Additional Notes on Morphology and Distributional Records of the Snake Genus Smithophis Giri, Gower, Das, Lalremsanga, Lalronunga, Captain et Deepak, 2019 (Squamata: Serpentes: Natricidae) from North-East India

Abstract

Recent publications provided some detailed insight into the genus Smithophis, but a paucity of information still exists on the distributional range, conservation, biology, and life history of the members of this genus from the northeast part of India. In the present study, we present new distribution records of the two sympatric Smithophis species, S. atemporalis and S. bicolor from Mizoram State, north-east India. We also provide an updated morphology and descriptions of hemipenes in both the species based on 32 specimens newly collected during the course of our studies (2008 – 2020). The occurrence of a distinct color forms in S. bicolor is documented.