Philothamnus Smith, 1840

Marques, Mariana P., Ceríaco, Luis M. P., Blackburn, David C. & Bauer, Aaron M., 2018, Diversity and Distribution of the Amphibians and Terrestrial Reptiles of Angola Atlas of Historical and Bibliographic Records (1840 - 2017), Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 65, pp. 1-501 : 389-398

Genus Philothamnus Smith, 1840

Philothamnus angolensis Bocage, 1882 ANGOLAN GREEN SNAKE

Philothamnus angolensis Bocage 1882b:7 . Syntypes: MBL T92.1456 and others (collectors J.A. d’Anchieta and J. Horta), destroyed fire 18 March 1978. Type locality: “ Capangombe ” and “ Angola,” restricted to

“Capangombe,” Namibe Province, by Loveridge (1951:9). Ahaetulla irregularis : Günther (1865a:480). Philothamnus irregularis : Peters (1881:149), Bocage (1882b:6, 1887b:205, 1895a:85, 1896a:112), Ferreira

(1906:167). Chlorophis angolensis : Boulenger (1893:95, 1915:205), Frade (1963:252). Chlorophis irregularis : Boulenger (1893:96), Parker (1936:125), Monard (1937b:114, 121), Mertens

(1938a:439), Bogert (1940:53). Philothamnus angolensis : Bocage (1897a:200), Hughes (1985:518), Broadley (1990:238), Branch (1998:94),

Broadley and Cotterill (2004:51), Spawls et al. (2004:552), Chippaux (2006:135), Chirio and LeBreton

(2007:500), Bates et al. (2014:416), Wallach et al. (2014:542). Chlorophis (Philothamnus) irregularis : Ferreira (1903:10). Philothamnus Guntheri : Ferreira (1906:168). Philothamnus irregularis var. angolensis : Ferreira (1900a:51, 1904:115). Chl. angolensis ( Philothamnus angolensis ): Monard (1937b:114). Philothamnus irregularis irregularis : Loveridge (1951:9, 1957:261), Hellmich (1957b:64), FitzSimons

(1962:144), Manaças (1973:191).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: Cameroon east to Sudan and South Sudan, south to northern Namibia in the west and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in the east.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 353): The species is known chiefly from western Angola, however, its distribution may comprise most of country, exclusive of the desert regions of far southwestern Angola . Zaire: “ St. Salvador do Congo ” [-6.26667, 14.23333] ( Bocage 1895a:85). Uíge :

“Fazenda Otília, Encoge” [-7.55000, 15.03333]

( Manaças 1973:191). Lunda Norte: “Dundo”

[-7.36667, 20.83333] ( Laurent 1950a:8,

1954a:47, 1964a:106; Thys van den Audenaer-

de 1966:32); “Muita (Luembe E)” [-7.80000,

21.45000] ( Laurent 1954a:47). Luanda :

“Loanda” [-8.83333, 13.26667] ( Bocage

1895a:85; Ferreira 1900a:51; Monard

1937b:114). Bengo: “Cacolo ao Rio Bengo ”

( Ferreira 1900a:51). Malanje: “ Duque de Bragança ” [-9.10000, 15.95000] ( Bocage

1866a:49, 1882b:5, 1895a:85; Monard

1937b:114); “Pungo-Andongo” [-9.66667,

15.58333] ( Günther 1865a:480; Bocage

1882b:5, 1895a:85; Ferreira 1906:167; Monard

1937b:114). Moxico: “ Lago Dilolo”

[-11.50000, 22.01667] ( Manaças 1973:191).

Huambo: “Bela-Vista” [-12.36667, 16.20000] MAP 353. Distribution of Philothamnus angolensis in Angola .

( Hellmich 1957b:64); “ Mt. Moco ” [-12.41667,

15.18333] ( Parker 1936:125). Kwanza Norte: “Piri-Dembos” [-8.56667, 14.50000] ( Hellmich 1957b:64); “Ambaca” [-9.26667, 15.18333] ( Ferreira 1900a:51); “Cazengo” [-9.33333, 14.76667] ( Ferreira 1900a:51); “Cambondo” [-9.15963, 14.65771] ( Boulenger 1893:356; Ferreira 1906:167, Monard 1937b:114, Manaças 1973:193); “N’dalla Tando” [-9.30000, 14.91667] ( Ferreira 1903:10). Kwanza Sul: “Congulu” [-10.86667, 14.28333] ( Parker 1936:125); “Chingo” [-11.20000, 13.85000] ( Ferreira 1904:115; Monard 1937b:114). Bié: “Silva Porto ” [-12.38333, 16.95000] ( Manaças 1973:191). Benguela: “Quissange” [-12.43333, 14.05000] ( Bocage 1895a:85; Monard 1937b:114); “Quindumbo” [-12.46667, 14.93333] ( Bocage 1895a:85; Monard 1937b:114); “Alto Cubal” [-13.03333, 14.25000] ( Mertens 1938a:439; Hellmich 1957b:64); “Hanha” [-13.30000, 14.20000] ( Bocage 1896a:112). Huíla: “Caconda” [-13.73333, 15.06667] ( Boulenger 1893:96; Bocage 1895a:85; Monard 1937b:114); “Capelongo” [-14.91667, 15.08333] ( Bogert 1940:53); “Kuvangu/Vila-da-Ponte” [-14.46667, 16.30000] ( Monard 1937b:121); “Huilla” [-15.05000, 13.55000] ( Bocage 1895a:85, 1887b:205, 1895a:85; Monard 1937b:114). Namibe: “Capangombe” [-15.10000, 13.15000] ( Bocage 1882b:6, 7, 1897a:200; Loveridge 1951:9, 1957:261; Broadley 1990:238; Chippaux 2006:135; Chirio and LeBreton 2007:500; Wallach et al. 2014:52); “Mossamedes” [-15.20000, 12.15000] ( Bocage 1887b:205, 1895a:85). Cunene: “Ruisseau Mbalé ” [-15.16667, 16.75000] ( Monard 1937b:121); “Mupa” [-16.18333, 15.75000] ( Monard 1937b:121). Undetermined Locality: “Cuango” ( Peters 1881:149) (Malanje Province impossible to georeference: See History Section for more detailed information).

Taxonomic and distributional notes: The majority of Angolan literature records for Philothamnus irregularis ( Leach, 1819) are probably referable to P. angolensis or P. hoplogaster , two species with which it has commonly been confused ( Hughes 1985). Philothamnus irregularis is essentially a West Africa form ranging from Senegal to northern Cameroon and east to southwestern Chad. Its distribution south of Cameroon and in East Africa is a matter of contention ( Loveridge 1951; Rödel and Schmitz 2010). Current literature, including Hughes (1985), Chippaux (2006), Trapé and Mané (2006) and Wallach et al. (2014), have not included Angola in the distribution of P. irregularis , although Wallach et al. (2014) included southern and western provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo in its range. Based largely on the maps of Hughes (1985), we have tentatively allocated literature records of P. irregularis to either P. angolensis or P. hoplogaster , although all of these should be verified and some may refer to other congeners. Hughes (1985) plotted numerous records for P. angolensis , chiefly in the west of the country, based on museum specimens and one literature record from Cuando Cubango near the Namibian border, unfortunately without providing precise localities.

Philothamnus carinatus ( Andersson, 1901) THIRTEEN-SCALED GREEN SNAKE

Chlorophis carinatus Andersson 1901:9 . Syntypes: NHR 1972 (collector Knöppel), NRH 1973-76 (collectors K.W. Knutson and G. Valdau) [5 specimens]. Type locality: “Mapanja, Cameroon ” and “ Cameroon ” restricted to “Mapanja” [Sud-Ouest Province, Cameroon] fide Mertens (1964:227).

Chlorophis heterodermus carinatus : Thys van den Audenaerde (1966:32).

Philothamnus carinatus : Broadley and Cotterill (2004:51), Spawls et al. (2004:354), Chippaux (2006:135), Chirio and LeBreton (2007:504), Wallach et al. (2014:543).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is known from from Guinea to eastern Kenya and Tanzania, south to the former Katanga and northeastern Angola.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 354): The species has only been recorded from Dundo in northeastern Angola. Lunda Norte: “Dundo” [-7.36667, 20.83333] ( Thys van den Audenaerde 1966:32) .

Taxonomic and distributional notes: The Dundo record from Thys van den Audenaerde (1966) appears to be the only explicitly named locality cited for the species in Angola, how ever Wallach et al. (2014) state that the species is also distributed in the northwestern regions of Angola in Cabinda Province, perhaps based MAP 354. Distribution of Philothamnus carinatus in

Angola. on the map of Hughes (1985).

Philothamnus dorsalis (Bocage, 1866) STRIPED GREEN SNAKE

Leptophis dorsalis Bocage 1866a:48 , 1866b:69. Lecotype: MBL specimen number unknown (collector J.A. d’Anchieta), designated by Bocage (1882b:10), destroyed by fire 18 March 1978. Type locality: “ Cabinda ” and “Loanda” ( Bocage 1866a:48; 1897a:200), but given as “Duque de Bragança” and “Molembo” by Bocage (1866b:70), restricted to “Molembo (côte de Loango),” Cabinda Province, through designation of lectotype.

Leptophis dorsalis : Bocage (1867b:226).

Ahaetulla dorsalis : Günther (1876b:679).

Philothamnus dorsalis : Bocage (1882b:10, 1887a:185, 1895a:92, 1897a:200), Boulenger (1893:101, 1915:206), Ferreira (1897b:244), Hughes (1985:520), Chippaux (2006:133), Chirio and LeBreton (2007:506), Wallach et al. (2014:544).

Philothamnus semivariegatus dorsalis : Bogert (1940:56), Loveridge (1933:238, 1951:11, 1957:262), Hellmich (1957b:65).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is known from Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 355): The species occurs in the central-north western

Angola. Cabinda: “Molembo” [-5.33333,

12.20000] ( Bocage 1866b:69, 1882b:10,

1895a:92; Loveridge 1933:238, 1951:11,

1957:262; Chirio and LeBreton 2007:506; Wallach et al. 2014:544); “ Cabinda ” [-5.55000,

12.18333] ( Bocage 1866a:48, 1895a:92,

1897a:200). Zaire: “S. Salvador do Congo”

[-6.26667, 14.23333] (Bocage 1881a:185,

1895a:92). Luanda: “Loanda” [-8.83333,

13.26667] ( Bocage 1866a:48, 1867b:226,

1882b:10, 1895a:92, 1897a:200; 1957:262).

Bengo: “ Rio Dande ” [-8.46667, 13.38333]

( Bocage 1882b:10, 1895a:92). Malanje:

“ Duque de Bragança ” [-9.10000, 15.95000]

( Bocage 1866b:69; Loveridge 1933:238);

“ Pungo-Andongo” [-9.66667, 15.58333] MAP 355. Distribution of Philothamnus dorsalis in Angola .

( Bocage 1882b:10; 1895a:92). Kwanza Norte:

“Dondo” [-9.66667, 14.41667] ( Hellmich 1957b:65). Kwanza Sul: “Libolo” [-9.98333, 14.90000] ( Hellmich 1957b:65). Benguela: “Catumbella” [-12.43333, 13.55000] ( Bocage 1867c:226, 1882b:10, 1895a:92); “Benguella” [-12.58333, 13.41667] ( Bocage 1867b:226, 1882b:10, 1895a:92; Boulenger 1893:101); “Dombe” [-12.95000, 13.10000] ( Bocage 1867c:226; Hughes 1985:520). Huíla: “Caconda” [-13.73333, 15.06667] ( Ferreira 1897b:244; Hughes 1985:520).

Undetermined Locality: “no locality” ( Ferreira 1897b:244); “Carangigo” [-13.03333, 13.73333] ( Boulenger 1893:101); “Benguella to Ogouoé” ( Boulenger 1893:101).

Taxonomic and distributional notes: The species was described as new by Bocage in two different papers (1866a, b), both of which appeared in the November 1866 issue of the same journal. Unlike many of the descriptions in 1866a, however, that of Leptophis dorsalis is a nomen nudum as there is no description, only a statement that it is similar to Leptophis Chenoni [= Philothamnus irregularis ]. In the first paper, two specimens from “ Cabinda ”, (collected by Anchieta) and “Loanda” (collected by Bayão) were noted. In the description that made the name available, Bocage (1866b) cited the “ Cabinda ” specimen as being from “Molembo” and that collected by Bayão from “Duque de Bragança.” Bocage (1882b) refered to the Molembo specimen as the type, and mentioned numerous other specimens, but none from Duque de Bragança. In Bocage’s (1897a) type catalogue he again referred only to “ Cabinda ” and “Loanda.” The locality “Duque de Bragança” may have been an error, as Bocage never cited it in his subsequent works. However, ZMB 6467 is marked in the Berlin catalogue as a type specimen from “ Angola ” obtained from Bocage, and it is also possible that the “Duque de Bragança” specimen had been traded away before Bocage’s (1882b) paper on Philothamnus . Bogert (1940), Loveridge (1933, 1951, 1957), and Hellmich (1957b) considered P. dorsalis as a subspecies of P. semivariegatus , however, according to Hughes (1985) this is untenable on geographic grounds, since the two co-occur in the lower Congo.

Philothamnus heterodermus ( Hallowell, 1857 EMERALD GREEN SNAKE

Chlorophis heterodermus Hallowell 1857:54 . Holotype: ANSP 5219 . Type locality: “ Gaboon country” [= Gabon].

Philothamnus heterodermus : Bocage (1895a:89), Hughes (1985:514), Chippaux (2006:130), Chirio and LeBreton (2007:508), Ceríaco et al. (2014b:671), Wallach et al. (2014:544).

Chlorophis heterodermus : Parker (1936:125).

Philothamnus heterodermus heterodermus : Loveridge (1951:6), Hellmich (1957b:64).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is known from Guinea-Bissau to Uganda, Burundi, Rwanada and Tanzania, and south through Gabon,

Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo,

and Angola.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 356): The species occurs in northwestern Angola , including the Cabinda encalve. Malanje: “Capanda”

[-9.72841, 15.34585] (Ceríaco et al.

2014b:671). Kwanza Norte: “Piri-Dembos”

[-8.56667, 14.50000] ( Hellmich 1957b:64;

Hughes 1985:514). Kwanza Sul: “Congulu”

[-10.86667, 14.28333] ( Parker 1936:125;

Hughes 1985:514).

Taxonomic and distributional notes:

Hughes (1985) regarded a record from Karibib in central Namibia as valid, however, we reject this, as only P. angolensis Bocage, 1882

P. ornatus Bocage, 1872 , and P. semivariegatus

( Smith, 1840) are now believed to occur in MAP 356. Distribution of Philothamnus heterodermus in Angola.

Namibia.

Philothamnus heterolepidotus ( Günther, 1863) SLENDER GREEN SNAKE

Ahaetulla heterolepidota Günther 1863:286 . Holotype: BMNH 1946.1.10.21 (collector unknown). Type locality: “Africa,” restricted to “West Africa” by Boulenger (1894:96). Lepthophis heterolepidota : Bocage (1866a:48, 1866b:69). Philothamnus heterolepidotus : Bocage (1879b:95, 1882b:8-9, 1887a:185, 1895a:88), Loveridge (1951:10,

1957:261), Laurent (1954a:48), Hughes (1985:525), Broadley et al. (2003:195), Spawls et al. (2004:356),

Chippaux (2006:131), Chirio and LeBreton (2007:510), Wallach et al. (2014:544). Chlorophis heterolepidotus : Boulenger (1893:95, 1905:112, 1915:205), Monard (1937b:120), Laurent

(1950a:8, 1964a:105), Thys van den Audenaerde (1966:33). Philothamnus irregularis irregularis : Manaças (1873:191).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is known from Sierra Leone to Sudan, Kenya and western Ethiopia south to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Zambia.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 357): The species occurs in the entire country with exception of the arid desert areas. Cabinda: “ Cabinda ” [-5.55000, 12.18333] ( Bocage 1895a:88). Zaire: “S. Salvador do Congo” [-6.26667, 14.23333] ( Bocage 1887a:185, 1895a:88). Luanda: “Loanda” [-8.83333, 13.26667] ( Bocage 1887a:185). Lunda Norte: “Dundo” [-7.36667, 20.83333] ( Laurent 1950a:8, 1954a:48); “Dundo, R. Mussungue” [-7.41667, 20.83333] ( Thys van den Audenaerde

1966:33); “Muita (Luembe E)” [-7.80000,

21.45000] ( Laurent 1950a:8); “Cassange”

[-9.58333, 17.86667] ( Bocage 1895a:88;

Monard 1937b:114). Moxico: “environs du lac

Calundo, near Cameia” [-11.80000, 20.86667]

( Laurent 1964a:105); “Ñaricumbi, Réserve de chasse de Cameia” [-11.83333, 21.00000]

( Laurent 1964a:105); “Margens do rio Lungué,

Bingo-Moxico” [-12.45000, 20.05000] ( Manaças 1973:191). Malanje: “ Duque de Bragança ” [-9.10000, 15.95000] ( Bocage 1866a:48,

1866b:69, 1882b:8, 1895a:88; Boulenger

1905:112; Monard 1937b:114). Kwanza

Norte: “Dondo” [-9.68333, 14.43333] ( Bocage

1882a:8, 1895a:88; Monard 1937b:114).

Huambo: “Bimbi” [-11.81667, 15.83333]

( Monard 1937b:114, 120). Benguela: “Quibula” [-12.28333, 14.68333] ( Bocage 1895a:88; MAP 357. Distribution of Philothamnus heterolepidotus in Angola.

Monard 1937b:114). Huíla: “Caconda”

[-13.73333, 15.06667] ( Bocage 1882b:8, 1895a:88; Monard 1937b:114). Cuando Cubango: “Kutatu” [-14.36667, 16.48333] ( Monard 1937b:114, 120). Undetermined Locality: “Cuango” ( Bocage 1887a:185) (Malanje Province impossible to georeference: See History Section for more detailed information).

Taxonomic and distributional notes: Wallach et al. (2014) noted that the BMNH catalogue lists BMNH 1946.1.10.25 as a type, but the specimen under this number is actually listed as Ahaetulla gracillima Günther, 1888 , a junior synonym of P. heterolepidotus ( Günther, 1863) . According to Hughes (1985) Philothamnus heterolepidotus is difficult to distinguish from P. irregularis ( Leach, 1819) . Loveridge (1951) also noted this and remarked that this species was, for some time, misidentified as P. natalensis ( Smith, 1848) or P. ornatus (Bocage, 1862) [= Philothamnus ]. Monard’s (1937b) specimens from “Bimbi,” Huambo Province and “Kutatu” Cuando Cubango Province, could possibly belong to ornatus ( Loveridge 1951) .

Philothamnus hoplogaster ( Günther, 1863) SOUTHEASTERN GREEN SNAKE

Ahaetulla hoplogaster Günther 1863:286 . Syntypes: BMNH 1946.1.6.1 (formerly BMNH 62.3.14.6), 1946.1.6.6 and 1946.1.6.14 (formerly BMNH 62.3.14.12) (collector T. Ayres) [BMNH 1946.1.6.6 is list- ed in the BMNH register as having the locality “Off Natal” and no collector is listed]. Type locality: “Port Natal” ( Günther 1863:286), [= Durban, eastern KwaZulu-Natal], South Africa.

Ahaetulla irregularis [part]: Günther (1865a:480).

Leptophis Chenoni : Bocage (1866a:49).

Philothamnus irregularis : Peters (1877a:615), Bocage (1882b:6, 1895a:85), Ferreira (1906:167).

Philothamnus hoplogaster : Bocage (1887a:186; 1895a:86), Branch (1998:94), Hughes (1985:517), Spawls et al. (2004), Bates et al. (2014:417), Wallach et al. (2014:545), Conradie et al. (2016:19) .

Chlorophis irregularis : Parker (1936:125), Monard (1937b:114), Themido (1941:10), Laurent (1950a:8).

Chlorophis sp. ( hoplogaster ?): Monard (1937b:114, 120).

Philothamnus irregularis irregularis : Hellmich (1957b:64), Laurent (1954a:47).

Chlorophis hoplogaster : Frade (1963:253), Laurent (1964a:103), Thys van den Audenaerde (1966:32).

Chlorophis irregularis shiranus : Thys van den Audenaerde (1966:32), Laurent (1964a:103).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa from Cameroon to South Sudan and south to Angola in the west and western South Africa in the east.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 358): The species occurs appears to be widespread, particularly in the central and northern regions of

Angola. Cabinda: “Chinchoxo” [-5.10000,

12.10000] ( Peters 1877a:615; Bocage 1882b:6,

1895a:85); “ Cabinda ” [-5.55000, 12.18333]

( Bocage 1895a:85). Zaire: “S. Salvador do

Congo ” [-6.26667, 14.23333] ( Bocage

1887a:186; 1895a:86). Lunda Norte: “Camissombo” [-8.15000, 20.65000] ( Laurent

1964a:106). Lunda Sul: “Alto Chicapa”

[-10.88333, 19.23333] ( Laurent 1964a:106);

“ sources du Cuílo, Alto Chicapa” [-10.91667,

19.33333] ( Laurent 1964a:103); “Mutianvo”

[-11.45000, 19.33333] ( Themido 1941:10).

Malanje: “ Malanje ” [-9.55000, 16.35000]

( Bocage 1882b:6, 1895a:85; Monard

1937b:114). Huambo: “Bimbi” [-11.81667, MAP 358. Distribution of Philothamnus hoplogaster in 15.83333] ( Monard 1937b:120). Cuando Angola.

Cubango: “ Cuito River system” (photographic record) [-14.14889, 18.81000] ( Conradie et al. 2016:19) .

Taxonomic and distributional notes: The majority of Angolan literature records for Philothamnus irregularis ( Leach, 1819) are probably referable to P. angolensis or P. hoplogaster , two species with which it has commonly been confused ( Hughes 1985). Philothamnus irregularis is essentially a West Africa form ranging from Senegal to northern Cameroon and east to southwestern Chad. Current literature, including Hughes (1985), Chippaux (2006), Trapé and Mané (2006) and Wallach et al. (2014), have not included Angola in the distribution of P. irregularis . Based largely on the maps of Hughes (1985), we have tentatively allocated literature records of P. irregularis to either P. angolensis or P. hoplogaster , although all of these should be verified and some may refer to other congeners. Hughes (1985) provided a distribution map for Philothamnus hoplogaster with literature records, museum records and previouisly unpiblished D. G. Broadley records. Hughes (1985) provisionally accepted a record from Damaraland, northern Namibia as valid, however, we follow FitzSimons (1962) and Broadley (1983, 1990) in rejecting this. Only P. angolensis Bocage, 1882 , P. ornatus Bocage, 1872 , and P. semivariegatus ( Smith, 1840) are confirmed to occur in Namibia.

Philothamnus nitidus loveridgei ( Laurent, 1960) LOVERIDGE’S GREEN BUSH SNAKE

Ahaetulla nitida Günther 1863:286 . Syntypes: BMNH 1946.1.10.24 (collector Col. E. Sabine) and BMNH 1946.1.6.2 (formerly BMNH 71.4.21.5) (collector unknown). Type locality: “ Demerara ” [ Guyana], in error, corrected to “ Lagos ” [ Nigeria] by Boulenger (1894:101] fide Wallach et al. (2014:546) and “not known”.

Philothamnus nitidus loveridgei Laurent (1960:40) . Holotype: MRAC (formerly RGMC) 18423 (collector R. F. Laurent). Type locality: “Itula, 650 m., Territoire de Shabunda, Kivu” [ South Kivu Province , Democratic Republic of Congo].

Chlorophis nitidus loveridgei : Laurent (1964a:106), Thys van den Audenaerde (1966:33).

Philothamnus nitidus : Spwals et al. (2004:359), Chippaux (2006:132), Chirio and LeBreton (2007:516), Wallach et al. (2014:546).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is known from West and Central Africa, form Sierra Leone to the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjacent eastern Angola, east to southwestern Kenya and southwestern Tanzania. The subspecies P. n. loveridgei occupies the eastern portion of the range, from the eastern Congo eastwards, including all of the Democratic Republic of Congo and northeastern Angola.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 359): The species has been recorded only from “Dundo,”

Lunda Norte Province. Lunda Norte:

“Dundo” [-7.36667, 20.83333] ( Laurent

1964a:106; Thys van den Audenaerde

1966:33).

Taxonomic and distributional notes:

Hughes (1985) noted that BMNH 1946.1.10.24

is one of the types of P. nitidus , the individual supposedly from Demerara , but that it is actually referable to the species from São Tomé,

P. thomensis Bocage, 1882 . Both BMNH

1946.1.10.28 and 1946.1.6.2, regarded as the syntypes of P. nitidus by Wallach et al. (2014)

are indicated as types of Ahaetulla lagoensis in the BMNH register, with the explicit locality

“ Lagos.” This conflicts with the statement by

Wallach et al. (2014) that BMNH 1946.1.10.28 MAP 359. Distribution of Philothamnus nitidus loveridgei in Angola.

is listed as a type of P. nitidus in the BMNH

register. It is clear that some confusion still surrounds the types of P. nitidus and similar forms in the BMNH collection. The majority of recent authors (e.g., Spwals et al. 2004; Chippaux 2006; Chirio and LeBreton 2007) have not included Angola in the distribution of Philothamnus nitidus . However, Laurent (1964a), and later Thys van den Audenaerde (1966) reported specimens identified as Philothamnus nitidus loveridgei Laurent, 1960 from Dundo, and this locality was accepted and plotted by Hughes (1985). The nominotypical subspecies has not been reported from Angola, but according to Hughes (1985) it occurs very near to Cabinda. It is likely that P. n. loveridgei also occurs in Zaire Province, based on the proximity of records from the southern bank of the lower Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Philothamnus ornatus Bocage, 1872 ORNATE GREEN SNAKE

Philothamnus ornatus Bocage 1872:80 . Syntypes: MBL [2 specimens from Huíla] (collector J.A. d’Anchieta) and MBL [from Cacheu] (collector C. Hopffer), all destroyed by fire 18 March 1978. Type locality: “Huilla,” Angola and “ Cacheu, sur la côté de Guinée, Afrique occidentale” [= Cacheu], Guinea-Bissau, restrict- ed to “Huilla, Angola,” Huíla Province by Bogert (1940:51).

Philothamnus ornatus : Bocage (1882b:16, 1895a:93, 1897a:200), Hellmich (1957b:65), Broadley (1990:236), Branch (1998:94), Spawls et al. (2004:359), Chippaux (2006:134), Chirio and LeBreton (2007:518), Wallach et al. (2014:546), Conradie et al. (2016:19) .

Chlorophis ornatus : Boulenger (1893:93, 1905:112), Monard (1937b:119), Bogert (1940:51), Frade (1963:252).

Philothamnus irregularis ornatus : Loveridge (1958:84, 1951:8).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is distributed from eastern Zimbabwe, Malawi, and eastern Zambia, through northern Botswana and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to western Angola. Disjunct records exist from Cameroon and the far northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Ocurrences in Angola (Map 360): The species occurs from northwestern to southern

Angola. Huambo: “Bela-Vista” [-12.36667,

16.20000] ( Hellmich 1957b:65); “ Huambo ”

[-12.83333, 15.66667] ( Bogert 1940:51).

Huíla: “Caconda” [-13.73333, 15.06667]

( Bocage 1882b:16, 1895a:93; Monard

1937b:114; Loveridge 1958:84); “Kalukembé”

[-13.78333, 14.68333] ( Monard 1937b:114,

119); “Huilla” [-15.05000, 13.55000] ( Bocage

1872:80, 1882b:16, 1895a:93, 1897a:200;

Monard 1937b:114; Loveridge 1951:8,

1958:84; Broadley 1990:236; Chippaux

2006:134; Chirio and LeBreton 2007:518; Wallach et al. 2014:546). Cunene: “Chimporo”

[-16.03333, 17.15000] ( Monard 1937b:114,

119; Loveridge 1958:84); “ Cunene ” ( Bocage

1882b:17, 1895a:93; Monard 1937b:114; MAP 360. Distribution of Philothamnus ornatus in Angola.

Loveridge 1958:84). Cuando Cubango:

“Kutatu” [-14.36667, 16.48333] ( Monard 1937b:114, 119; Loveridge 1958:84); “Cuito basin (24)” [-14.06622, 18.46722] ( Conradie et al. 2016:8-9, 19). Undetermined Locality: “Between Benguela and Bihé” ( Boulenger 1905:112; Monard 1937b:114; Loveridge 1958:84).

Taxonomic and distributional notes: Bocage (1872) gaive “ Cacheu ” as the type locality of P. ornatus although both Bogert (1940) and Loveridge (1958) suspected that this locality corresponded to an error in labeling and considered “Huilla” as the type locality. Loveridge (1951) treat- ed P. ornatus as a race of Philothamnus irregularis ( Leach, 1819) , whereas Hughes (1985) considered it a full species. Loveridge (1951) noted that Monard’s (1937b) specimens of Chlorophis heterolepidotus ( Günther, 1863) from “Bimbi” and “Kutatu,” could possibly belong to this species ( Loveridge 1958).

Philothamnus semivariegatus ( Smith, 1840) SPOTTED BUSH SNAKE

Dendrophis (Philothamnus) semivariegata Smith 1840 : pls. 59–60, first of two unnumbered pages of accompanying text. Lectotype: NMSZ 1859.13.1257a, formerly RSM (collector A. Smith), designated by Bogert (1940:56). Type locality: “Bushman Flat” and “the country beyond Kurrichaine,” South Africa,” restrict- ed to “Bushman Flat” by designation of lectotype.

Philothamnus Smithii : Bocage 1882b:12, fig. 5. Syntypes: MBL specimen numbers unknown (collectors Ferreira Borges [Bissau], d’Anchita [Catumbella, Huilla, Humbe, Capangombe, Maconjo]). Type locality: “ Bissau ( Guinée du Cap-Vert) et … plusieurs localités d’Angola” (“Catumbella [ Benguela Province ] … Huilla [ Huilla Province ] … Humbe [ Cunene Province ] … Capangombe [Namibe Province] … Maconjo [Namibe Province]”) .

Ahaetulla Bocagii Günther 1888:326 . Holotype: BMNH specimen number unknown (collector Lieutenant V.L. Cameron). Type locality: “ Angola.”

Philothamnus semivariegatus : Boulenger (1893:99), Bocage (1895a:90, 1896a:112), Ferreira (1897b:244), Monard (1937b:122), Schmidt (1933:13), Thys van den Audenaerde (1966:33), Hughes (1985:522), Branch (1998:93), Chippaux (2006:129), Trapé and Mané (2006:140), Chirio and LeBreton (2007:520), Wallach et al. (2014:547).

Philothamnus semivariegatus semivariegatus : Mertens (1938:439), Laurent (1950a:8, 1954a:48); Loveridge (1951:11, 1957:262), Haacke (1985:7).

Philothamnus sp. (alf. semivariegatus ): Thys van den Audenaerde (1966:33).

Global conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated.

Global distribution: The species is extremely widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and Niger to Sudan and Ethiopia, and south to South Africa.

Ocurrences in Angola (Map 361): The species has been reported from across the entire country except parts of the northwest and the desert regions of far southwestern Angola.

Lunda Norte: “Dundo” [-7.36667, 20.83333]

( Laurent 1950a:8, 1954a:48 1964a:107; Thys van den Audenaerde 1966:33). Moxico: “environs du lac Calundo” [-11.80000, 20.86667]

( Laurent 1964a:107). Bié: “Chitau”

[-11.43333, 17.15000] ( Schmidt 1933:13).

Benguella: “Catumbella” [-12.43333,

13.55000] ( Bocage 1882b:12, 1895a:90);

“Cubal” [-13.03333, 14.25000] (Mertens

1938:439); “Hanha” [-13.30000, 14.20000]

( Bocage 1895a:90). Huilla: “ Rio Cuce”

[-13.51667, 15.20000] ( Ferreira 1897b:244);

“Quillengues” [-14.06667, 15.08333] ( Bocage

1895a:90); “Kuvangu/Vila-da-Ponte” MAP 361. Distribution of Philothamnus semivariegatus in Angola.

[-14.46667, 16.30000] ( Monard 1937b:122);

“Huilla” [-15.05000, 13.55000] ( Bocage 1882b:12, 1895a:90). Namibe: “Maconjo” [-15.01667, 13.20000] ( Bocage 1882b:12); “Capangombe” [-15.10000, 13.15000] ( Bocage 1895a:90; Haacke 1985:8). Cunene: “Chimporo” [-16.03333, 17.15000] ( Monard 1937b:122); “Humbe” [-16.68333, 14.90000] ( Bocage 1882b:12, 1895a:90; Boulenger 1893:99). Cuando Cubango: “Kutatu” [-14.36667, 16.48333] ( Monard 1937b:122); “Kakindo” [-15.45000, 17.05000] ( Monard 1937b:122).

Taxonomic and distributional notes: Bocage (1882b) mentioned specimens of Philothamnus Smithii from “Huilla”, “Humbe”, “Catumbella” and “Maconjo” and noted that the individuals from the last two localities resemble Philothamnus variegata ( Smith, 1840) [= Philothamnus semivariegatus ( Smith, 1840) ]. However, due the impossibility of the comparison with variegata specimens at the time there was no confirmation of their specific identity. Later, Günther (1888) described a new species as Ahaetulla Bocagii based on a specimen from Angola without a precise location, collected by Lieutenant Cameron.