A new species of the Pareas monticola complex (Squamata: Serpentes: Pareidae) from Chin Mountains with additions to the Pareas fauna of Myanmar

Abstract

ABSTRACT A review of the taxonomic status of Pareas monticola (Himalaya slug snake) based on morphological and molecular data revealed a new species from Myanmar. Pareas victorianus sp. nov. Vogel, Nguyen and Poyarkov from the Nat Ma Taung National Park in western Chin State is suggested to be a sister species to P. monticola sensu stricto, and can be separated from the latter by the absence of preoculars, by the subocular separating the eye from the labials, by seven keeled dorsal scale rows at midbody, by a lower number of ventrals (164) and by a lower number of subcaudals (58). Another new population from the Hkakabo Razi National Park in the northernmost part of Kachin State was previously confused with P. monticola, but can be differentiated from the latter and from Pareas victorianus sp. nov. by the presence of preoculars, by the number of ventrals (182) and subcaudals (71), by the absence of dark postorbital stripes, and by the lateral and ventral surfaces of the head with dense brown dusting; we herein refer to this population as Pareas sp. pending further molecular data confirming its taxonomic status. We also confirm the occurrence of P. monticola sensu stricto in Myanmar based on specimens from Kachin State and Sagaing Division. Furthermore, we discuss the actual distribution, genetic differentiation and taxonomic problems of P. monticola species complex. Our work brings the total number of species recognised within the genus Pareas to 20, of which nine species occur in Myanmar. An updated key for the Pareas species of Myanmar is provided. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7591231C-475C-4F86-9376-BB48DA937D1A