A new species of hood-displaying Thamnodynastes (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Atlantic forest in southeast Brazil

Abstract

A new species of Thamnodynastes (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Atlantic forest in southeast Brazil is described herein. The new species is diagnosed by the following set of characters: slender body; very long tail (about 50% of body length); 19 scale rows in the mid-body; high subcaudal scale count (101–109); and a series of 5–6 black blotches in the fore-body, shown during defensive displays. The new species is known from moderate elevations of the Serra do Mar range and its features indicate that it is one of the most arboreal species within the genus.