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News18
07-08-2025
- Science
- News18
Mizoram University researchers discover new snake species
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Aizawl, Aug 7 (PTI) Researchers from the Zoology Department of Mizoram University have discovered a new species of snake — 'Smithophis laptofasciatus'. The new species was discovered after studying its scales, morphological features and DNA during herpetological expeditions, Professor H T Lalremsanga, who heads the Zoology Department, said. The findings of the new research were published in the international scientific journal, 'Taprobanica' (The Journal of Asian Biodiversity) on August 5, he said. According to Lalremsanga, five Smithophis snake species have been discovered so far worldwide. They are mainly found in India's Northeast and neighbouring regions, he said. Of the five species, two species — Smithophis atemporalis and Smithophis mizoramensis — were discovered in Mizoram, he said. Although the new finding was described as Smithophis bicolour, which was discovered in Meghalaya in 1855, a thorough study revealed that Smithophis laptofasciatus differs from the latter in its DNA and morphological features by 11.5 per cent, which confirmed it to be a new species, he said. Smithophis laptofasciatus is non-venomous and mainly feeds on worms, he said, adding it lives in dense forests. PTI CORR ACD view comments First Published: August 07, 2025, 14:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
06-08-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Smithophis leptofasciatus: New species of rain snake found in Mizoram
A team of researchers from Mizoram University have discovered a new species of rain snake. The discovery, led by Prof HT Lalremsanga, head of the department of zoology, along with research scholar Lalmuansanga and their colleagues, has been formally published in the latest issue of Taprobanica: The Journal of Asian Biodiversity (Vol. 14, Issue No. 02), dated August 5, 2025. The new species has been named Smithophis leptofasciatus. (HT sourced photo) The new species has been named Smithophis leptofasciatus. Speaking about the significance of the discovery, Prof HT Lalremsanga said, 'This brings the total number of known Smithophis species to five, all discovered from northeastern India and its surrounding areas.' Also Read: Schistura Densiclav: New species of cave-dwelling fish found in Meghalaya 'Out of these, two species — Smithophis atemporalis and Smithophis mizoramensis — were previously discovered from Mizoram. The newly identified Smithophis leptofasciatus shows a genetic and morphological difference of 11.5% compared to its closest relatives,' the professor said. According to the professor, these snakes are commonly referred to as 'rain snakes' because they thrive in wet habitats, often found near streams and other water sources.
