Taxonomic Status of Two Simultaneously Described Apostolepis Cope, 1862 Species (Dipsadidae: Elapomorphini) from Caatinga Enclaves Moist Forests, Brazil

• Apostolepis mariae and Apostolepis thalesdelemai are two simultaneously described Elapomorphini snake species for two mountain ranges of Caatinga Enclaves moist forests in the state of Ceara, northeastern Brazil. Both species were differentiated from congeners and from one another based exclusively on external morphology. We examined the type specimens as well as a comprehensive series of specimens for both species and provide evidence for the recognition of both taxa as conspecific. We apply Article 24.2.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) that provides guidelines for taxonomic status precedence for both species based on the principle of the first reviser decision. Based on the ICZN code, we gave precedence for A. thalesdelemai over A. mariae. Finally, we provide a complementary diagnosis for A. thalesdelemai along with comments on its geographic distribution, natural history, and conservation.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Zoologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Zoology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

hemipenial morphology

serpentes

snakes

xenodontinae

conservation

colubridae

diversity

patterns

Zoology

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art (ämneskategori)