Ethiopian highlands yield a new species of egg-eating snake
A new-to-science species of egg-eating snake has been documented in the forested mountains of southern Ethiopia, according to a recent study. The snake, which has an ink-black body, bluish skin between its scales, and stark-white throat and belly, has been named the white-throated egg-eater (Dasypeltis albigularis). It’s nonvenomous, feeding entirely on bird eggs, which it […]
A previously undiscovered species of egg-eating snake, named the white-throated egg-eater (Dasypeltis albigularis), has been discovered in the southern Ethiopian highlands, according to recent research. Characterized by its black body, bluish scales, and white throat and belly, the snake is nonvenomous and primarily consumes bird eggs.
Researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany first encountered the snake in the Harenna Forest of the Bale Mountains in 2019. Initially mistaken for a similar black, nonvenomous African egg-eating snake, the team noticed unusual scales and coloration that set it apart. After mating the female with a male African egg-eating snake, the researchers observed offspring with a blend of traits from both parents.
Genetic analysis and further field observations confirmed the snake as a new species. Arthur Tiutenko, one of the researchers, stated that discovering a new species in a previously unexplored area is reminiscent of earlier centuries of exploration. To officially describe a new species, researchers must deposit a preserved specimen.
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