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

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.

Keywords

• diurnal species
• dry forests
• eastern coastal plains
• land snake