyceps and A. sieboldii are compared. A key to this group is provided.

The brown Asian pitvipers of the genus Trimeresurus related to Trimeresurus puniceus (informal Trimeresurus puniceus-complex) are revised on the basis of morphological and molecular analyses. Variation in morphological characters were investigated among 119 specimens from 62 populations of the whole range of the pitvipers currently known as Trimeresurus puniceus (Boie, 1827), Trimeresurus borneensis (Peters, 1872) and Trimeresurus brongersmai Hoge, 1969. Molecular and morphological analyses clearly differentiate two groups of taxa, referrable to the informal Trimeresurus puniceus-group and Trimeresurus borneensis-group, and confirm the distinct specific status of T. puniceus and T. borneensis. Morphological univariate and multivariate analyses differentiate six clusters of populations that are morphologically diagnosable, of which five are here considered to represent independent lineages and one is placed incertae sedis pending the availability of further specimens. These clusters are considered to be distinct species following the Biological Species Concept and the Phylogenetic Species Concept. One of them is described as a new species, Trimeresurus andalasensis spec. nov. (T. borneensis-group), which includes populations from northern Sumatra. Trimeresurus wiroti Trutnau, 1981 is revalidated to accommodate populations from Thailand and West Malaysia. Trimeresurus borneensis is here considered endemic to Borneo. Trimeresurus puniceus is known from Java and from South Sumatra, but the taxonomy of this species in Sumatra is left unresolved. Also left unresolved is the taxonomic position of specimens from western Sumatra and the Mentawai Archipelago, and from the Natuna Islands and Anamba Islands. Although belonging to the T. puniceus-group, they show some differences to other specimens of the group. They are not referred to any taxon pending the collection of additional specimens. Lastly, Trimeresurus brongersmai is confirmed as a valid species from the Mentawai Archipelago. A key to these taxa is provided.

International audience; The competition–colonization trade-off model is often used to explain the coexistence of species. Yet its applicability has been severely criticized, mainly because the original model assumed a strict competitive hierarchy of species and did not allow for any preemptive effect. We considered the impact of relaxing both of these limitations on coexistence. Relaxing trade-off intensity makes coexistence less likely and introduces a minimum colonization rate below which any coexistence is impossible. Allowing for preemption introduces a limit to dissimilarity between species. Surprisingly, preemption does not impede coexistence as one could presume from previous studies, but can actually increase the likelihood of coexistence. Its effect on coexistence depends on whether or not species in the regional pool are strongly limited in their colonization ability. Preemption is predicted to favour coexistence when: (i) species are not strongly limited in their colonization ability; and (ii) the competitive trade-off is not infinitely intense.

A large number of planorbid snails are now commonly transported by man mainly through the aquatic plant trade. However, only a restricted number of species establish viable populations in a new habitat and a more restricted number spread. Only five planorbid species can be ranked in this last category and can be considered as pests because of their role in the transmission of parasites to humans or domestic animals:Biomphalaria glabrata,B. straminea,B. tenagophila,B. pfeifferiandIndoplanorbis exustus. The neotropicalB. glabrata,B. stramineaandB. tenagophilahave proven their capacity to invade another continent sometimes creating new transmission foci. The AfricanB. pfeifferiand the IndianI. exustushave also expanded their distribution area with long-distance dispersal. Other planorbid species, i.e.Helisoma duryi, Amerianna carinataandGyraulusspp. have been able to establish viable populations, but not to spread, presumably because they are limited to specific habitats or/and display poor competitive abilities.

Snakes are among the most successful groups of reptiles, numbering about 3000 extant species (Uetz, 2003). They are divided into two main groups. The fossorial scolecophidians (‘‘blindsnakes’’) are small snakes with a limited gape size which feed on small prey (mainly ants and termites) on a frequent basis. The alethinophidians (‘‘typical snakes’’) are more ecologically diverse and most species feed on relatively large prey, primarily vertebrates, on an infrequent basis (Cundall and Greene, 2000; Vidal and Hedges, 2002a). According to morphological studies, the most distinctive evolutionary trend within living snakes is the increase of the gape size from fossorial scolecophidians (Typhlopidae, Leptotyphlopidae, and Anomalepididae) and fossorial alethinophidians (‘‘Anilioidea’’ i.e. Aniliidae, Cylindrophiidae, Uropeltidae, and Anomochilidae) to ecologically diverse macrostomatan alethinophidian snakes such as boas, pythons, and caenophidians (vipers, cobras, and ‘‘colubrids’’) (Cundall and Greene, 2000, but see Lee and Scanlon, 2002). The name macrostomate is given to a complex structural plan that allows the buccal opening to enlarge. This enlargement is due mainly to a posterior elongation of the supratemporal bone that shifts the quadrate posteriorly, and to the dorsoventral elongation of the quadrate. A macrostomate structure permits the ingestion of very large prey, sometimes greater in diameter than the predatory snake itself (Rage and Escuilli e, 2003). The monophyly of the macrostomatan condition is supported by the

The parthenogenetic snail Melanoides tuberculata, present in tropical fresh waters of most of the Old World before 1950, has now invaded the Neotropical area. The phylogeography of this snail was studied to evaluate the pathways and number of such invasions. Because of parthenogenetic reproduction, individuals are structured into genetical clones. Within populations from both the original and invaded areas, several morphologically distinct clones (referred to as morphs) often coexist but the amount of genetic divergence among morphs is unknown. Individuals from 27 morphs and 40 populations world-wide were sequenced at two mitochondrial genes (12S and 16S). Our phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that (i) most of the morphological variation observed in the New World predates invasion, (ii) at least six independent introductions have occurred, and (iii) invasive clones are found throughout most of the phylogenetic tree and do not come from a particular region of the area of origin. Two ideas are discussed in the light of these results. The first lies with the specificities of parthenogenesis in an invasion context. While in sexual species, independently introduced populations eventually merge into a single invasive population, in a parthenogenetic species independently introduced clones have distinct invasion dynamics and possibly exclude each other. Second, although repeated invasions in Melanoides may have an impact on indigenous molluscan faunas, their most likely effect is the world-wide homogenization of the invasive taxon itself.

A new species of the genus Gekko Laurenti is described from central Laos. The species is distinguished from its congeners by its moderate size, i.e. maximum SVL 80.0 mm, dorsal pattern of five to six dirty white vertebral spots alternating with yellowish-edged, W-shaped blotches between nape and sacrum and six to seven pairs of dirty white spots interspersed with yellowish-edged dark blotches on the flanks between limb insertions, 0–1 internasal, 39–43 ventral scale rows between the weakly developed ventrolateral folds, 3–4 precloacal pores in males, sometimes separated by one poreless scale, 98–104 smooth dorsal scale rows around the body, 16 broad lamellae beneath digit I of pes, 15–16 broad lamellae beneath digit IV of pes, and enlarged subcaudal scales.

The Asian pitviper currently identified as Trimeresurus labialis Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867 is revised on the basis of morphological data obtained from 37 preserved specimens originating from seven islands of the Nicobar Islands. Multivariate analyses shows that these specimens can be divided into two clusters of populations which differ by a series of constant taxonomically informative morphological characters. The first cluster, which includes the name-bearing types of Trimeresurus labialis Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867, is present only on Car Nicobar Island. The second cluster, which includes the name-bearing types of Trimeresurus mutabilis Stoliczka, 1870, is distributed on the Central Nicobar Islands. We regard these clusters as distinct species, which are morphologically diagnosable and isolated from each other. As a consequence, Trimeresurus mutabilis, long considered a synonym of T. labialis, is here resurrected to specific level. A lectotype is designated for Trimeresurus mutabilis.

Two specimens, a male and a female, of the genus Opisthotropis Gunther, 1872 were collected in a karst formation of northern Louangphabang (or Luang Prabang) Province, North Laos. These specimens are assigned to the genus Opisthotropis on the basis of their morphology, dentition and cephalic scalation. However, they differ from all other known species of Opisthotropis by a combination of the following characters: (1) 21–19 scale rows on the fore part of the body, (2) 17 scale rows at midbody, (3) 22/23 maxillary teeth, (4) 177–181 ventrals, (5) 1 loreal on each side, in contact with internasal, (6) 7 supralabials, 4 th entering orbit, (7) dorsum dark bronze-brown, with upper part of dorsum darker than lateral sides, without bands or crossbars, and (8) chin and throat blackish-brown with a sharp, transversal limit with the ventral colour crossing the posterior part of the throat. As a consequence, these specimens are here referred to a new species, Opisthotropis durandi spec. nov. The new species is compared with other species of the genus, especially the most similar species O. spenceri Smith, 1918 and O. atra Gunther, 1872, the type species of the genus. An updated key to the genera Opisthotropis is provided. Opisthotropis durandi spec. nov. represents the first confirmed record of a species of Opisthotropis sensu stricto from Laos and it is the 108 th snake species currently recorded from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.