Taxonomic notes on the wolf snakes Lycodon (Fitzinger, 1826) of Myanmar: new records, redescriptions, and an annotated key (Squamata: Colubridae)

This study provides an updated taxonomic and distributional account of the wolf snakes (Lycodon Fitzinger) inhabiting Myanmar (Burma) based on an examination of preserved specimens and photo-documented observations. A detailed morphological re-description of Lycodon kundui Smith is provided. Three species, Lycodon chapaensis Angel & Bourret, Lycodon laoensis Günther, and Lycodon zayuensis Jiang, Wang, Jin & Che in Che, Jiang, Yan & Zhang are confirmed as country records, and range extensions are reported for two more species: Lycodon davisoni Blanford and Lycodon zawi Slowinski, Pawar, Htun Win, Thin Thin, Sai Wanna Gyi, San Lwin Oo & Hla Tun. In addition, the distributional limits between L. chapaensis and Lycodon septentrionalis Günther within Myanmar are clarified. A previous record of Lycodon gracilis Günther (formerly Dryocalamus gracilis) from present-day Rakhine State is considered erroneous. The total number of Lycodon species native to Myanmar is increased to 16, while two species, Lycodon flavozonatus (Pope) and the aforementioned L. gracilis, are removed from the country’s snake fauna. An updated key to all Lycodon native to Myanmar is presented.