A Redescription of Atheris squamigera (Serpentes: Viperidae) with Comments on the Validity of Atheris anisolepis

Abstract

-We provide a redescription of the holotype of Atheris squamigera (Hallowell), which previously was reported as lost We show that characters used to differentiate A. anisolepis Mocquard are either present in the holotype of A. squamigera (a male), or are sexually dimorphic traits found in female A. squamigera. We consider A. anisolepis to be a junior synonym of A. squamigera. e etology, Vol. 34, No. 3, p . 386-389, 20 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles i i of theris squamigera (Serpentes: Viperidae) with t e alidity of Atheris anisolepis Atheris squamigera of Central Africa is a widespread species renowned for its variability (Spawls and Branch 1995). Since its description by Hallowell (1856), A. squamigera has had a tangled taxonomic history, incorporating numerous variously recognized synonyms and subspecies (reviewed in McDiarmid et al., 1999). Of particular contention has been the recognition of Atheris anisolepis Mocquard (1887). Recent treatments have recognized this taxon as distinct from A. squamigera (Broadley, 1996, 1998; McDiarmid et al., 1999), or as a subspecies (Golay et al., 1993). Trape and Roux-Esteve (1995) also supported the validity of A. anisolepis, but recognized the taxon as A. laeviceps Boettger (1887). Appearing at the end of 1887, Boettger's A. laeviceps is considered a junior synonym of A. anisolepis (reviewed in Broadley, 1998; McDiarmid 3 Present Address: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30315-1440, USA. t al., 1999). However, both McDiarmid et al. (1999) and Broadley (1996, 1998) have commented on the uncertainty that persists over the validity of A. anisolepis. Adding to the confusion surrounding Atheris squamigera and A. anisolepis, Hughes and Barry (1969) reported the holotype of A. squamigera (ANSP 6949) as lost. Apparently, no authority has re-examined and reported on the type of A. squamigera since its original description, leading to the tentative recognition of A. anisolepis by McDiarmid et al. (1999) and Broadley (1996, 1998). To address the status of Atheris anisolepis Mocquard, we examined 31 specimens of A. squamigera, including the holotype re-discovered in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and topotypic A. anisolepis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Characters in the description and systematic account follow those used in recent treatments 386 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.146 on Tue, 23 Aug 2016 05:04:13 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms REDESCRIPTION OF ATHERIS SQUAMIGERA of the genus by Broadley (1998) and Lawson (1999). Features of scalation were examined by holding preserved specimens under a dissecting microscope. Scale terminology generally is that of Klauber (1956), except for the terms suprarostrals, interoculabials, and interorbitals in keeping with Broadley (1998). Interrictal counts were made by counting scales across the back of the head between the posterior supralabials. Dorsal scale rows were counted approximately one head-length posterior to the head, at midbody, and approximately one head-length anterior to the vent. Color descriptions in preservative are based on the standard of Smithe (1975). Snout-vent length (SVL) and tail length were measured to the nearest mm using a meter stick. Other standard measurements were taken to the nearest 0.1 mm using a dial caliper held under a dissecting microscope. Museum abbreviations refer to Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANSP), American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). A list of specimens examined is given in Appendix 1. To clarify confusion surrounding the highly variable Atheris squamigera and the variously recognized A. anisolepis, we provide the following redescription and diagnosis of A. squamigera.