Sahyadriophis uttaraghati is a species of keelback endemic to the northern Western Ghats region of India.[1][2][3] It is commonly known as the northern sahyadri keelback.[4]
| Sahyadriophis uttaraghati | |
|---|---|
| |
| From Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Sahyadriophis |
| Species: | S. uttaraghati
|
| Binomial name | |
| Sahyadriophis uttaraghati Patel, Thackeray, Campbell & Mirza, 2023
| |
Description
editSahyadriophis uttaraghati has a predominantly brown to dark grey coloration with random black and white markings that become less distinct towards the rear of the body. The underside transitions from white in the front area to cream and yellow towards the rear. Some individuals may feature a light-colored bar on the back of the head and a downwardly directed post-ocular stripe, typically white or lighter in color with black edges.[1]
Range
editSahyadriophis uttaraghati appears to be common and widespread in the western ghats region of Maharashtra.[1]
Habitat and ecology
editSpecimens were observed actively moving during the day in a dried streambed. The species appears to be largely diurnal and has been observed feeding on Indirana and eggs of Nyctibatrachus.[1]
Etymology
editThe specific epithet is a combination of two Sanskrit words: 'uttara' for north and 'ghati' meaning dweller of the mountains/Ghats. The combination refers to the northern distribution of Sahyadriophis uttaraghati.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Patel, Harshil; Thackeray, Tejas; Campbell, Patrick D.; Mirza, Zeeshan A. (2023-08-21). "Systematic Assessment of Hebius beddomei (Günther, 1864) (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae) with Description of a New Genus and a New Allied Species from the Western Ghats, India". Taxonomy. 3 (3): 415–434. doi:10.3390/taxonomy3030024. ISSN 2673-6500.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
- ^ "New specie, genus of snakes discovered in Western Ghats". Hindustan Times. 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ Ltd, Chronicle Publications Pvt. "UPSC IAS Preparation Books and Magazines- Civil Services Chronicle". www.chronicleindia.in. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ "Northern sahyadri keelback (Sahyadriophis uttaraghati)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
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