The status of the anomalepidid snake Liotyphlops albirostris and the revalidation of three taxa based on morphology and ecological niche models.

ABSTRACT

Liotyphlops is a genus of blindsnakes distributed in Central and South America. We reviewed specimens of Liotyphlops albirostris along its current distribution range and, based on morphological data and ecological niche modeling analyses, we restrict the geographical range of L. albirostris and validate three previously described species. In this revision, we describe the morphological variation in the populations from Panamá, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, and propose a new taxonomic arrangement. We revalidate three previous synonyms of L. albirostris to full species status, while dividing the populations from Colombia in two subspecies-one attributed to a previously recognized species from the Caribbean region, and a new one from the Andean region. The new species differs from L. albirostris from Panamá in cephalic scale arrangements that effectively reduces the previously reported variability of these scales in L. albirostris. We also explore some osteological differences that are congruent with the variation observed. We hope that the recognition of these new species better represents the diversity within Liotyphlops, helping to bring these new species out of their cryptic status so that they will be considered in future conservation efforts.