TitleA new cryptic species of green pit viper of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from northeast India.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsRathee YSingh, Purkayastha J, Lalremsanga HTlawmte, Dalal S, Biakzuala L, Muansanga L, Mirza ZA
JournalPLoS One
Volume17
Issue5
Paginatione0268402
Date Published2022
ISSN1932-6203
Abstract

A new cryptic species of green pit viper is described from northeast India, based on specimens collected from the state of Mizoram and Meghalaya. The new species is a member of the subgenus Viridovipera and is sister to Trimeresurus medoensis based on molecular data for mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, whereas resembles Trimeresurus gumprechti morphologically. A combination of characters helps delimit the new species from its congeners. Description of the new species highlights the need for dedicated surveys across northeast India to document its reptilian diversity, as this represents the third new species of the genus to be described in the past three years.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0268402
Alternate JournalPLoS One
PubMed ID35594256
PubMed Central IDPMC9122190