Recent records of the Banded Racer Argyrogena fasciolata (Shaw, 1802) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae) from southern Coromandel Coast, peninsular India

Main Article Content

Janani Sagadevan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5366-9694
Sumaithangi Rajagopalan Ganesh
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1947-8093
Nitesh Anandan
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4012-2996
Raveen Rajasingh
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1501-4662

Abstract

We report the Banded Racer Argyrogena fasciolata from the Coromandel Coast in peninsular India, where its occurrence remained doubtful.  This is based on four specimens—two live, uncollected ones from Tambaram and Auroville, respectively, and two preserved specimens from Tuticorin.  The sighting points span a distance of 500 airline km north-south across the eastern coastal plains.  Both juvenile and adults were included in these records, which underscores that breeding populations exist in the regions dealt with.  Our records highlight the need for faunal surveys even in reportedly depauperate or well-studied ecoregions, an element that points out a hidden diversity including species that are not ecologically cryptic.

Article Details

Section
Short Communications
Author Biographies

Janani Sagadevan, Department of Zoology, Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059, India.

Ph.D. scholar

Sumaithangi Rajagopalan Ganesh, Chennai Snake Park, Rajbhavan post, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600022, India.

Scientist-cum-Dy.Director

Raveen Rajasingh, Department of Zoology, Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059, India.

Asst. Professor

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