Tropidophis cacuangoae

Tropidophis cacuangoae is a dwarf boa species in the genus Tropidophis, described in 2022.[1]

Tropidophis cacuangoae
A-C. ♂ holotype, D-F. ♀ paratype
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Tropidophiidae
Genus: Tropidophis
Species:
T. cacuangoae
Binomial name
Tropidophis cacuangoae
Ortega-Andrade, Bentley, Koch, Yánez-Muñoz and Entiauspe-Neto, 2022

Description

T. cacuangoae usually grows to a length of 20 centimeters. These snakes have a skin coloring similar to those of the boa constrictor.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The snakes are endemic to South America, more precisely in Ecuador.[3]

Discovery

The dpecies was discovered in 2022 in Ecuadorian Amazon by multi-organization researchers that included Mauricio Ortega Andrade, Alexander Bentley, Claudia Koch, Mario Yánez-Muñoz and Omar Entiauspe Neto.[4] Two specimens were found in the Colonso Chalupas national reserve and in the private Sumak kawsay park, the discoverers reported.[5] The specific epithet honors early 20th century indigenous rights activist Dolores Cacuango.[1]

References

  1. H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrad; Alexander Bentley; Claudia Koch; Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz; Omar M. Entiauspe-Neto (29 December 2022). "A time relic: a new species of dwarf boa, Tropidophis Bibron, 1840 (Serpentes: Amerophidia), from the Upper Amazon Basin". European Journal of Taxonomy. 854: 1–107. doi:10.5852/EJT.2022.854.2021. ISSN 2118-9773. Wikidata Q116142810.
  2. "Scientists stumble upon tiny, 1-foot snake in rainforest — and discover a new species".
  3. AFP (2023-01-06). "New dwarf boa found in Ecuadoran Amazon". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
  4. "Strange New Snake Species Dubbed Primitive 'Relic of Time'". MSN. 6 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
  5. "New dwarf boa found in Ecuadoran Amazon". phys.org. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
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