2-foot-long predator — with ‘mesh pattern' on its eyes — discovered as new species
As night fell across southern China, a 2-foot-long creature emerged from its hiding place and moved toward a stream. Its 'mesh'-patterned eyes scanned the mountainous landscape — but it wasn't the only one looking around.
Nearby scientists spotted the 'slender' predator — and discovered a new species.
Researchers hiked into the mountains of Yuanyang Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve several times between 2023 and 2024 to survey wildlife, according to a study published March 6 in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys.
During their nighttime searches, the team found four unfamiliar-looking snakes, the study said. They took a closer look at the snakes and quickly realized they'd discovered a new species: Ovophis zhaoermii, or the Guanyinshan mountain pit viper.
Guanyinshan mountain pit vipers have 'slender' bodies, reaching over 2 feet in length, the study said. Their heads are 'pear shaped' with 'small' eyes covered in a 'black mesh pattern.' Their 'short' tails have a 'series of white spots.'
Photos show how the new species' coloring varies from dark brownish black to light brown. Irregular black patches run down the snakes' backs.
Pit vipers are generally venomous, but researchers did not provide details on the venom of the new species.
Guanyinshan mountain pit vipers were found 'on the ground beside a stream at night' at elevations of about 7,900 feet, the study said. The snakes are predators, likely feeding 'on frogs in the wild.'
Researchers said they named the new species 'zhaoermii' after the late Ermi Zhao, a Chinese professor and scientist, for 'his great contribution to herpetological research in China, especially in snake research.'
The new species' common name refers to the Yuanyang Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve where it was first discovered and, so far, the only place where it has been found. The park is in Yunnan Province of southern China and near the border with Vietnam and Laos.
The new species was identified by its body proportions, scale pattern, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 4% genetic divergence from other related snake species.
The research team included Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Mingzhong Mo, Mei Li, Biao Li, Xiong Luo, Dingqi Rao and Song Li.
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