A new semifossorial snake of the genus Arrhyton (Squamata: Dipsadidae) from eastern Cuba, with taxonomic comments on other species

Abstract

The genus Arrhyton is endemic to Cuba, with eight currently known species. A new species, Arrhyton albicollum sp. nov., is described from the karst areas of Gibara, Holguín Province. The new species is closely related to A. redimitum, another eastern species, according to morphology and molecular phylogeny. It differs from all other species of the genus by having a conspicuous, white nuchal band, a contrasting black pattern on the head, a gray-colored body with faint stripes, and a high number of ventral and subcaudal scales. Additional comments on other species include new locality records and information on morphology and relationships.

First record of the Dwarf Green Anole, Anolis isolepis (Dactyloidae) from Lomas de Banao Ecological Reserve, in central Cuba

“… 2022) published a map with dots representing localities of A. isolepis across Cuba, including a dot in the eastern region of the Guamuhaya Massif. However, many localities indicated were not addressed in the text and apparently represent "author's visual records," a repeated practice capable of generating considerable confusion in the herpetological literature (see also Díaz and Cádiz 2020;Díaz et al 2021).…”