Abstract
MCZ 29788, a sea-snake from Broome, Western Australia previously identified as Lapemis hardwickii, proves, upon re-examinations, to be a specimen of Ephalophis greyi M. Smith, previously known from 3 specimens from the Broome region. Study of this specimen shows E. greyi to be similar to E. mertoni (Roux) in skull structure, but MCZ 29788 retains a vestigial left lung, not previously observed in any true hydrophiine. In many features, Ephalophis greyi appears to be the most primitive member of the Hydrophiinae and serves to link that subfamily with the genera Rhinoplocephalus and Drepanodontis, swamp-living Australian members of the Elapinae.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.