Notes on the distribution and morphology of Coelognathus helena (Daudin, ۱۸۰۳) (Squamata: Colubridae) from Gujarat State, India

We provide an account on the distribution, morphology and biology of the Indian trinket snake, Coelognathus helena (Daudin, ۱۸۰۳) from Gujarat, India, and report the first record of the subspecies, Coelognathus helena nigriangularis Mohapatra, Schulz, Helfenberger, Hofmann, Dutta from the Gujarat state based on reptile surveys throughout the state. We show that our understanding regarding the morphology of this species is not fully known as our series of specimens shows a high range of ۲۰۴–۲۴۵ ventral scales in C. h. helena and ۲۱۹–۲۷۹ ventral scales, ۷۸–۹۸ subcaudal scales in C. h. monticollaris.

Keywords:

Colubrinae , endemic , Narmada , range extension , taxonomy