Studies on Anacondas III. A Reappraisal of Eunectes beniensis Dirksen, 2002, from Bolivia, and a Key to the Species of the Genus Eunectes Wagler, 1830 (Serpentes: Boidae)

Lutz Dirksen, Wolfgang Böhme

Abstract


Eunectes beniensis Dirksen, 2002 is a recently discovered anaconda species from Beni Province, Bolivia. Based on morphological and molecular genetic evidence, E. beniensis is closer related to E. notaeus and E. deschauenseei than to E. murinus. The phylogenetic relationships within Eunectes are currently best described as: E. murinus [E. beniensis (E. deschauenseei, E. notaeus)]. E. beniensis is easily recognizable by its brown to olive-brownish ground color in combination with five head stripes and less than 100 large dark, solid dorsal blotches which always lack lighter centers. An identification key for the species of Eunectes is provided.

Keywords


Reptilia; Squamata; Serpentes; Boidae; Eunectes beniensis; taxonomy; identification key

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2005-12-3-223-229

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