A unique species of snake was found in Thailand (5 photos)

Their peculiarity lies in the unusual structure of their teeth and scales.





Two herpetologists, Harry Ward Smith and Rupert Grassby-Lewis, came across amazing snakes that were quickly crawling through the limestone karst formations of the Satun and Trang provinces in southern Thailand. Realizing that they would not be able to identify the species on their own, they turned to specialists from the University of Michigan and Moscow State University for help. Lomonosov.

To establish the species, we managed to catch 3 snakes, and this was a very risky activity, the snakes moved too quickly around the cave, and it was completely unclear whether they were poisonous.



According to the researcher, the new snake was seen climbing up an almost vertical cliff.

Phylogenetic analysis based on three fragments of mitochondrial DNA (12S–16S ribosomal rRNA and cytochrome b) established that this is a completely new subspecies of the family Colubridae.

By the way, this species is the second most diverse genus of snakes in the world, with the number of recognized species ranging from 87 to 90.





Top right (d) the swollen "hemipenas", or reproductive organs of the male Kukri cave snake

These beauties were given the name Oligodon speleoserpens - "Kurki's cave snake" in honor of the cave where they were found. Collected snake specimens were collected manually and euthanized by injection of 20% benzocaine solution, then fixed in formaldehyde and transferred to 70% ethanol for preservation.

Before fixation, a small sample of muscle tissue was removed from each sample and stored in 95% ethanol for molecular analysis. An uncollected specimen of the new species was measured and photographed in situ to examine relevant morphological features, and then released at the point of capture.



The body of the cave-dwelling rock snake is light-medium brown in color, with a lighter shade closer to the head and a black border around individual scales.

The study revealed that the snakes have highly pointed scales on their underbelly, which allow them to “climb vertical rocks.”

"This species has an absolutely fascinating physiology, living in and around caves on steep limestone karst cliffs, feeding exclusively on reptile eggs," Grassby-Lewis said.

Another interesting feature is the "blade-shaped" fangs. More detailed information about the physiology and laboratory tests performed can be read in the scientific journal Vertebrate Zoology, article entitled A new species of karst-associated kukri snake.



Scientists believe that other species of snakes may exist deep in the underground caves of the mountains, so there is still a lot of work to be done to study this area.