First record of Tantilla flavilineata Smith & Burger, 1950 (Squamata, Colubridae) for Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

We record Tantilla flavilineata Smith & Burger, 1950, for the first time in the state of Puebla, Mexico. It was previously considered endemic to a small region of the state of Oaxaca. With this record, we extend the known distribution 100 km north-northwestward in a straight line. We also provide scales counts and description of the coloration in life of a female specimen. The geographic distribution of T. flavilineata appears to be restricted to mid-elevations in various oak woodlands which have been limited in area by agriculture. More information on its natural history, ecology, and geographic distribution is needed to develop conservation strategies for this rare snake.

Keywords

• Geographic range extension
• Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Val