A new Andean Shadow Snake and the Diaphorolepidini tribe

Nicéforo María's Shadow Snake, Synophis niceforomariae
The genus Synophis contains a number of enigmatic species, distributed primarily in the Andean highlands of northern South America. Their extreme crypsis and rarity has precluded detailed study of most species. A recent flurry of collection activity resulted in the accession of many new specimens, and the description of 4 new species in 2015, doubling the number of described taxa. However, lingering questions remain regarding the assignment of many new and historical specimens, the morphological limits and geographical ranges of the species, and their phylogenetic relationships. In a new paper Pyron et al. (2016) analyze new and existing morphological and molecular data to produce a new molecular phylogeny and revised morphological descriptions. They also validate the previously unavailable tribe name Diaphorolepidini Jenner, Pyron, Arteaga, Echevarría, & Torres-Carvajal, describe a 9th species, Synophis niceforomariae and offer the new Standard Names in English and Spanish for the group: the Andean Shadow Snakes and Culebras Andinasde la Sombra, respectively. The authors suggest  cryptic and undiscovered diversity undoubtedly remains within the genus. The tribe Diaphorolepidini is based upon the most recent common ancestor of Diaphorolepis wagneri Jan, 1863, Emmochliophis (Synophis) miops (Boulenger, 1898), and Synophis bicolor Peracca, 1896. The new species, Synophis niceforomariae occurs in the Andean highlands of north-central Colombia, Antioquia department, near Medellín, ~1300–1700m, with possible populations south of Medellín, ~900m.


Citation
Pyron RA, Artega A, Echevarria LY, Torres-Carvajal OM. 2016. A revision and key for the tribe Diaphorolepidini (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) and checklist for the genus Synophis. Zootaxa. 4171(2):293-320.