A new limestone-associated species of wolf snake in the Lycodon fasciatus complex (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) from central Vietnam

Researchers have identified a new species of wolf snake, Lycodon calcarophilus sp. nov., within the Lycodon fasciatus complex from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam. This discovery was made through a combination of molecular and morphological analyses, distinguishing it from closely related species such as Lycodon ruhstrati by several key characteristics, including loreal contact with the eye, lower tail-to-total length ratio, fewer subcaudal scales, total body scales, and body cross-bands. The study also provides an updated checklist of 152 amphibian and reptile species documented in the park, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

VOGEL, G., BRAGIN, A. M., POYARKOV, N. A., & NGUYEN, T. V. (2025). A new limestone-associated species of wolf snake in the Lycodon fasciatus complex (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) from central Vietnam. Zootaxa, 5679(1), 1–44. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.1.1