identifier	taxonID	type	CVterm	format	language	title	description	additionalInformationURL	UsageTerms	rights	Owner	contributor	creator	bibliographicCitation
056222111D7F5EFB8DA749BAFE7BEDC7.text	056222111D7F5EFB8DA749BAFE7BEDC7.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Oligodon bivirgatus Qian, Qi, Shi, Lu, Jenkins, Mo & Li 2021	<div><p>Oligodon bivirgatus Qian, Qi, Shi, Lu, Jenkins, Mo &amp; Li, 2021</p><p>Figs 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, Suppl. material 1: table S 4</p><p>Vernacular name.</p><p>Double Striped Kukri Snake / 双线小头蛇 (Pinyin: Shuāng Xiàn Xiǎo Tóu Shé)</p><p>Chresonymy.</p><p>Oligodon ornatus – Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (2001): 15.</p><p>Type material.</p><p>Holotype. • SYNU 1907027 (adult female), collected on 13 July 2019 by T. Y. Qian and M. H. Huang. Type locality: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=110.13084&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=18.834167" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 110.13084/lat 18.834167)">Shangxi Nature Reserve</a>, Hainan Province, China (18.834167°N, 110.130833°E; 319 m asl.) .</p><p>Paratype. • SYNU 1808001 (adult female), collected on 17 August 2018 by P. P. Li, T. Y. Qian and M. H. Huang from the same valley as the holotype (18.833611°N, 110.130556°E; 317 m asl.) .</p><p>Specimens examined</p><p>(N = 3). China. Hainan Province. • QHU R 2024049 (Field NO. LFR 2024108; adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=109.8776&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=18.6735" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 109.8776/lat 18.6735)">Diaoluoshan</a>, Lingshui Li Autonomous County, (18.6735°N, 109.8776°E; 510 m asl.), collected on 29 May 2024 by C. X. Liao ; • SYS r 002952 (iNaturalist 284182249; adult male), a road-killed specimen, from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.8623&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=18.7386" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.8623/lat 18.7386)">Jianfengling National Forest Park</a>, Ledong Li Autonomous County (18.7386°N, 108.8623°E; 837 m asl.), collected on 23 May 2025 by H. M. Song and S. Qi ; • iNaturalist 298113949 (adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.85386&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=18.7367" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.85386/lat 18.7367)">Tianchi Village</a>, Jianfengling National Forest Park, Ledong Li Autonomous County (18.73670°N, 108.85386°E; 1042 m asl.), observed on 22 June 2025 by B. Genter, released back into the wild after measurement and photography .</p><p>Revised diagnosis.</p><p>A medium sized Oligodon, tail moderate in relative length (TailLR 0.121 –0.164; in males 0.136 –0.164, in females 0.121 –0.131). Dorsal scales in 15–15 – 15 rows, all smooth and no reductions. Ventral scales 150–176 (150–156 in males, 173–176 in females). Cloacal plate divided. Subcaudals 33–37 (33–37 in males, 34–37 in females), paired. Total body scales 184–211 (184–193 in males, 211 in females). Subcaudal ratio 0.161 –0.192, strong dimorphism (0.179 –0.192 in males, 0.161 –0.175 in females). Maxillary teeth 8, posterior three teeth slightly enlarged and blade-like. Internasals separate from prefrontals. Loreal absent, preocular 1, presubocular absent, postoculars 2, and temporals 2 + 2. Temporolabial scale present. Supralabials 6, 3 rd – 4 th in contact with the eye. Infralabials 7 (rarely 6), first four in contact with anterior chin shields. Dorsal surface light brown or reddish brown. Two narrow, dark brown paravertebral stripes running from nuchal chevron to tail and two indistinct lateral stripes along flanks. Head plain with three dark brown markings: an ocular bar, temporal bar, and nuchal chevron. Ventral surface typically white with a lateral series of black rectangular spots and an orange red midventral streak, but also orange red with small, and indistinct cream spots laterally along the anterior third of the body. Hemipenis unilobed, simple sulcus spermaticus, spines uniformly sized, and present across entire organ.</p><p>Description and variation.</p><p>Based on Qian et al. (2021) and three newly examined specimens. The main morphological characters of the specimens used in this study are listed in Suppl. material 1: table S 4. Body slender, subcylindrical, broader at midbody. Head oblong, slightly distinct from neck. Snout elongate, narrowing in width in dorsal view, slightly truncate in lateral view. Eyes moderate, pupil round. Nostrils small, subelliptical, pointed laterally. Tail moderate, tapering gradually to a sharp pointed tip. Adult SVL 358–404 mm, TailL 51–70 mm, TotalL 422–465 mm. Juveniles unknown. Largest specimen an adult female (SYNU 1907027) measuring 404 mm SVL and 61 mm TailL. Largest male (SYS r 002952) measured 401 mm SVL and 63 mm TailL. Head measurements as follows (N = 4 unless stated otherwise): HeadL 14.1–14.2 mm (N = 2), HeadW 7.6–9.0 mm, SnoutL 4.3–5.1 mm, EyeD 2.1–2.3 mm, IOD 5.2–5.4 mm, IND 3.7 mm (N = 2), FrontalL 4.6 mm (N = 2), FrontalW 3.8 mm (N = 2). TailLR 0.121 –0.164 (x ̅ = 0.141 ± 0.017; N = 5), in males 0.136 –0.164 (x ̅ = 0.151 ± 0.014; N = 3), in females 0.121 –0.131 (x ̅ = 0.126 ± 0.007; N = 2). HeadW / HeadL 0.54–0.63 (N = 2), SnoutL / HeadL 0.32–0.36 (N = 2), EyeD / SnoutL 0.43–0.50, EyeD / HeadL 0.16 (N = 2), FrontalL / W 1.21–1.29 (N = 2). The type series in Qian et al. (2021) had HeadL values of 12.9–16.8 mm measured “ from snout tip to jaw angles ”, though it is unclear if the “ jaw angles ” refer to the posterior end of the dentary bone (as measured here) or the edge of the mouth. Ratios for these measurements as follows: HeadW / HeadL 0.54–0.60, SnoutL / HeadL 0.30–0.33, EyeD / HeadL 0.13–0.16.</p><p>Body scalation. Dorsal scales in 15–15 – 15 rows, all smooth, no reductions. Ventral scales 150–176 (x ̅ = 162.0 ± 11.7; N = 5), in males 150–156 (x ̅ = 154.0 ± 3.2; N = 3), in females 173–176 (x ̅ = 175.0 ± 2.1; N = 2), no keeling. Cloacal plate divided. Subcaudal scales 33–37 (x ̅ = 35.0 ± 1.8; N = 5), in males 33–37 (x ̅ = 35.0 ± 2.1; N = 3), in females 34–37 (x ̅ = 36.0 ± 2.1; N = 2), paired. Total body scales 184–211 (x ̅ = 198.4 ± 12.1; N = 5), in males 184–193 (x ̅ = 190.0 ± 5.2; N = 3), in females 211 (x ̅ = 211.0 ± 0.0; N = 2). Subcaudal ratio 0.161 –0.192 (x ̅ = 0.179 ± 0.012; N = 5), in males 0.179 –0.192 (x ̅ = 0.186 ± 0.006; N = 3), in females 0.161 –0.175 (x ̅ = 0.168 ± 0.010; N = 2). Sexual dimorphism recorded for ventrals (Student’s t-test P = 0.00338) and total body scales (Student’s t-test P = 0.01980).</p><p>Head scalation (Fig. 13). Rostral enlarged, inflated, triangular in dorsal profile, curved onto upper surface of snout, in contact with first supralabial, nasal, and internasals. Posterior suture of rostral obtuse angled, “ gull-wing ” shaped in dorsal profile. Nasal completely divided in type series (SYNU 1907027 and SYNU 1808001) or partially divided below nostril (QHU R 2024049, iNaturalist 298113949). Nostril situated in the anterior edge of the nasal when completely divided; when partially divided, nostril lies in the median part of the entire scale. Internasals subrectangular, paired, entire scale 1.7–1.9 times wider than long (all head scale proportions N = 2 unless noted otherwise), each blocked from contacting anteriorly by suture with rostral. Anterior and posterior internasal sutures concave. Median internasal suture 2.2–2.3 times shorter than entire scale. Prefrontals present, subrectangular, paired, entire scale 1.2 times wider than long. Median prefrontal suture 2.1–2.4 times shorter than entire scale, longer than median internasal suture. Supraoculars longer than wide, narrower than prefrontals, posterior edge wider than anterior edge. Frontal large, pentagonal, shield shaped, longer than wide, 1.3–1.5 times longer than median parietal suture. Anterior frontal suture angled, positioned in front of eye sockets. Posterior vertex of frontal bordering parietal weak obtuse angle (91–98 °). Parietals large, subrectangular, paired, in broad contact, entire scale 1.2 times longer than frontal. Parietal suture bordering supraocular and frontal weak obtuse angle (115–129 °), ray oriented posterolaterally. Parietals surrounded by 9–10 scales (N = 3; excluding postoculars). Loreal absent. Preocular 1 / 1, rectangular, higher than long. Presubocular absent. Postoculars 2 / 2, rectangular, higher than long, uppermost scale slightly larger. Temporals 2 + 2. Lower anterior temporal broad, diamond shaped, present as “ temporolabial ” scale, resulting in narrow contact between fifth and sixth supralabial. Supralabials 6 / 6, first scale smallest, fifth and sixth scale largest. First supralabial in contact with nasal, second in contact with nasal, prefrontal and preocular, third contacts preocular, third and fourth in contact with the orbit, fifth and sixth scale contact anterior and posterior temporal row. Anterior chin shields larger than posterior pair. Infralabials 7 / 7 (6 / 6 in iNaturalist 298113949), first pair in contact at midline, second scale smallest, fourth scale largest. First four scales contact anterior chin shields. Anterior chin shields subrectangular, larger than posterior. Posterior chin shields also subrectangular, in contact at midline for half their length, suture bordering gulars concave. Mental groove poorly defined, present between first infralabials and posterior chin shields.</p><p>Dentition. Maxillary teeth 8 (N = 3), blade-like, anteriormost two teeth smallest, increasing in size posteriorly.</p><p>Coloration in life. In life, Oligodon bivirgatus exhibits two distinct color morphs. Dorsal ground color of typical morph pale brown to pale reddish-brown (Fig. 14; Qian et al. 2021). A pair of dark brown paravertebral stripes present extending from nape to tail tip, each on dorsal scale rows 6–7 and 0.5–1.5 scales wide. Middorsal space between stripes 2.5–3.0 dorsal scales wide. Dorsal surface of head light brown. Ocular bar, temporal streak and nuchal chevron all present, each brown, slightly pale medially, bordered by dark pigment. Ocular bar positioned at posterior edge of rostral, extending across internasals, prefrontals, supraoculars, and anterior margin of the frontal, descending through the eye to partially cover the margins of supralabials 3–5. Temporal bar arises near middle of head, extending obliquely downwards from the posterior median of the frontal through each parietal, upper anterior temporal and both posterior temporals before terminating at the lateral end of the nape. Nuchal chevron present as an arrow-shaped marking beginning on the median edge of the parietals before continuing occipitally across the nape. Lateral edges of nuchal chevron continue as paravertebral stripes down the remaining body. Underside of head cream or white, mental scale grayish brown. Scattered irregular dark brown spots on the edges of the first 1–4 infralabials, or medially along gular scales. Ventral surface of body cream or white, small subrectangular black blotches present at intervals of one or two ventral scales on their lateral edges, though they may be continuous in some areas. An orange red midventral streak runs between the dark blotches, extending from the anterior portion of the venter. Underside of tail same color pattern as body, with both blotches and midventral streak terminating at tail tip. A single male specimen (QHU R 2024049) is the only representative of the second morph (Fig. 15). In this specimen, the dorsal ground color is reddish brown. Paravertebral stripes dark brown, well-defined anteriorly, but fainter from midbody and onwards, blending with surrounding dorsal surface. Middorsal space between each stripe orange red. Head gold brown, all markings dark brown with no light pigment medially. Ventral surface of head is tan bearing a few scattered dark spots on each anterior chin shield and a single spot on the median gular scales. Ventral surface orange red, pale spots present on lateral edges of the ventral scales anteriorly, sparser by midbody. Remaining underside of body and tail immaculate.</p><p>Coloration in preservative. In preservative after four years, ground color of typical morph brown dorsally, paravertebral stripes dark brown (Fig. 16 A, B). Ventral surface white. Orange red midventral streak no longer visible, but rectangular blotches remain distinct. Second morph pale reddish brown after more than 12 months of preservation (Fig. 16 C). The previously indistinct narrow dark stripes are more clearly visible. Ventral surface uniformly pale yellow, light blotches absent or faded.</p><p>Description of hemipenis (Fig. 17). Based on everted left organ of one adult male (QHU R 2024049). Upon full eversion, total length of hemipenis 13.12 mm, width 3.23 mm. Hemipenis thin, short, cylindrical, and unilobed, with a nearly circular cross-section, extending to the 7 th subcaudal scale when fully everted. Both sulcate and asulcate surfaces densely covered with spinous calyces, basal hooks absent. The proximal quarter with smaller and sparse spinules gradually transitioning into larger, more evenly distributed keratinized spines distally, including apical surface. Sulcus spermaticus simple, undivided, extending centripetally from lateral portion of base to median apex. Sulcus lips well-developed and raised, their walls smooth.</p><p>Distribution and natural history.</p><p>Endemic to Hainan Island, China, where it is confirmed from three localities in the southern portion of the island: Shangxi Nature Reserve, Jianfengling National Forest Park, and Diaoluo Mountain (Diaoluoshan) (Fig. 1, Suppl. material 1: table SS 1). All known sites are situated at low-to-mid elevations of (319–1,042 m asl.) and are characterized by montane and bamboo forests. A previous record of Oligodon ornatus from Jianfengling National Forest Park may also refer to this species (Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden 2001). The male specimen from Diaoluoshan Mountain (QHU R 2024049) was observed active in broadleaf forest during the afternoon (Fig. 18). Another male specimen from Jianfengling (iNaturalist 298113949) was encountered alive on forested slope adjacent to paved road approximately 1–2 hours after sunset, while an additional individual from the same area (SYS r 002952) was found dead on the road.</p><p>Conservation status.</p><p>Currently, Oligodon bivirgatus is known only from three independent localities in Hainan Province, China. Based on GeoCAT analyses, the species has an EOO of 1,073.3 km 2 and an AOO of 546.9 km 2. Field surveys further indicate that the species is restricted to elevations between 319 and 1,042 m asl., occurring only in well-preserved primary broadleaf forests and adjacent bamboo forests. No individuals have been recorded from lower elevations where habitats are more heavily affected by human activities. As the species is known from fewer than five locations and its habitat is susceptible to disturbance, it meets the conditions of Vulnerable D 2. We therefore recommend assessing Oligodon bivirgatus as Vulnerable (VU).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/056222111D7F5EFB8DA749BAFE7BEDC7	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		Pensoft via Plazi	Xu, Yuhao;Zhang, Tierui;Genter, Benjamin W.;Cai, Bo;Qi, Shuo;Ma, Shun;Sun, Fanyue;Liao, Chenxi;Poyarkov, Nikolay A.;Vogel, Gernot;Lee, Justin L.;Peng, Lifang	Xu, Yuhao, Zhang, Tierui, Genter, Benjamin W., Cai, Bo, Qi, Shuo, Ma, Shun, Sun, Fanyue, Liao, Chenxi, Poyarkov, Nikolay A., Vogel, Gernot, Lee, Justin L., Peng, Lifang (2026): Redescription and systematics of Oligodon ornatus Van Denburgh, 1909, and two enigmatic related species (Squamata, Colubridae). Zoosystematics and Evolution 102 (1): 315-346, DOI: 10.3897/zse.102.183157
1904650AFE205C2C9A55CF06F5E0461F.text	1904650AFE205C2C9A55CF06F5E0461F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Oligodon lungshenensis Zheng & Huang 1978	<div><p>Oligodon lungshenensis Zheng &amp; Huang in Huang, Zheng and Fang 1978</p><p>Figs 9, 10, 11, 12, Suppl. material 1: table S 4</p><p>Vernacular name.</p><p>Longsheng Kukri Snake / 龙胜小头蛇 (Pinyin: Lo ́ ng She ̀ ng Xia ̌ o To ́ u She ́)</p><p>Synonymy.</p><p>Oligodon guizhouensis – Li in Wu, Li, Xu, Dong and Liu (1979): 104.</p><p>Partial chresonymy.</p><p>Oligodon ornatus (in part) – Zhao et al. (1986: 157); Zhao and Yang (1997: 238 –239); Zhao (2002: 171); Li et al. (2020); Wu et al. (2023); Lee et al. (2024).</p><p>Type material.</p><p>Holotype. • FNU 64099 (or NHMG 64099; see notes about holotype) (immature male), collector and collection date unknown. Type locality: Longsheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China .</p><p>Paratype. • NHMG 64100 (immature male), sharing the same collection data as the holotype, deposited in the NHMG .</p><p>Notes about holotype.</p><p>In the original description, Huang et al. (1978) explicitly stated the holotype was deposited in Fujian Normal University and the paratype in the Natural History Museum of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (NHMG). However, both specimens were assigned NHMG catalogue numbers (Huang et al. 1978: 92). We made inquiries to the relevant institutions. At present, no archival records of O. lungshenensis or O. ornatus collected during the 20 th century are retained in the collections of FNU; therefore, the holotype of O. lungshenensis was most likely lost.</p><p>Specimens examined</p><p>(N = 11). China. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. • QHU R 2024050 (Field NO. LFR 2024180; adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=110.296&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=25.275" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 110.296/lat 25.275)">Guilin City</a> (approx. 25.275°N, 110.296°E), collected on 20 October 2024 by Y. H. Xu ; • SYS r 001529 (adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.556&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=24.293" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.556/lat 24.293)">Pinggui District</a>, Hezhou Prefecture (24.293°N, 111.556°E, 345 m asl.), collected on 16 July 2016 by the team of Y. Y. Wang . Guizhou Province. • CIB F.201109039 (Field NO. TH 1962; adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.16&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=26.37" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.16/lat 26.37)">Leigongshan</a>, Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao, and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (approx. 26.37°N, 108.16°E), collected on 24 September 2011 by the team of J. P. Jiang ; • CIB 9963 (adult male), collected in August 1976, share the same locality as CIB F.201109039; • ANU ZR 24115 (adult female), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.2367&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=26.4192" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.2367/lat 26.4192)">Fangxiang Town</a>, Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao, and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (26.4192°N, 108.2367°E, 1098 m asl.), collected in August 2024 by T. R. Zhang ; • QHU R 2025048 (Field NO. LFR 2025226; adult female), collected on 26 September 2025 by the team of L. F. Peng, shares the same locality as ANU ZR 24115 . Hunan Province. • QHU R 2024048 (Field NO. LFR 2024098; adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.39&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=26.45" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.39/lat 26.45)">Yongzhou City</a> (approx. 26.45°N, 111.39°E), collected on 10 July 2024 by the team of L. F. Peng ; • QHU R 2025057 (Field NO. LFR 2025109; adult male), collected on 09 June 2025 by the team of L. F. Peng, shares the same locality as QHU R 2024048; • ANU ZR 24103 (adult female) and • ANU ZR 240104 (adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.7465&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=27.5033" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.7465/lat 27.5033)">Longshan Forest Park</a>, Lianyuan City, Loudi City (27.5033°N, 111.7465°E, 1046 m asl.), collected in 2024 by T. R. Zhang ; • QHU R 2025049 (Field NO. LFR 2025227; adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.7465&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=27.5033" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.7465/lat 27.5033)">Longshan forest park</a>, Lianyuan City, Loudi City (27.5033°N, 111.7465°E, 1046 m asl.), collected on 12 September 2025 by the team of L. F. Peng .</p><p>Other reported specimens</p><p>(N = 24). China. Chongqing Municipality. • CTS 20090624 (adult female), from Shuishi Township, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.6873&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=29.2348" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.6873/lat 29.2348)">Qianjiang District</a> (29.2348°N, 108.6873°E; 1000 m asl.), collected on 24 June 2009 by Zhishen Fei, reported by Luo et al. (2010) . • KIZ YPX 18635, sex and collection data unknown, from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.77&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=29.53" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.77/lat 29.53)">Qianjiang District</a> (approx. 29.53°N, 108.77°E), reported by Wu et al. (2023) . Guizhou Province. • ZMU 7600060 (adult male), the holotype of O. guizhouensis, from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.2211&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=26.2257" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.2211/lat 26.2257)">Yongle Town</a>, Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao, and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (26.2257°N, 108.2211°E; 630 m asl.) ; • ZMU 770272 (adult male), • ZMU 770273 (adult male), • ZMU 770275 (adult male), • ZMU 750159 (adult female), • ZMU 770274 (adult female), and • ZMU 770271 (adult female), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=105.78&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=28.36" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 105.78/lat 28.36)">Chishui City</a>, Zunyi City (approx. 28.36°N, 105.78°E) ; and • ZMU 7610418 (adult female), • ZMU 7610419 (juvenile female), • ZMU 7610421 (juvenile female), and • ZMU 770364 (juvenile female), from Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (approx. 26.37°N, 108.16°E), all of which are designated as paratypes of O. guizhouensis . These 11 specimens were reported by Wu et al. (1979) . • TRU U R 201107001 (adult female), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=108.1601&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=27.3371" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 108.1601/lat 27.3371)">Fodingshan Nature Reserve</a>, Shiqian County, Tongren City (27.3371°N, 108.1601°E; 619 m asl.), collected on 07 July 2011, reported by Ran et al. (2012) . Hubei Province. • XDSNR 0011 (adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=109.233&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=30.067" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 109.233/lat 30.067)">Xingdoushan Nature Reserve</a>, Enshi City (30.067°N, 109.233°E; 1179 m asl.), collected on 12 August 2022, reported by Dong et al. (2023) . Hunan Province. • CWNU unnumbered (adult male), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=112.867&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=24.967" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 112.867/lat 24.967)">Mangshan National Nature Reserve</a>, Chenzhou City (24.967°N, 112.867°E, 1000 m asl.), collected July 2008, reported by Yuan et al. (2010) . • HNNU 920897 (adult female), from Shimen County, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.38&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=29.58" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.38/lat 29.58)">Changde City</a> (approx. 29.58°N, 111.38°E) ; • HNNU 810732 (adult female), • HNNU 810731 (juvenile male), • HNNU 590046 (juvenile male) from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=110.48&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=29.12" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 110.48/lat 29.12)">Dayong</a>, Zhangjiajie City (approx. 29.12°N, 110.48°E) ; • HNNU 590014 (adult female), from Jiangyong County, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.34&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=25.27" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.34/lat 25.27)">Yongzhou City</a> (approx. 25.27°N, 111.34°E) ; • HNNU 590046 (adult female), from Cili County, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.13&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=29.43" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.13/lat 29.43)">Zhangjiajie City</a> (approx. 29.43°N, 111.13°E). These 6 specimens were reported by Shen et al. (2014) . • HS 11016 (now ANU HS 11016), sex and collection data unknown, from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=111.39&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=26.45" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 111.39/lat 26.45)">Yongzhou City</a> (approx. 26.45°N, 111.39°E), reported by Li et al. (2020) . Sichuan Province. • YBU 240279 (adult female), from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=28.6517&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=106.2758" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 28.6517/lat 106.2758)">Xianlong Village</a>, Xiantan Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City (106.2758°N, 28.6517°E; 696 m asl.), collected 22 June 2023, reported by Liu et al. (2025) . Literature data from reported specimens are mentioned in the description. For electronic records, refer to Suppl. material 1.</p><p>Revised diagnosis.</p><p>A medium sized Oligodon, tail moderately long (TailLR 0.106 –0.147; in males 0.114 –0.147; in females 0.106 –0.133). Dorsal scales in 15–15 – 15 rows, all smooth, no reductions. Ventral scales 163–186, no dimorphism (163–185 in males, and 167–186 in females), no keeling. Cloacal plate divided. Subcaudals 31–40 (31–40 in males, 31–35 in females), paired. Total body scales 198–218 (198–215 in males, 201–218 in females). Subcaudal ratio 0.142 –0.188, no dimorphism (in males 0.148 –0.188, in females 0.142 –0.172). Maxillary teeth 8, posterior three teeth slightly enlarged and blade-like. Internasals absent, fused with prefrontals. Loreal absent, preocular 1, presubocular absent, postoculars 2 (rarely 1), temporals 2 + 2 (rarely 2 + 1). Temporolabial scale present. Supralabials 6 (rarely 5), 3 rd – 4 th in contact with the eye (rarely 2 nd – 3 rd in contact). Infralabials 6–7 (rarely 5), first 1–4 in contact with anterior chin shields (rarely 1–3). Dorsal surface light brown or grayish brown with a broad brown paravertebral stripe and a narrower lateral stripe on either side of body, both extending from nape to tail. Middorsal line between paravertebral stripes, same color as remaining body. A total of 9–14 irregular dorsal bands present (7–11 on body, and 1–3 on tail), some specimens exhibiting secondary bands or spots concentrated along the middorsal or paravertebral regions. Median portions of each band brown, edges normally dark brown or black. Head markings include ocular bar, temporal bar, and nuchal chevron. Ventral surface white with lateral series of black alternating rectangular blotches on ventral scales and a broad red midventral stripe in life. Hemipenis unilobed, simple sulcus spermaticus, spines gradually decreasing in size by midpoint of organ, and absent on distal one-fifth of organ and apical surface.</p><p>Description and variation.</p><p>The main morphological characteristics of O. lungshenensis are summarized in Suppl. material 1: table S 4, based on newly examined specimens in this study (N = 11) and previous reports by Huang et al. (1978), Wu et al. (1979), Zhao et al. (1986), Yuan et al. (2010), Luo et al. (2010), Ran et al. (2012), Dong et al. (2023), and Liu et al. (2025) (N = 17).</p><p>Body slender, subcylindrical. Head oblong, slightly distinct from neck. Snout elongate, narrowing in width in dorsal profile, slightly truncate in lateral profile. Eyes moderate relative to head, pupil round. Nostrils small, subelliptical, pointed laterally. Tail short to moderate, tapering gradually to sharp pointed tip. Largest specimen an adult female (ANU ZR 24115) measuring 612 mm SVL and 79 mm TailL. Largest male (uncatalogued specimen reported by Zhao et al. 1986) 550 mm SVL, 95 mm TailL. Head measurements (N = 11 unless noted otherwise) as follows: HeadL 12.8–17.3 mm (N = 12), HeadW 8.0– 10.9 mm (N = 12), SnoutL 4.1–6.1, EyeD 2.0– 3.1 mm, IOD 5.5–6.7 mm (N = 10), IND 3.6–4.9 mm, FrontalL 3.9–5.9 mm, FrontalW 3.5–5.1 mm. TailLR 0.106 –0.147 (x ̅ = 0.126 ± 0.012; N = 28), in males 0.114 –0.147 (x ̅ = 0.132 ± 0.012; N = 14), in females 0.106 –0.133 (x ̅ = 0.120 ± 0.009; N = 14), sexual dimorphism present (Student’s t-test P = 0.00468). HeadW / HeadL 0.52–0.76 (N = 12), SnoutL / HeadL 0.27–0.41 (N = 11), EyeD / SnoutL 0.36–0.51 (N = 11), EyeD / HeadL 0.13–0.21 (N = 11), FrontalL / FrontalW 1.02–1.30 (N = 11).</p><p>Body scalation. Dorsal scales in 15–15 – 15 rows, all smooth with no reductions. Ventral scales 163–186 (x ̅ = 171.0 ± 5.3; N = 28), in males 163–185 (x ̅ = 169.7 ± 5.0; N = 14), in females 167–186 (x ̅ = 172.4 ± 5.5; N = 14), no keeling. Cloacal plate divided. Subcaudal scales 31–40 (x ̅ = 34.0 ± 2.5; N = 28), in males 31–40 (x ̅ = 34.8 ± 2.9; N = 14), in females 31–35 (x ̅ = 32.6 ± 1.4; N = 14), paired. Total body scales 198–218 (x ̅ = 206.4 ± 5.5; N = 28), in males 198–215 (x ̅ = 205.9 ± 5.1; N = 14), in females 201–218 (x ̅ = 207.1 ± 5.9; N = 14). Subcaudal ratio 0.142 –0.188 (x ̅ = 0.163 ± 0.011; N = 28), in males 0.148 –0.188 (x ̅ = 0.169 ± 0.012; N = 14), in females 0.142 –0.172 (x ̅ = 0.157 ± 0.008; N = 14). Sexual dimorphism detected for subcaudal scales (Student’s t-test P = 0.01358) and subcaudal ratio (Student’s t-test P = 0.00609).</p><p>Head scalation (Fig. 9). Rostral enlarged, inflated, triangular in dorsal profile, curved onto upper surface of snout, in contact with first supralabial, nasal and prefrontals. Posterior suture of rostral obtuse angled, “ gull-wing ” shaped in dorsal profile. Condition of nasal variable, completely divided (in CIB F.201109039 and ANU ZR 24115), partially divided above (left side of head in QHU 2024050) or below nostril (4 / 11 specimens), or undivided (4 / 11 specimens + right side of head in QHU 2024050). Nostril positioned in the anterior edge of the nasal when completely divided; when partially divided, nostril positioned in the median part of the entire scale. Internasals absent, fused with prefrontals. Prefrontals subrectangular, paired, entire scale broad, 1.0–1.1 times wider than long. Anterior and posterior prefrontal sutures concave. Median prefrontal suture 2.2–2.5 times shorter than entire scale. Supraoculars longer than wide, narrower than prefrontals, posterior edge wider than anterior edge. Frontal large, pentagonal, shield shaped, longer than wide, 1.3–1.5 times longer than median parietal suture. Anterior frontal suture angled, positioned in front of eye sockets. Posterior vertex of frontal bordering parietal broad acute to weak obtuse angle (87–102 °). Parietals large, subrectangular, paired, in broad contact, entire scale 1.0–1.1 times longer than frontal. Parietal suture bordering supraocular and frontal weak obtuse angle (121–130 °), ray oriented posterolaterally. Parietals surrounded by 7–9 scales (N = 5; excluding postoculars). Loreal absent. Preocular 1 / 1, rectangular, higher than long. Presubocular absent. Postoculars 2 / 2 (19 / 28 specimens), rarely 1 / 1 (7 / 28 specimens) or 1 / 2 (2 / 28 specimens; in ANU ZR 24104 and QHU R 2025057), rectangular, higher than long, uppermost scale slightly larger. Temporals 2 + 2. In two specimens (QHU 2024048 and XDSNR 0011 fide. Dong et al. 2023) posterior temporals fused, resulting in scale formula of 2 + 1. Lower anterior temporal broad, diamond shaped, present as “ temporolabial ” scale leading to narrow contact between fifth and sixth supralabial. Supralabials 6 / 6, in one specimen 5 / 5 (YBU 240279 fide. Liu et al. 2025); first scale smallest, fifth and sixth largest. First supralabial contacts nasal, second contacts nasal, prefrontal and preocular, third contacts preocular, third + fourth contact orbit, fifth + sixth contact lower temporals. In two specimens the second + third supralabials contact orbit (YBU 240279 fide. Liu et al. 2025; ANU ZR 24115 on right side of head). Infralabials 7 / 7 (9 / 17 specimens) or 6 / 6 (8 / 17 specimens), rarely 7 / 6 (CIB F.201109039) or 5 / 6 (QHU R 2025048). First pair of infralabials in contact at midline, second scale smallest, fourth scale largest. First four infralabials contact anterior chin shields (8 / 11 specimens), exceptionally 3 / 4 (SYS r 001529), 4 / 3 (CIB F.201109039), or 3 / 3 (QHU R 2025048). Anterior chin shields subrectangular, larger than posterior. Posterior chin shields also subrectangular, in contact at midline for half their length, suture bordering gulars concave. Mental groove poorly defined, present between first infralabials and posterior chin shields.</p><p>Dentition. Maxillary teeth 8, enlarged and blade-like, increasing in size posteriorly (based on QHU R 2024048, R 2024050, R 2025057 and R 2025049). Wu et al. (1979) and Zhao (2006) recorded the same tooth counts in their material.</p><p>Coloration in life. In life (Fig. 10), dorsal surface light brown to grayish brown. A broad, paravertebral stripe present followed by narrower lateral stripe on each side of body, both brown, extending from nape to tail. Paravertebral stripes positioned on dorsal scale rows 6–7, each 2.0–2.5 scales wide; lateral stripe between dorsal scale rows 3–4, each 0.5–1.0 dorsal scales wide. One narrow middorsal line engulfed between paravertebral stripes, same color as remaining body. 7–11 transverse body bands (x ̅ = 8.7 ± 0.8; N = 26), 1–3 on tail (x ̅ = 2.4 ± 0.7; N = 26); total bands 9–14 (x ̅ = 11.3 ± 1.2; N = 28). Median portion of each band brown, lighter than the surrounding edges, which are typically dark brown or black. Some specimens exhibit secondary banding or spotting across body, concentrated middorsally or paravertebrally contributing to a more complex dorsal pattern (YBU 240279 fide. Liu et al. 2025: Fig. 1). Dorsal surface of the head light brown to grayish brown, marked by ocular bar, temporal streak and nuchal chevron. All three head markings brown or reddish brown, slightly paler medially, bordered by dark brown. Ocular bar has its apex positioned at the posterior edge of the rostral, extending across internasals, prefrontals, supraoculars, and anterior margin of frontal, descending through eye to partially covering first 2–3 supralabials. Apex of temporal streak arises near middle of head, extending obliquely across temporals to the posterior end of the head. Nuchal chevron arrow-shaped or heart-shaped, starting at median edge of parietals and extending onto nape. Ventral surface of head white, scattered with irregular black blotches. Underside of body also white, small subrectangular black blotches present across lateral edges of ventral scales. These ventral blotches are typically arranged at alternating intervals of 1–2 scales, though they can be continuous in some examples. One red midventral streak present between dark blotches extending from throat to cloaca. Underside of tail same coloration and pattern as body, though red midventral streak may become faint or absent, particularly near the tail tip.</p><p>Coloration in preservative (Fig. 11). In preservative, ground color fades to pale brown on the dorsum and creamy white on the venter. The red midventral streak is no longer visible, but the dark dorsal bans and ventral blotches remain distinct. In addition, the black ventral blotches in specimen CIB F.201109039 enlarge in the mid- to posterior body region and subsequently merge, causing the entire central portion of the ventral surface in this region to become uniformly black (Fig. 11 C).</p><p>Description of hemipenis. (Fig. 12). Description based on everted left organ of adult male specimen QHU R 2024050. When fully everted, hemipenis thin, short, and cylindrical, elliptical in cross-section, and extending to the 9 th subcaudal scale. Hemipenial total length 14.55 mm, maximum width 5.05 mm. Both sulcate and asulcate surfaces are densely covered with spines, which are arranged in approximately 15 faintly defined rows; basal hooks are absent. First sixth of hemipenis nude, followed immediately by large, keratinized spines restricted to proximal half. Width of hemipenis narrows slightly in a transverse manner past midpoint. Spines gradually decrease in size after midpoint and disappear completely at the distalmost fifth of the organ near the apex. The apical surface is predominately smooth with occasional scattered small papillae-shaped calyces. The sulcus spermaticus is simple and non-bifurcate, extending centripetally from the base to the apex. Sulcus lips well-developed, slightly raised, walls smooth.</p><p>Distribution and natural history.</p><p>This species is endemic to south to southwest China, where it is known from Chongqing Municipality, Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang AR, Guizhou Province, Hunan Province, Hubei Province, and Sichuan Province (Huang et al. 1978; Wu et al. 1979; Zhao et al. 1986; Yuan et al. 2010; Luo et al. 2010; Ran et al. 2012; Dong et al. 2023; Liu et al. 2025; this study) (Fig. 1, Suppl. material 1: table SS 1). The record from Sichuan Province was first reported from Miyi County, Panzhihua City, and was identified as Oligodon ornatus (Zhao et al. 1986; Zhao and Yang 1997; Zhao 2002). However, the described specimen was noted to lack internasal scales, a diagnostic trait of O. lungshenensis . This observation is also consistent with the more westerly distribution of O. lungshenensis compared to O. ornatus . All known localities are situated at mid-to-high elevations (between 619–1500 m asl.) in habitats characterized by evergreen broadleaf forests (Huang et al. 1978; Wu et al. 1979; Zhao et al. 1986; Zhao 2006; Yuan et al. 2010; Luo et al. 2010; Ran et al. 2012; Dong et al. 2023; Liu et al. 2025; this study). Zhao (2006) reported a female specimen of Oligodon lungshenensis from Guizhou Province containing five eggs, confirming that the species is oviparous. The same study also noted that O. lungshenensis primarily feeds on reptile eggs, but no specific predator-prey observations have been documented. When threatened and unable to escape, O. lungshenensis exposes its vividly colored ventral surface by curling and raising its tail. This species also displays marked aggressiveness when handled and will simultaneously attempt to bite and use its tail tip to jab at perceived threats.</p><p>Etymology.</p><p>Named after the type locality in Longsheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi. Treated as a Latinized adjective in nominative case. Its Chinese common name is “ 龙胜小头蛇 ” (Pinyin: Lo ́ ng She ̀ ng Xia ̌ o To ́ u She ́). In addition, since this species has long lacked a formal English name, we propose the name “ Longsheng Kukri Snake ” based on its type locality and specific epithet.</p><p>Conservation status.</p><p>Oligodon lungshenensis was previously assessed as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List (Zhou et al. 2012). Our updated and verified distributional data indicate that the species has a broader range than previously assumed. GeoCAT analysis yielded an EOO of 369,331.6 km 2 and an AOO of 42,500.0 km 2. Accordingly, we recommend that the conservation status of O. lungshenensis be revised to Least Concern (LC).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/1904650AFE205C2C9A55CF06F5E0461F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		Pensoft via Plazi	Xu, Yuhao;Zhang, Tierui;Genter, Benjamin W.;Cai, Bo;Qi, Shuo;Ma, Shun;Sun, Fanyue;Liao, Chenxi;Poyarkov, Nikolay A.;Vogel, Gernot;Lee, Justin L.;Peng, Lifang	Xu, Yuhao, Zhang, Tierui, Genter, Benjamin W., Cai, Bo, Qi, Shuo, Ma, Shun, Sun, Fanyue, Liao, Chenxi, Poyarkov, Nikolay A., Vogel, Gernot, Lee, Justin L., Peng, Lifang (2026): Redescription and systematics of Oligodon ornatus Van Denburgh, 1909, and two enigmatic related species (Squamata, Colubridae). Zoosystematics and Evolution 102 (1): 315-346, DOI: 10.3897/zse.102.183157
7A328DD2006652EABB99333797736DE1.text	7A328DD2006652EABB99333797736DE1.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Oligodon ornatus Van Denburgh 1909	<div><p>Oligodon ornatus Van Denburgh, 1909</p><p>Figs 5, 6, 7, 8, Suppl. material 1: table S 4</p><p>Vernacular name.</p><p>Ornate Kukri Snake / 饰纹小头蛇 (Pinyin: Shi ̀ We ́ n Xia ̌ o To ́ u She ́)</p><p>Synonymy.</p><p>Holarchus torquatus konishii – Oshima (1910): 196–197.</p><p>Simotes musyi – Roux (1919): 62–63.</p><p>Holarchus ornatus musyi – Mell (1931): 211.</p><p>Type material.</p><p>Holotype. • CAS 18005 (adult male), collected on 7 March 1909 by V. Kühne [J. C. Thompson]. Type locality: “ Shinchiku, Formosa ” [= Hsinchu City, Taiwan Province, China] .</p><p>Specimens examined</p><p>(N = 11). China. Anhui Province. • QHU R 2024047 (Field NO. LFR 2024097; adult male), <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=118.7915&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=30.7063" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 118.7915/lat 30.7063)">a road killed specimen from Xuanzhou District</a>, Xuancheng Prefecture (30.7063°N, 118.7915°E; 209 m asl.) collected by Y. H. Xu . Fujian Province. • CIB 9968 (juvenile), • CIB 9969 and • CIB 78058 (two adult males), • CIB 9970 (adult female), and • ANU ZR 25014 (adult male), all from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=118.035&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=27.756" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 118.035/lat 27.756)">Wuyishan</a> (formerly “ Ch’ungan Hsien ”), Nanping Prefecture (approx. 27.756°N, 118.035°E), no other collection data available ; • NHMB unnumbered (adult male), holotype of Simotes musyi, from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=118.035&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=27.756" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 118.035/lat 27.756)">Wuyishan</a> (formerly “ Ch’ungan Hsien ”), Nanping Prefecture (approx. 27.756°N, 118.035°E) donated by M. Musy, date unknown . Jiangxi Province. • SYS r 001297 (adult male) from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=114.274&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=26.759" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 114.274/lat 26.759)">Jinggangshan National Nature Reserve</a>, Jinggangshan City, Ji’an Prefecture (approx. 26.759°N, 114.274°E), collected on 30 July 2015 by the team of Yingyong Wang . Hunan Province. • CIB - CAS 102876 (adult male), from Yizhang County, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=112.851&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=24.966" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 112.851/lat 24.966)">Chenzhou City</a> (approx. 24.966°N, 112.851°E) . Taiwan Province. • UMMZ 182640 (adult male) from “ Nan-Tou, Chi-Tou ” [= <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=120.79683&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=23.674778" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 120.79683/lat 23.674778)">Xitou Nature Education Area</a>, Nantou County] (approx. 23.674778°N, 120.796833°E) collected 20 May 1983 ; • ZMMU Re-14581, from <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=121.462&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=24.644" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 121.462/lat 24.644)">Beiheng Road</a>, Mingchi Forest Area, Fuxing District (approx. 24.644°N, 121.462°E) .</p><p>Other reported specimens</p><p>(N = 15). China. Fujian Province. • FMNH 24963, • FMNH 24964, • FMNH 24965, • AMNH R-33756, • AMNH R-33757, • AMNH R-33592, • AMNH R-33593, • AMNH R-33594, • AMNH R-33595, all from Guadun Village, Wuyishan NP, Nanping Prefecture (formerly “ Kuatun Village ”) (27.735229°N, 117.641156°E), no other data available, reported by Pope (1929) and Pope (1935). Guangdong Province. • KIZ YPX 23180 from Nanling National Forest Park (approx. 24.913°N, 113.083°E) and KIZ YPX 9837 from Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan City (approx. 24.913°N, 113.082°E); no other data available, reported by Wu et al. (2023); unnumbered specimen also from Nanling National Forest Park (approx. 24.913°N, 113.083°E); no other data available, reported by Gong and He (2008). Hunan Province. • HNNU 59-14 (adult female), from Jiangyong County, Yongzhou City (approx. 25.274°N, 115.344°E); • HNNU 59-46 (adult female), from Cili County, Zhangjiajie City (approx. 29.431°N, 111.139°E); and • HNNU 810705 (adult female), from Zhangjiajie City (approx. 29.120°N, 110.485°E), no other data available, reported by Shen et al. (2014). Taiwan Province. • NTUM 84, the holotype of Holarchus torquatus konishii, from New Taipei City, Shenkeng (approx. 25.003°N, 121.617°E), no other data available, reported by Oshima (1910). Literature data from reported specimens are mentioned in the description. For electronic records, refer to Suppl. material 1.</p><p>Revised diagnosis.</p><p>A medium-sized Oligodon, tail moderately long (TailLR 0.119–0.163; in males 0.145–0.163; in females 0.119–0.128). Dorsal scales in 15–15 – 15 rows, all smooth, no reductions. Ventral scales 160–185, no dimorphism (160–173 in males and 171–185 in females), no keeling. Cloacal plate divided. Subcaudals 31–43 (34–43 in males, 31–35 in females), paired. Total body scales 199–221 (199–217 in males, 203–221 in females). Subcaudal ratio 0.153–0.205, no (in males 0.171–0.205, in females 0.153–0.158). Maxillary teeth 7–8, posterior three teeth slightly enlarged and blade-like. Internasals present. Loreal absent, preocular 1, presubocular absent, postoculars 2, temporals 2 + 2 (rarely 2 + 1, 1 + 2, or 1 + 1). Temporolabial scale present (rarely fused). Supralabials 6 (rarely 5), 3 rd – 4 th in contact with the eye (rarely 2 nd – 3 rd in contact). Infralabials 6 (rarely 7), first 1–4 in contact with anterior chin shields. Dorsal surface light brown or grayish brown with a broad brown paravertebral stripe and a narrower lateral stripe on either side of body, both extending from nape to tail. Middorsal line between paravertebral stripes, same color as remaining body. A total of 10–12 irregular dorsal bands present (8–10 on body, and 1–3 on tail), some specimens exhibiting secondary bands or spots concentrated along the middorsal or paravertebral regions. Median portions of each band brown, edges normally dark brown or black. Head markings include ocular bar, temporal bar, and nuchal chevron. Ventral surface white with lateral series of black alternating rectangular blotches on ventral scales and a broad red midventral stripe in life. Hemipenis unilobed, simple sulcus spermaticus, spines uniformly sized, absent on basal one-eighth of organ and parts of apical surface.</p><p>Description and variation.</p><p>Oligodon ornatus was previously considered to be widely distributed across numerous provinces in eastern China, including Anhui, Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Zhejiang, and Taiwan Island (Van Denburgh 1909; Pope 1935; Chen 1991; Zhao et al. 1998; Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden 2001; Zhao 2006; Gong and He 2008; Shen et al. 2014). However, many of these records represent misidentifications, especially those from Guangxi, Sichuan, Hainan, and parts of Hunan. Although specimens reported by Pope (1935) and Zhao et al. (1998) were all collected from Fujian Province, neither study provided detailed morphological data for each specimen, making detailed comparisons impossible. Furthermore, Zhao (2006) offered a general description of the species, but many records included in that study are likely inaccurate. Therefore, the redescription of O. ornatus in the present study is based only on examined material (N = 11), the original description (Van Denburgh 1909) (N = 1), and literature that includes specific specimen information and diagnostic characters (Gong and He 2008) (N = 1). The main morphological characters of the specimens used in this study are listed in Suppl. material 1: table S 4.</p><p>Body slender, subcylindrical. Head oblong, slightly distinct from neck. Snout elongate, narrowing in width in dorsal profile, slightly truncate in lateral profile. Eyes moderate relative to head, pupil round. Nostrils small, subelliptical, pointed laterally. Tail moderate, tapering gradually to sharp pointed tip. Adult SVL 292–559 mm, TailL 51–95 mm, TotalL 343–654 mm (N = 10). One immature specimen (CIB 9968) measured 147 mm SVL, 25 mm TailL (TotalL 172 mm). The largest specimen an adult male (CIB 78058) measuring 559 mm SVL and 95 mm TailL. Largest female (uncataloged specimen fide. Gong and He (2008) measured 458 mm SVL, 67 mm TailL. Head measurements (N = 8 unless noted otherwise): HeadL 9.2–18.4 mm, HeadW 5.8–13.6 mm, SnoutL 2.9–5.6 mm, EyeD 1.5–3.0 mm, FrontalL 2.8–6.1 mm, FrontalW 2.3–5.2 mm, IOD 3.2–7.8 mm, IND 3.0– 5.3 mm. TailLR 0.119 –0.163 (0.145 ± 0.013; N = 10), in males 0.145 –0.163 (x ̅ = 0.151 ± 0.007; N = 8), in females 0.119 –0.128 (x ̅ = 0.123 ± 0.006; N = 2). Slight sexual dimorphism present (Student’s t-test P = 0.04887). Head measurement ratios (all N = 8): HeadW / HeadL 0.52–0.74, SnoutL / HeadL 0.26–0.35, EyeD / SnoutL 0.43–0.57, EyeD / HeadL 0.13–0.17, FrontalL / FrontalW 1.09–1.33.</p><p>Body scalation. Dorsal scales in 15–15 – 15 rows, all smooth with no reductions. Ventral scales 160–185 (x ̅ = 168.5 ± 7.1; N = 12), in males 160–173 (x ̅ = 166.6 ± 5.1; N = 10), in females 171–185 (x ̅ = 178.0 ± 9.9; N = 2), no keeling. Cloacal plate divided. Subcaudal scales 31–43 (x ̅ = 37.6 ± 3.7; N = 12), in males 34–43 (x ̅ = 38.5 ± 3.1; N = 10), in females 31–35 (x ̅ = 33.0 ± 2.8; N = 2), paired. Total body scales 199–221 (x ̅ = 206.9 ± 7.1; N = 11), in males 199–217 (x ̅ = 205.8 ± 5.9; N = 10), in females 203–221 (x ̅ = 212.0 ± 12.7; N = 2). Subcaudal ratio 0.153 –0.205 (x ̅ = 0.183 ± 0.017; N = 11), in males 0.171 –0.205 (x ̅ = 0.189 ± 0.012; N = 8), in females 0.153 –0.158 (x ̅ = 0.156 ± 0.004; N = 2). Sexual dimorphism detected for subcaudal ratio (Student’s t-test P = 0.00018).</p><p>Head scalation (Fig. 5). Rostral enlarged, inflated, triangular in dorsal profile, curved onto upper surface of snout, in contact with first supralabial, nasal, and internasals. Posterior suture of rostral obtuse angled, “ gull-wing ” shaped in dorsal profile. Condition of nasal variable, completely divided (5 / 9 specimens), partially divided above (UMMZ 182640) or below nostril (CIB - CAS 102876, CIB 9968), or undivided (CAS 18005; holotype). Nostril positioned in the anterior edge of the nasal when completely divided; when partially divided, nostril positioned in the median part of the entire scale. Internasals trapezoidal, paired, entire scale 1.7–2.1 times wider than long (all head scale proportions N = 5 unless noted otherwise), each blocked from contacting anteriorly by suture with rostral. Anterior and posterior internasal sutures concave. Median internasal suture 1.4–2.1 times shorter than entire scale. Prefrontals subrectangular, paired, entire scale broad, 1.3–1.5 times wider than long. Median prefrontal suture 1.7–2.8 times shorter than entire scale, longer or shorter than median internasal suture. Supraoculars longer than wide, narrower than prefrontals, posterior edge wider than anterior edge. Frontal large, pentagonal, shield shaped, longer than wide, 1.1–1.2 times longer than median parietal suture. Anterior frontal suture angled, positioned in front of eye sockets. Posterior vertex of frontal bordering parietal broad acute to weak obtuse angle (90–104 °). Parietals large, subrectangular, paired, in broad contact, entire scale 1.0–1.3 times longer than frontal. Parietal suture bordering supraocular and frontal weak obtuse angle (113–130 °), ray oriented posterolaterally. Median parietal suture shorter or equal to width of entire scale. Parietals surrounded by 7–10 scales (N = 5; excluding postoculars). Loreal absent. Preocular 1 / 1, rectangular, higher than long. Presubocular absent. Postoculars 2 / 2, rectangular, higher than long, uppermost scale slightly larger. Temporals usually 2 + 2 (8 / 11 specimens). One specimen (UMMZ 182640) with fused anterior and posterior temporal rows, resulting in scale formula of 2 + 1 / 1 + 1. Another specimen (CIB 9970) with fused posterior temporal row present, leading to a 2 + 1 temporal formula. The holotype of Simotes musyi (NHMB unnumbered) has a fusion between the temporolabial and the fifth supralabial, resulting in a 1 + 2 temporal formula on each side of the head. Lower anterior temporal broad in all specimens, diamond shaped, present as “ temporolabial ” scale leading to narrow contact between fifth and sixth supralabial. Supralabials 6 / 6, in one specimen 5 / 6 (UMMZ 182640); first scale smallest, fifth and sixth scale largest. First supralabial contacts nasal, second contacts nasal, prefrontal and preocular, third contacts preocular, third + fourth contact orbit, fifth + sixth contact lower temporals. One specimen with second + third supralabials contacting orbit on left side of head (UMMZ 182640). Infralabials 6 / 6 (10 / 12 specimens), rarely 7 / 7 (uncataloged specimen fide. Gong and He 2008) or 6 / 7 (SYS r 001297). First pair of infralabials in contact at midline, second scale smallest, fourth scale largest. First four scales contact anterior chin shields. Anterior chin shields subrectangular, larger than posterior. Posterior chin shields also subrectangular, in contact at midline for half their length, suture bordering gulars concave. Mental groove poorly defined, present between first infralabials and posterior chin shields.</p><p>Dentition. Maxillary teeth 7–8, blade-like, the first is the smallest, increasing in size posteriorly (CAS 18005; ANU ZR 25014). Zhao (2006) recorded a range of 7–9 maxillary teeth, but the specimens on which this description was based include material from Sichuan, Guangxi, and Hunan, which may be misidentified.</p><p>Coloration in life (Fig. 6). In life, dorsal surface of the body light brown. A broad, paravertebral stripe present followed by narrower lateral stripe on each side of body, both brown, extending from nape to tail. Paravertebral stripes positioned on dorsal scale rows 6–7, each 2.0–2.5 scales wide; lateral stripe between dorsal scale rows 3–4, each 0.5–1.0 dorsal scales wide. One narrow middorsal line engulfed between paravertebral stripes, same color as remaining body. 8–10 transverse body bands (x ̅ = 8.8 ± 0.9; N = 11), 1–3 on tail (x ̅ = 1.8 ± 0.6; N = 11); total bands 10–12 (x ̅ = 10.7 ± 0.7; N = 12). Medial portion of each band is brown and lighter than the surrounding edges, which are typically dark brown to black. Some specimens exhibit secondary bands or spots concentrated middorsally or paravertebrally, contributing to a more complex dorsal pattern. Dorsal surface of head light brown or grayish brown marked with three distinct markings across the head and neck (ocular bar, temporal streak, nuchal chevron), each dark brown or reddish brown. Apex of ocular bar begins at the posterior edge of rostral and extends across internasals, prefrontals, supraoculars, and anterior margin of the frontal, then descends through the eye to partially cover the supralabials. Temporal streak starts near middle of the head and typically extends obliquely downward from the anterior and posterior temporals to the posterior part of the head, although in some specimens this streak may break into several irregular markings. Nuchal chevron forms an arrow or heart-shaped marking, beginning on the median portion of the parietals and continuing onto the nape. Ventral surface of head is white, scattered with irregular black markings. Underside of body also white with small subrectangular black blotches present on the lateral edges of ventral scales. Blotches are normally arranged at alternating intervals of one or two ventral scales but may be continuous or merge together. A red midventral streak runs between the dark blotches, extending from the anterior portion of the venter to the cloaca. Ventral surface of tail same color and blotch pattern as body, but red midventral streak typically fainter or absent, particularly towards the tail tip.</p><p>Coloration in preservative (Fig. 7). In preservative, ground color fades to pale brown on the dorsum and creamy white on the venter. Red midventral streak is no longer visible, but the dark dorsal bands and ventral blotches remain distinct.</p><p>Description of hemipenis (Fig. 8). The description is based on the fully everted left hemipenis of the adult male specimen QHU R 2024047. When fully everted, the hemipenis is slender and columnar, extending to the 8 th subcaudal scale. The asulcate side is relatively flat and wide, while the sulcate side is narrower and protrudes outward in an arched form. The total length is 15.12 mm, and the maximum width is 5.07 mm. Both sulcate and asulcate surfaces are densely covered with keratinized spines, which are arranged in approximately 16 rows that slope obliquely downward toward both sides from the midline of each surface; basal hook absent. The proximal one-eighth of the organ is smooth, followed by a dense region of large, relatively uniform, and laterally compressed spines. These gradually decrease in size beginning around the distal one-third. The central third of the apical surface bears spines, while the lateral thirds are smooth. The sulcus spermaticus is single and undivided, extending centripetally from the lateral base toward the distal tip. The sulcus lips are well-developed and slightly raised, walls smooth.</p><p>Distribution and natural history.</p><p>Oligodon ornatus is primarily distributed in the mainland of eastern and southern China, including the provinces of Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan, and Guangdong (Roux 1919; Pope 1935; Huang 1990; Chen 1991; Zhao et al. 1998; Gong and He 2008; this study); it is also widely distributed across the northern half of Taiwan Island, China (Van Denburgh 1909; Oshima 1910; Maki 1931; Kuntz 1963) (Fig. 1, Suppl. material 1: table SS 1). This species inhabits low to mid-elevation mountainous regions (209–1200 m asl.) in environments such as agricultural areas with cultivated crops (e. g., tea plantations or cornfields), bamboo forests, and broadleaf forests (Pope 1935; Zhao et al. 1998; Lee 2005; this study). According to available records, O. ornatus is oviparous and feeds on the eggs of other reptiles (Pope 1935; Shi and Zheng 1985; Zhao 2006; Gong and He 2008). Specifically, Pope (1935) recorded six reptile eggs in the stomach of a single specimen he collected. In addition, we observed that O. ornatus curls and raises its tail, exposing the vividly colored ventral surface when threatened and unable to escape. This behavior has been recorded previously in other Oligodon and functions as a defensive display to intimidate or deter potential predators (Mori et al. 1992). This species displays marked aggressiveness when restrained, simultaneously attempting to bite and using its specialized tail tip to jab at perceived threats.</p><p>Conservation status.</p><p>Oligodon ornatus was previously assessed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (Rao et al. 2024). Our updated and verified distributional data indicate that, although the species remains broadly distributed across eastern and southern China, its confirmed modern range is more restricted than historical records suggest. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of population decline, habitat deterioration, or severe fragmentation. GeoCAT analysis yielded an EOO of 631,670.5 km 2 and an AOO of 52,500.0 km 2. As the species does not meet the thresholds for a threatened category under criteria B or D, we recommend that O. ornatus be retained as LC.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/7A328DD2006652EABB99333797736DE1	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		Pensoft via Plazi	Xu, Yuhao;Zhang, Tierui;Genter, Benjamin W.;Cai, Bo;Qi, Shuo;Ma, Shun;Sun, Fanyue;Liao, Chenxi;Poyarkov, Nikolay A.;Vogel, Gernot;Lee, Justin L.;Peng, Lifang	Xu, Yuhao, Zhang, Tierui, Genter, Benjamin W., Cai, Bo, Qi, Shuo, Ma, Shun, Sun, Fanyue, Liao, Chenxi, Poyarkov, Nikolay A., Vogel, Gernot, Lee, Justin L., Peng, Lifang (2026): Redescription and systematics of Oligodon ornatus Van Denburgh, 1909, and two enigmatic related species (Squamata, Colubridae). Zoosystematics and Evolution 102 (1): 315-346, DOI: 10.3897/zse.102.183157
