A New Blind Snake Species of the Genus Tricheilostoma from Espinhaço Range, Brazil and Taxonomic Status of Rena dimidiata (Jan, 1861) (Serpentes: Epictinae: Leptotyphlopidae)
Designation and description of a neotype and geographic variation of the blind snake Rena dimidiata are presented here on the basis of a noted sample, providing a question on its generic identity, and proposing a new taxonomic combination. Rena dimidiata is recognized here as a species of Tricheilostoma, based on putative characters published in a recent paper, additional external traits and hemipenial characters. Morphometric and meristic characters for all species of Tricheilostoma are described herein. Additionally, a new species of Tricheilostoma is described from Espinhaço Range, Brazil.
Dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the head of the neotype of Tricheilostoma dimidiatum (IBSP 24011). Scale = 5 mm.
Geographic distribution of Tricheilostoma dimidiatum (circle) and T. jani (square). Triangle represents the record from Hoogmoed, 1977. Type localities correspond to open symbols.
Dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the head of the holotype of Tricheilostoma jani (MNRJ 4263). Scale = 5 mm.
Photographs of the holotype of Tricheilostoma jani (MNRJ 4263) in dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the head. Scale = 5 mm.
Tricheilostoma jani in life in dorsal view (A), lateral view (B–C), and close detail of the head (D). Photos M. Teixeira, Jr.
Hemipenis of Tricheilostoma jani (MZUSP 7583) in asulcate (A) and sulcate (B) sides. Scale = 5 mm.
Habitat of Tricheilostoma jani in Savanna Domain of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais. An overview of the Serra do Cipó (A), their “campos rupestres” or rocky meadows (B), and the microhabit of T. jani (C). Photos J. Cassimiro.
Contributor Notes
Associate Editor: B. Stuart.