Afrotyphlops angolensis (Bocage)

Broadley, Donald G. & Wallach, Van, 2009, 2255, Zootaxa 2255, pp. 1-100 : 29-31

Afrotyphlops angolensis (Bocage)

( Fig. 4B)

Angolan blind-snake

Onychocephalus angolensis nov. sp.? Bocage, 1866a: 46. (nomen nudum)

Onychocephalus angolensis Bocage, 1866b , Jorn. Sci. Math. Phys. Nat. 1(1): 65. Type locality: “districto do Duque de Bragança, situado na latitude de Loanda, porém umas 75 leguas para o interior, portuguezas Africa occidental” [= Duque de Bragança, Malanje, Angola] (elevation ca. 1100 m), collected by F.A.P. Bayão, holotype MBL T79.1134 (destroyed by fire 18 March 1978); Roux-Estève, 1974: 47; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops (Onychocephalus) barrowii — Peters, 1877: 614.

Typhlops (Onychocephalus) congicus Boettger, 1887a , Zool. Anz. 10(267): 650. Type locality: “Povo Netonna prope urbem Banana, Congo ” [= Povo Netonna, near Banana, Democratic Republic of the Congo] (6.02°S, 12.40°E, elevation NSL), holotype SMF 16638 (formerly SMF 7040A), collected by P. Hesse, 14 June 1886; Boettger, 1887b: 150, 1888: 44, pl. 1, fig. 5; Mertens, 1922: 178, 1967: 88; Roux-Estève, 1974: 47; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops congicus — Boulenger, 1893: 40; Bocage, 1895: 63; Boettger, 1898: 4; Boulenger, 1915a: 197; Witte, 1933c: 83, 1941: 169, 1953: 144, fig. 31, 1955: 213, 1962: 42; Laurent, 1952: 270, 1953: 22, 1960b: 439; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90; Brogard, 2005: 116.

Typhlops punctatus intermedia — Bocage, 1895: 66 (part).

Typhlops punctatus — (not Leach) Tornier, 1897: 66; Lönnberg, 1907: 14; Peracca, 1909: 171 (Toro & Fort Portal); Roux, 1910: 98; Boulenger, 1915b: 615 (part); Sternfeld, 1911: 249, 1912: 263; Angel, 1925: 30; Witte, 1933b: 122, 1933c: 82, pl. 4, fig. 3.

Typhlops adolfi Sternfeld, 1910b , Mitt. Zool. Mus. Berlin, 5(1): 70. Type locality: “Fort Blus, Zentral-Afrika” [= Fort Beni, Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo], holotype ZMB 24897, collected by H. Schubotz, 1907–1908 (Adolf Friedrichs, Herzogs zu Mecklenburg Expedition); Sternfeld, 1912: 263; Boulenger, 1915b: 615 Werner, 1921: 316; Laurent, 1964a: 88; Roux-Estève, 1975b: 56.

Typhlops adolphi (sic) — Boulenger, 1915b: 615, 1915c: 642, 1920: 271; Roux-Estève, 1974: 47; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops dubius Chabanaud, 1917 , Bull. Mus. Nat. Hist. Nat., 22(7): 364, figs. 1–3. Type locality: “Volcans du Kivori, Congo belge ” [= Kivu volcanoes, Democratic Republic of the Congo] (elevation 1500 m), holotype MNHN 1916.213, collected by Gromier & Le Petit; Werner, 1921: 273; Schmidt, 1923: 32; Roux-Estève, 1974: 47, 1975b: 56; Witte, 1941: 167; Loveridge, 1942: 254; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops tornieri —(not Sternfeld) Schmidt, K., 1923: 47.

Typhlops mucruso — (not Peters) Angel, 1926: 30 (Ruwenzori).

Typhlops lestradei Witte, 1933a , Rev. Zool. Bot. Afr., 23(2): 207, figs. 1–3. Type locality: “Rubengera, Ruanda ” [= east of Lake Kivu near Kibuye, Rwanda] (2.06°S, 29.35°E, elevation 1500 m), holotype MRAC 7758, collected by F. Lestrade, 1931; Witte, 1941: 169; Roux-Estève, 1975b: 56.

Typhlops punctatus intermedius — Parker, 1936: 120.

Typhlops blanfordii — (not Boulenger) Pitman, 1938: 49, pl. 1, fig. 5, pl. 18, fig. 3, pl. U, fig. 5, 1974: 59; Loveridge, 1942: 254; Witte, 1955: 213; Roux-Estève, 1974: 47; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops punctatus punctatus — (not Leach) Bogert, 1940: 14 (part, Chogoria); Witte, 1941: 167, 1952a: 17, 1952b: 306, pl. 10, fig. 7, 1953: 139, fig. 29, 1955: 213, 1962: 40, fig. 23.

Typhlops blanfordii lestradei — (not Witte) Loveridge, 1942: 254, pl. 2, fig. 2, 1957b: 240 (part); Guibé, 1949: 225; Witte, 1955: 213, Pitman, 1974: 63.

Typhlops blanfordi lestradei — Parker, 1949: 7; List, 1966: 38, pls. 7–9, fig. 4, pl. 15, fig. 9, pl. 22, fig. 1; Langebartel, 1968: 11; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90; McDowell, 2008: 584.

Typhlops ochraceus Laurent, 1952 , Rev. Zool. Bot. Afr., 46(3–4): 269. Type locality: “Mulenge, Terr. D’Uvira, Kivu” [= Democratic Republic of the Congo] (elevation 2000 m), holotype MRAC 17636, collected 1 February 1951; Roux- Estève, 1974: 49, 1975b: 57; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops angolensis — Laurent, 1954b: 296, 1956b: 282, 1960b: 438; McDowell & Bogert, 1954: 76, fig. 14; Dessauer & Fox, 1964: 636, fig. 42.5; Tatarinov, 1964: 485, fig. 501; McDowell, 1967: 686, 1972: 237, fig. 15; Dessauer, 1970: 28, fig. 9; Roux-Estève, 1970: 2185, fig. 1, 1974: 47, figs. 8, 11, 13.9 & 27, 1975a: 490, fig. 30, 1975b: 56; Pitman, 1974: 63, pl. 18, fig. 2, pl. U, fig. 5, pl. X, fig. 2; Hahn, 1977: 37; Dowling, 1978: figs. 110.1–110.2; Spawls, 1978: 2; Groombridge, 1979a: 495, 1979b: 678; Welch, 1982: 128, 1994: 65; Hughes, 1983: 346; Derleyn et al., 1983: 771; Chifundera, 1990: 141; Broadley & Howell, 1991: 21; Hinkel, 1992: 132, fig. 120; Meirte, 1992: 22, fig. 14; Frank & Ramus, 1995: 252; Wallach, 1993a: 217, 1993b: 33, 1994: 215, 1998a: 182, 1998b: 351; Broadley, 1998b: xii; Drewes & Vindum, 1998: 50; Mattison, 1999: 147; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90; Zaher & Rieppel, 1999: 18; Lee & Scanlon, 2002: 400; Spawls et al., 2002: 288, fig., 2006: 90, fig.; Kley, 2003: 379; Murphy, 2003: 552; Largen & Parker, 2004: 37; Brogard, 2005: 114; Lötters et al., 2007: 75; Cundall & Irish, 2008: 599.

Typhlops angolensis adolfi — Laurent, 1954b: 292, 1956a: 63 & 349, fig. 5–6; 1958: 120, 1960a: 15, 1960b: 438, 1964a: 88, 1964b: 425, 1965: 14; Witte, 1962: 41; Bourgeois, 1968: 277; Hahn, 1977: 38; Fitch, 1981: 22; Hinkel, 1986: 24; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops angolensis dubius — Laurent, 1954b: 300, 1956a: 60 & 349, 1960a: 14, 1960b: 438, 1965: 14; Fox & Dessauer, 1962: 590, figs. 3–4 & 8–13; Witte, 1962: 41; Bourgeois, 1968: 277; Hahn, 1977: 38, 1980: 50; Fitch, 1981: 22; Hinkel, 1986: 24.

Typhlops angolensis irsaci Laurent, 1954b: 300, 1956a , Ann. Mus. Roy. Congo Belge, Zool., 48: 57, 349, figs. 3–4, pl. 7, fig. 4. Type locality: “Lwiro, Terr. de Kabare, Kivu, Afrique centrale” [= Democratic Republic of the Congo] (2.24°S, 28.80°E, elevation 1750 m), holotype MRAC 17573, collected by H. Van der Borght, June–July 1953; Laurent, 1956a: 349, 1960a: 12, 1960b: 438, 1965: 14; Witte, 1962: 41; Bourgeois, 1968: 277; Roux-Estève, 1974: 49, 1975b: 57; Hahn, 1977: 38, 1980: 50; Fitch, 1981: 22; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops angolensis polylepis Laurent, 1954b: 298, 1956a , Ann. Mus. Roy. Congo Belge, Zool., 48: 56, pl. 7, fig. 3. Type locality: “Kiandjo, Terr. de Mwenga, Kivu, Afrique centrale” [= Democratic Republic of the Congo] (3.40°S, 28.66°E, elevation 1850–1950 m), holotype MRAC 17571, collected by Van der Borght, 20–22 August 1949; Laurent, 1960a: 13, 1960b: 439, 1965: 14; Witte, 1962: 41; Roux-Estève, 1974: 49, 1975b: 57; Hahn, 1977: 38, 1980: 50;; Lang, 1990: 21; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops congicus lestradei — (not Witte), Laurent, 1954b: 300, 1956a: 74 & 350, 1956b: 282; Curry-Lindahl, 1956: 41; Bourgeois, 1968: 277; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops blanfordi —(not Boulenger) Laurent, 1956a: 49; Fitch, 1970: 120.

Typhlops angolensis angolensis — Laurent, 1956a: 55, 1960a: 10, 1960b: 439, 1965: 14; Witte, 1962: 40; Thys van den Audenaerde, 1965: 369; Manaças, 1974: 189; Hahn, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops angolensis adolfi x dubius — Laurent, 1956a: 68.

Typhlops angolensis symoensi Laurent, 1960a , Ann. Mus. Roy. Congo Belge, Zool., 84: 10. Type locality: “Rivière Ngovi, Territoire d’Uvira, Kivu, Congo oriental” [= Democratic Republic of the Congo] (elevation 1500–2000 m), holotype MRAC 21619, collected 20–28 December 1955; Laurent, 1965: 14; Witte, 1962: 40; Roux-Estève, 1974: 49, 1975b: 57; Hahn, 1977: 38, 1980: 50; McDiarmid et al., 1999: 90.

Typhlops congicus congicus — Laurent, 1960b: 439; Thys van den Audenaerde, 1965: 369; Mertens, 1967: 88.

Typhlops punctatus — Elter, 1981: 104.

Typhlops lineolatus lineolatus — Derleyn et al., 1983: 772.

Typhlops sp. — Hedges, 1983: 2, fig. 2.

Typhlops angolensis israci (sic) — Hinkel, 1986: 24.

Rhinotyphlops angolensis — Broadley & Wallach, 2000: 167; Broadley et al., 2003: 40, pl. 9; Broadley & Cotterill, 2004: 44; Branch, 2005: 12, fig.

Typhlops blandfordi lestradei — Cundall & Irish, 2008: 599.

Description. Snout rounded, prominent. Rostral oval dorsally with rounded posterior border, narrow ventrally; frontal subhexagonal; supraocular transverse, its lateral apex between preocular and ocular; eye visible anterior to or beneath posterior edge of preocular; nasal sulcus arising from first labial; SIP usually T-II-P (N2, N2/P, O, O), but frequently T-X (P) in an area centred on the Virunga volcanoes; MSR 24–36, reduction A/B +2 to 2, B/C 2–6; MD 350–578 (mean 424.8, n = 136); vertebrae 206–246 (mean 225.9, n = 96); MD/V ratio 1.63–2.21 (mean 1.87, n = 96); L/D ratio 26–60 (mean 37.2, n = 182). Scales dark brown, uniform or paler basally and laterally. Specimens from forest usually lack ventral pigment, those from savanna pigmented ventrally. Largest specimen (MRAC 4024—Lulenga, Kivu, DRC) has a total length of 660 mm.

Distribution. Cameroon south to Angola, east through the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, Kenya, northwest Tanzania and northeast Zambia, 675–2075 m ( Fig. 12).

Localities. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO. (Orientale Province) Akenge AMNH 11632; Bokuma nr. De Pog MCZ 57454; Djalasinda MRAC 3297, 3527, 3530; Geti Region MRAC 12091; “Ituri” MRAC 1039 (3); NMK 1981; Kilo MRAC 1959; Medje AMNH 11626–29, 11636–44; Niapu AMNH 11633– 35; Nizi MRAC 7311; Nioka, Mahagi RGMC 11511–2, 16633, 16822. (Kivu Province) Abia IRSNB 3180; Angumu MRAC 11416; Beni AMNH 11645; IRSNB 3131 (3); MRAC 17592; ZMB 24897 (holotype of Typhlops adolfi Sternfeld ); Biatu IRSNB 3129; Bobandana MNHN 1933.178; MRAC 5887–88, 5896; Bukavu MRAC 11542–45, 17580–81; Bumali IRSNB 3128; Bunyakiri IRSNB 3952; Burunga MRAC 14214; Djilube IRSNB 3142; Fizi IRSNB 21620–21; Goma IRSNB 3151; Hongo MRAC 17579; Ibanda MRAC 11771–72; Idjwi Island MRAC 15179; Ishango IRSNB 3150; Kabakule IRSNB 3137 (2); Kabambare MRAC 525; Kadjuju MNHN 1933.117; Kakurakanda Barenzi iRSNB 3175; Kilia IRSNB 3168; Kaliba IRSNB 3136; Kalondo IRSNB 3966; Kamande MRAC 14202; Kamituga MRAC 16397–98, 17569; Kiavikere IRSNB 3138; Katana MRAC 6106, 14211; Katare IRSNB 3146, 3170; Kiandjo MRAC 17571 (holotype of Typhlops angolensis polylepis Laurent ); Kikungwa MRAC 17568; Kiondo ya Kwanza IRSNB 3144; Kirotshe IRSNB 3173; Kitembo MNHN 1933.179; Libona IRSNB 3135; Lubara IRSNB 3169; Luemba MRAC 21447; Lulenga MRAC 4019, 4024, 4029–30, 4051, 9207, 9212; Lusilube IRSNB 3178; Lwiro MRAC 17573 (holotype of Typhlops angolensis irsaci Laurent ), 17574–77, 18990–19004, 19010–11, MCZ 170384–85, MZUSP 8165; Mabenga MRAC 14203–04; Mabenga IRSNB 3958; Mandundu IRSNB 3172; Manguretshipa MRAC 17570; Mt Kahusi MRAC 17578; Mt Sesero IRSNB 3963; Mulenge MRAC 17636; Munagana IRSNB 3087, 3097; MRAC 14213; Mutsora IRSNB 3111–25, 3133, 3152 (2), 3153–56, 3158–63, 3165–67; Ngokoi IRSNB 3139, 3149; Ngovi River, Uvira IRSNB IRSNB 21619; Nyambere IRSNB 3181; N’Zulu IRSNB 3965; Rugera IRSNB 3171; Rugetsi IRSNB 3148, 3179; Rutshuru IRSNB 3078, 3083–85, 3140, 3145, 3164; MRAC 11024–27, 11783, 14206–09; Ruwenzori MNHN 1923.116–17, 1950.40–42 (7); Sindibawa IRSNB 3176; Tshabondo MRAC 21556; Tshambi IRSNB 3950; Tshanzerwa IRSNB 3959; MRAC 14205;Tshumba MRAC 14212; Tubutubu MRAC 17572. Tungula IRSNB 3143; Uvira MRAC 17607. (Katanga Province) Kasenga IRSNB 3945; Mpala MRAC 11333; Nyunzu MRAC 17608; Tembwe MRAC 4218. (Kinshasa Province) Mimosa BMNH 1980.27. RWANDA. Astrida MRAC 17583–91; Chinzowe MRAC 10159–60; Cyamudongo ZFMK 61635; Gabiro MRAC 9200–01, 9987; Kisenyi MRAC 15163; Lac Tshohoha MRAC 17992; Muhavera—Sabono volcanoes MRAC 14210; Ngarama MRAC 17594; Nyakatere MRAC 17593; Nyaratunga MRAC 17597–98; Pindura ZFMK 61634; Rwankuba MRAC 17595–96; Rugege Forest MRAC 17582. BURUNDI. Kabuyenge Marsh MRAC 17599; Kiharo MRAC 17993–95; Makamba MRAC 17605–06; Mugera MRAC 17600–02; Murehe MRAC 19126; Ngozi MRAC 19125; Rusengo MRAC 17603–04; Usumbura IRSNB 3207 (2). ZAMBIA. Mbala IRSN 4005 (2). UGANDA. Bwindi Forest BMNH 1966.45; Hakitengya BMNH 1952.1.6.45; Ishingiro LIVM 1962.106.61; Kakoba LIVM 1960.67.19; Kayonza Forest BMNH 1966.45; Kazo LIVM 1962.106.62; Kisoro MCZ 48007; Lava plain, S.W. Kigezi NMZB 78; Mbarara LIVM 1962.168.30; Mubuku & Mahoma R. jct., Ruwenzori Mtns. FMNH 245126; Mushongero ( Loveridge, 1942) BMNH 1934.12.15.521, 1940.2.9.21–22; Nabugabo BMNH 1935.10.9.2; Ntandi, Bwamba Forest LACM 121601; Nyakabande ( Loveridge, 1942); Toro & Fort Portal ( Peracca, 1909). KENYA. Chogoria AMNH 2279; Chuka NMK 2120; Kitui NMK 3056; Kora Base Camp 3096; Mount Kenya AMNH 51939; Nairobi NMK 3268; Nyambeni Hills NMK 1700, 1720, 1827, 2009. TANZANIA. Geita, Mwanza NMZB 17148–49; Imanina Hills, Kibondo BMNH 1959.1.4.66; Sekenke MRAC 21949; Udzungwa Scarp Forest ZMUC 96061.