Oxyrhabdium, Boulenger, 1893

Weinell, Jeffrey L., Hooper, Errol, Leviton, Alan E. & Brown, Rafe M., 2019, Illustrated Key to the Snakes of the Philippines, Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 66 (1), pp. 1-49 : 31-32

Oxyrhabdium

Key to Philippine species.

1a. Loreal scale separated from or in contact with second supralabial scale; if loreal scale in contact with second supralabial scale, their length of contact is less than half the length of the contact between loreal and postnasal scales ( Fig. 42A ); usually eight supralabial scales (rarely seven), with fifth and six (rarely fourth and fifth) supralabial scales bordering eye ( Fig. 42A ); dorsal surfaces of head, body, and tail brown or reddish-brown in color; juveniles have distinct white nuchal collar, but lack light crossbands on other parts of the body............................................................... Oxyrhabdium modestum

1b. Length of contact between loreal scale and second supralabial scale similar to length of contact between loreal scale and postnasal scale ( Fig. 42B ); seven supralabial scales, with fourth and fifth supralabial scales bordering eye ( Fig. 42B ); dorsal surfaces of head, body, and tail dark gray or olive in color; juveniles have distinct white nuchal collar plus light crossbands on other parts of body and tail; pale crossbands may be faintly visible in adults....................... 2

2a. Adult dorsal color pattern uniform (lacking pale crossbands); number of ventral body scales + subcaudal scales 192–230.......................... Oxyrhabdium leporinum leporinum

2b. Adults and juveniles with narrow white dorsal body crossbands and white nuchal collar; number of ventral body scales + subcaudal scales 221–235... Oxyrhabdium leporinum visayanum

Figures

FIGURE 42. Lateral view of head of (A) Oxyrhabdium modestum (KU 311301), (B) Oxyrhabdium leporinum leporinum (KU 322335). Loreal scale (green), postnasal scale (blue), second supralabial scale (purplish-gray).