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ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online) ISSUE 47, PUBLISHED 9 JULY 2020 2 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Australasian Journal of Herpetology Issue 47, 9 July 2020. Contents

Before they get wiped out! Formal descriptions of 15 new species of Monitor Lizard in the Euprepiosaurus (AKA Varanus) indicus (Daudin, 1802) and the Shireenhosersaurea (AKA Varanus) prasinus (Schlegel, 1839) species groups. ... Raymond T. Hoser, 3-31. Two new hitherto overlooked species of Dwarf Goanna, Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984, subgenus Paravaranus Hoser, 2013 from Australia. ... Raymond T. Hoser, 32-38. A new species of the Australian Bandy Bandy Vermicella Gray, 1841 (Serpentes:Elapidae) from north-west Australia. ... Raymond T. Hoser, 39-41. Nine new species of Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser, 2012 from northern India, western China Vietnam, Burma, Thailand and Malaysia as well as a new genus of snake associated with Xylophis Beddome, 1878 from India (Serpentes: Pareidae). ... Raymond T. Hoser, 42-56. Four new species of frog in the genus Assa from eastern Australia. ... Raymond T. Hoser, 57-63. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online) Australasian Journal of Herpetology ® Publishes original research in printed form in relation to reptiles, other fauna and related matters, including classification, ecology, public interest, legal, captivity, “academic misconduct”, etc. It is a peer reviewed printed journal published in hard copy for permanent public scientific record in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999), with sizeable print run and global audience and high impact. Full details at: http://www.herp.net Copyright. All rights reserved. Australasian Journal of Herpetology is also a registered trademark ® in all relevant areas and jurisdictions (Australian trademark number: 1686575). All Intellectual Property (IP) rights are reserved, including in relation to all IP generated by the journal in terms of both authors, publisher and the like. Online journals (this issue) do not appear for a month after the actual and listed publication date of the printed journals. Minimum print run Hoser 2016 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 40. of first printings is at least fiftyAvailable hard copies. online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 3 Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Published 9 July 2020. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online)

LSIDURN:LSID:ZOOBANK.ORG:PUB:80127B71-87E4-4384-87AE-004BF1C934C0

RAYMOND T. HOSER LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:author:F9D74EB5-CFB5-49A0-8C7C-9F993B8504AE

488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: snakeman (at) snakeman.com.au Received 28 May 2020, Accepted 5 July 2020, Published 9 July 2020.

ABSTRACT The Mangrove Monitor “Varanus indicus” (Daudin, 1802) and Green Monitor “Varanus prasinus” (Schlegel, 1839) were each long thought of as being single widespread species sensu Cogger et al. (1983) within the genus Varanus Merrem, 1820. In 2013, Hoser resurrected the name Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 as a full genus for the Tupinambis indicus Daudin, 1802 species group, excluding Varanus indicus spinulosus Mertens, 1941, in turn placed in the genus Oxysaurus Hoser, 2013 and the group including Monitor prasinus Schlegel, 1839, was placed in the new genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013. A group known as the Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves, did via Kaiser et al. (2013) falsely accuse Hoser of “taxonomic vandalism”. They then themselves committed a despicable act of taxonomic vandalism when via Bucklitsch, Böhme and Koch, (2016) they illegally coined new names in the PRINO (peer reviewed in name only) onlne journal Zootaxa for exactly the same genera. Lifting material directly from the Hoser (2013) paper, Bucklitsch et al. coined unlawful new names, Solomonsaurus and Hapturosaurus for the same genera in order to clutter zoology with unnecessary objective synonyms. As of 2020 about 17 distinctive forms previously associated with the putative taxon Euprepiosaurus indicus are widely recognized within herpetology as being separate species and have been formally named. Following an audit of the species complex, this paper formally names twelve other hitherto unnamed forms from Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as new species on the basis of morphological and reproductive divergence from the 17 forms currently as of 2020 recognized as species. In terms of the genus Shireenhosersaurea. three populations of putative S. prasinus (Schlegel, 1839) are also formally named for the first time. This makes 12 recognized species in the genus. All species within the genera Oxysaurus and Shireenhosersaurea are probably in decline and some may be in imminent danger of extinction. Formally naming new species is the critically important first step in their conservation as outlined by Hoser (2019a, 2019b). Keywords: Herpetology; taxonomy; nomenclature; Varanidae; Varanus; Euprepiosaurus; Oxysaurus; Shireenhosersaurea; taxonomic vandalism; Hapturosaurus; Solomonsaurus; Monitor Lizards; Mangrove monitors; New Guinea; Australia; Solomon Islands; Papua; ICZN; indicus; jobiensis; doreanus; finschi; semotus; spinulosus; prasinus; new species; oxyi; adelynhoserae; jackyhoserae; lenhoseri; matteoae; elfakhariorum; allengreeri; dorisioi; paulwoolfi; sloppi; powi; scottgranti; shireenhoserae; satis; clara.

INTRODUCTION biological entity that one knows is already named (usually The Iconic Mangrove Monitor “Varanus indicus” (Daudin, 1802) species or genus) combined with the reckless and deliberate has been a popular reptile among reptile keepers and reptile promotion of the incorrect “synonym” name in favour of the scientists since it was first formally named back in 1802. earlier name that is known to be correct and in accordance with This is on account of its large size, spectacular colouration, the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Taxonomic often being dark grey or black and with sometimes bright yellow Vandalism is anti-science and a direct attack on the International spots, combined with a generally docile temperament in Code of Zoological Nomenclature. It also has serious negative captivity. consequences for wildlife conservation and public safety as detailed by Hoser (2015a-f) and Hoser (2019a-b). While various forms were described over the following 200 years, putative “Varanus indicus” was for many years thought of I can state as a matter of fact, that I have never engaged in as a single widespread species sensu Cogger et al. (1983) taxonomic vandalism in any way, shape or form, and thoroughly within the genus Varanus Merrem, 1820. detest the act and any person who engages in it. The Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves, did after falsely accusing At the time Cogger et al. (1983) synonymised no less than nine myself of taxonomic vandalism did then themselves commit a other previously named forms. They also omitted at least one despicable act of taxonomic vandalism. other (Varanus karlschmidti Mertens, 1951). That taxon has been treated by most authors, including myself This was when via Bucklitsch, Böhme and Koch, (2016) they as a junior subjective synonym of “Varanus indicus jobiensis Ahl illegally coined new names for exactly the same varanid genera 1932”, which remained the case as of the completion of the Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 and Oxysaurus Hoser, 2913 in current audit. a PRINO (peer reviewed in name only) online journal Zootaxa. Lifting material directly from the Hoser (2013) paper, in an act of As of 2020, most of the described putative taxa synonymised by theft or plagiarisation, Bucklitsch et al. coined illegal new names, Cogger et al. (1983) have been resurrected from synonymy as Solomonsaurus and Hapturosaurus for the same genera in order full species and others formally named, meaning that as of 2020 to clutter zoology with unnecessary objective synonyms. about 17 distinctive forms previously associated with the putative taxon Euprepiosaurus indicus sensu lato are widely Overuse of these illegal names and self-citation by the Wolfgang recognized within herpetology as being separate species. Wüster gang of thieves in the online PRINO (Peer reviewed in name only) journal “Zootaxa” that they control, led to that journal In 2013, Hoser resurrected the name Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, being blackballed by Clarivate, the company behind the widely 1843 as a full genus for the “Varanus indicus” sensu lato touted “Impact Factor”, widely used by academics to measure species group, excluding Varanus indicus spinulosus Mertens, credibility of scientific journals (Oransky, 2020). 1941, in turn placed in the genus Oxysaurus Hoser, 2013 and The Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves have been at war against the group including Monitor prasinus Schlegel, 1839, placed in the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature the new genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013. (Ride et al. 1999) for decades (see Hoser 2007). Notwithstanding theft of a draft paper in 2011 on the same subject but of far wider scope and detail, (see below), this paper Their more recent war cry manifesto known as “Kaiser et al. has arisen as a result of an audit of the Euprepiosaurus (2013)”, although in fact written by Wolfgang Wüster (see Kaiser Fitzinger, 1843 and Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 genera 2012a) as frequently amended (see also Kaiser 2012, 2012b, with a view to formally naming a sizeable number of obviously 2013, 2014a and 2014b) has been discredited numerous times unnamed forms. (e.g. Cogger (2014), Dubois (2014), Dubois et al. (2019), Eipper (2013), Hoser (2009a, 2012a, 2012b, 2015a-f, 2019a-b), Mutton Post-dating 2011 and predating 2020, at least two further forms (2014a, 2014b), Shea (2013a-d), Thorpe (2013, 2014a, 2014b), have been formally named, these being “Varanus semotus Wellington (2013, 2014a, 2014b), Wells (2013, 2014) and Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist, 2016” and “Varanus bennetti sources cited therein). Weijola, Vahtera, Koch, Schmitz and Kraus, 2020”. Notwithstanding these setbacks the Wolfgang Wüster gang Notwithstanding this, it has been well-known for many years that remain undeterred and continue to commit acts of internet putative Euprepiosaurus indicus (Daudin, 1802) and consists of trolling, running countless fake accounts online for peddling several more obviously unnamed species level taxa (e.g. hatred and lies, as well as engaging in overt scientific fraud, Sprackland 1995, Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). property theft, assault, vandalism, money fraud, money With some of these species-taxa confined to relatively small laundering, rapes, child sex offences, trafficking of islands and currently being mis-labelled as populations of a amphetamines, animal abuse and cruelty, wildlife smuggling, widespread species, it is important that they be named before shooting people (yes, two of the group have been convicted of any risk of local extinction occurs. this) and other serious crimes (Supreme Court of Western It appears that some of these species may have already Australia 2009, Hobbs 2010, Goodman 2019). declined. Some members of the group have been charged and jailed for See for example Hoser (1995), McCoid et al. (1994), McCreless various crimes, including for example David John Williams, et al. (2015), Pianka (2012) and Pimm et al. (2006). However convicted and fined $7,500 for animal cruelty and wildlife sometimes for a given species of large monitor, human activity smuggling at the Cairns Magistrates Court, Damien Mark may see an increase in numbers as detailed by Soler (2013). Harding jailed for child sex offences, Seth Pywell fined for his A similar audit was conducted with respect of the species within role in the shooting two people, Matthew Gatt fined $8,000 for the Shireenhosersaurea prasinus (Schlegel, 1839) species the theft of a snake and Andrew Browne jailed for child sex complex, a group which as of 2020 had nine widely recognized offences, but the group ring leaders Wolfgang Wüster, Mark species. Putative S. prasinus in particular were inspected in O’Shea and Wulf Schleip have managed to avoid criminal order to identify any potentially unnamed forms and three were sanctions to date. readily identified as unnamed species. Wolfgang Wüster and Mark O’Shea even post images of NOTES ON THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE RELEVANT themselves committing crimes online, but have somehow GENERA AND SPECIES managed to avoid criminal sanctions. A group known as the Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves, did via As of 2020, members of the Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves Kaiser et al. (2013) falsely accuse myself, Raymond Hoser of had plagiarised works of other scientists and in breach of the “taxonomic vandalism”. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature illegally renamed nearly 100 species and genera previously formally named by Taxonomic vandalism is the deliberate act of renaming a other ethical scientists.

Keeping count of their acts of taxonomic vandalism and theft is MATERIALS AND METHODS an extremely difficult task, but lists of these acts are regularly Specimens of most species were inspected either live or dead published! as was all relevant and available literature. This included all The gang have then by use of countless false accounts and previous descriptions of taxa, including known synonyms as false identities, created a false veneer online that their illegal cited at the end of this paper. This is an expanded list over and names are the correct names and that the earlier proper names above that published by Cogger et al. (1983), that also includes should not be used. most recently described forms. Noting that Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves members Of particular relevance to this review, were phylogenetic and Bucklitsch, Böhme and Koch did in 2016 illegally create morphological studies that helped identify morphologically objective junior synonyms of Oxysaurus Hoser, 2013 and similar species and/or those most closely related. Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013, people should be mindful of Significantly phylogenetic studies that identified species level almost certain further acts of taxonomic vandalism by this gang taxa within Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 showed lineages of thieves in PRINO journals they control, including the PRINO separated by well-known biogeographical barriers, such as the Online Zootaxa, in terms of new names erected in this paper. New Guinea central Cordillera and sea barriers present in the PRINO is an acronym for “Peer reviewed in name only” which is Solomon Islands at the height of recent glacial maxima. the term best described for the online journals that that These same barriers were relevant to species of snakes, lizards, Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves members publish their crocodiles, frogs and mammals that were formally identified and fraudulent papers in. named by myself in northern Australia, New Guinea and the The journals such as the predatory PRINO journal “Zootaxa” Solomon Islands in the following 22 papers: Hoser (1998a, have near zero respect for the principles of science, or ethics 2000a, 2000b, 2013a, 2013c, 2014, 2015g, 2016a-g, 2018, and significantly papers published in them are either not peer 2019c-f, 2020). reviewed in any way, or alternatively the process is shambolic as to be non-existent in any meaningful way. The following is noted in as much as the morphological and See also Oransky (2020). biogeographical evidence on its own and in the absence of molecular studies would have inevitably led to the same species While peer review is not a mandatory requirement of the concepts. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, it is regarded as the gold standard in scientific publishing and therefore is Included in the audit were photos of species with good locality generally expected in such publications. data and distribution maps from State Museums, based on specimens in their collections, noting that for some species, the I (Raymond Hoser) have worked with the Varanidae for decades historical distributions were very different to the extant and was due to publish a major monograph on the entire Family distributions. Varanidae in 2010. It and a number of other major publications constituting the major part of three decades of full-time work was Where available and applicable, fossil specimens and records delayed due to several factors. were also reviewed. On 17 August 2011, our facility was subjected to an illegal Past descriptions and synonymies were reviewed with a view to armed raid by the Australian State Police (Victoria) and the using available names for species identified herein if they had State Wildlife Department. This raid was initiated by a cohort been properly proposed in the past. including members of the Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves. Publications relevant to the taxonomic and nomenclatural The draft manuscript of the Varanidae monograph, dozens of conclusions in terms of the genus Euprepiosaurus in this paper drafts of other major papers, three near comple book are as follows: Ahl (1932), Allison (1996, 2007a, 2007b), Allison manuscripts, production materials for a series of wildlife and Leisz (2009), Amer and Kumazawa (2008), Ast (2001), documentaries, data, slides and almost all other relevant Barts et al. (2006), Ávalos and Martínez Carrión (1997), Bayless materials were stolen. and Dwer (1997), Bennett (1995, 1998, 2017), Böhme (1991a, 1991b, 2003, 2014), Böhme and Koch (2010), Böhme and I also note that, notwithstanding the theft of relevant materials Ziegler (1997, 2005, 2007), Böhme et al. (1994, 2004, 2016, from this author in the illegal armed raid on 17 August 2011, 2009), Boulenger (1885, 1886), Brandenburg (1983), which were not returned in breach of undertakings to the court Brongersma (1948), Brown (2014), Brygoo (1987), Buden (Court of Appeal Victoria 2014 and VCAT 2015), I have made a (2015a, 2015b), Buden and Taboroši (2016), Bucklitsch et al. decision to publish this paper. (2016), Cogger (2014), Cogger et al. (1983), Cota (2008), This is in view of the conservation significance attached to the Daudin (1802), De Lisle (1996, 2009), De Rooij (1915), Dryden formal recognition of unnamed taxa at all levels and on the basis (1965), Dubois et al. (2019), Earley et al. (2002), Eidenmüller that further delays may in fact put these presently unnamed or and Philippen (2007), Ellis (2018), Emerson (2008), Fitch et al. potentially improperly assigned taxa at greater risk of extinction (2006), Frydlova and Frynta (2010), Frýdlová et al. (2011, 2013), as outlined by Hoser (2019a, 2019b). Good et al. (1993), Grabbe (2014), Grabbe and Koch (2014), This comment is made noting the extensive increase in human Gray (1831), Gregorovicova et al. (2012), Günther (1879), population in Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Hagen et al. (2012), Harvey and Barker (1998), Hediger (1934), with a conservative forecast of a four-fold increase in human Holmes (2010), Horn (1977), Hoser (1989, 1998, 2007, 2012b, population in the next 100 years, being from 25 million to 100 2013c, 2014, 2015g, 2016a-g, 2018, 2019c-f, 2020a-b), How million in Australia and an even more dramatic increase in New and Kitchener (1997), Ianucci et al. (2019), ICZN (2020), Guinea (both sides) and the Solomon Islands. Kirschner and Koschorke (1998), Kishida (1929), Koch (2012), This is coupled with the general environmental destruction Koch and Böhme (2005), Koch et al. (2007, 2009, 2010a, across the continental region as documented by Hoser (1991), 2010b, 2013), Kok (1995), Kraus (2013), Lesson (1830), McCoid including low density areas without a large permanent human et al. (1994), McCreless et al. (2015), McCoy (1980, 2015), population. Merrem (1820), Mertens (1924, 1941, 1942, 1951, 1963), Meyer I also note the abysmal environmental record of various (1874), Milenkaya and Lindley McKay (2016), Natusch and Australian National, State and Local governments in the relevant Lyons (2017), Oliver et al. (2016), Oliver et al. (2017), Peters part of the Australasian region over the past 200 years as and Doria (1878), Philipp (1999), Philipp et al. (1999, 2007), detailed by Hoser (1989, 1991, 1993 and 1996) and a record no Pianka (2012), Pianka and King (2004), Pianka and Sweet better in other nearby countries, which without exception are (2016), Pianka and Vitt (2003), Pimm et al. (2006), Rese (1988), promoting policies of rapid human population growth. Ride et al. (1999), Rowe et al. (2011), Schmidt (1932), Setiadi and Hamidy (2006), Smith and Filiardi (2007), Soler (2013),

Somma and Koch (2012), Sprackland (1993, 1994, 1995, 2004, height of recent glacial maxima. 2007), Steadman (1995), Steadman et al. (1999), Stefani These same barriers were relevant to taxa of snakes, lizards, (2008), Strickland et al. (2016), Sweet and Pianka (2003, 2007), crocodiles, frogs and mammals that were formally identified and Switak (2006), Toussaint et al. (2016), Vidal et al. (2012), Voris named by myself in northern Australia, New Guinea and the (2000), Wallace (1858, 1876, 1881), Wells and Wellington Solomons in the 22 following papers: Hoser (1998a, 2000a, (1984, 1985), Weijola (2010, 2015, 2017), Weijola and Sweet 2000b, 2013a, 2013c, 2014, 2015g, 2016a-g, 2018, 2019c-f, (2010, 2015), Weijola et al. (2016, 2019, 2020), Welton et al. 2020). (2014), Werning (2010), Wesiak (2009), Wesiak and Koch In those papers, single putative species were split along near (2009), Wilson (2015), Wilson and Swan (2017), Woods (2007), identical lines to the splits proposed herein for Euprepiosaurus Ziegler and Minh (2018), Ziegler et al. (1999, 2001, 2007a, (and Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013) or accepted herein from 2007b, 2016), and sources cited therein. previous species divisions. See for example Hoser (2016e), that These papers as a group also effectively include and contain a separated one putative species within the putatively monotypic near complete summary of all that is currently known to science genus Corucia Gray, 1855, (the Giant Skink, from the Solomon of the ecology, captive husbandry and conservation status of the Islands), into five geographically separated species. That relevant species (the entirety of the genus Euprepiosaurus) and division coincided entirely with sea barriers during glacial to that extent form an important and near complete bibliography maxima in recent geological times. That division also wholly as of 2020. matched the molecular data of Hagen et al. (2012). As already stated, a similar audit was conducted with respect of The preceding is noted, because in the case of Euprepiosaurus, the species within the Shireenhosersaurea prasinus (Schlegel, the morphological and biogeographical evidence on its own and 1839) species complex, a group which as of 2020 had nine in the absence of molecular studies would have inevitably led to widely recognized species. Putative S. prasinus in particular the same species concepts for the genus Euprepiosaurus. were inspected in order to identify any potentially unnamed Twelve hitherto unnamed species of Euprepiosaurus are forms and all specimens were reconciled with existing species formally named for the first time within this paper. allocations based on current taxonomy. These are in addition to the seventeen currently (as of 2020) Publications relevant to the taxonomic and nomenclatural recognized species. conclusions in terms of the genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 in this paper are as follows: Akeret (2014), Ávalos and In terms of the genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013, three Martínez Carrión (1997), Bennett (1995, 1998, 2015), Bleeker new species were identified and are named herein. (1856), Böhme (2003, 2014), Böhme and Jacobs (2001), Böhme Putative S. prasinus (Schlegel, 1839) from northern New and Koch (2010), Bosch (1996), Boulenger (1885, 1895), Brown Guinea, were very different to the nominate form from west New (2014), Bucklitsch et al. (2016), Canto (2013), Cogger (2014), Guinea. Cogger et al. (1983), Cooper et al. (2019), Czechura (1980), This taxon appears to be found at least in the region generally Davis (2014), Dawson (2018), De Lisle (1996, 2009), Dedlmar east of Teba and the Mamberano River in Irian Jaya at least as (2007a, 2007b, 2008), De Rooij (1915), De Vis (1887), Doria far east as the Huon Peninsula in Papua New Guinea. It is (1875), Eidenmüller (2007a, 2007b), Eidenmüller and Philippen herein formally named as a new species. (2007), Eidenmüller and Wicker (1992, 2005), Eidenmüller et al. A population centred around the Popondetta/Mount Victory area (2017), Frýdlová and Frynta (2010), Good et al. (1993), Gray of Papua New Guinea was also found to be divergent and (1831), Hartdegen et al. (1999), Hörenberg and Koch (2013), distinctive and is herein named as a new species, being Hoser (1989, 1998, 2007, 2012b, 2013c, 2014, 2015g, 2016a-g, morphologically most similar to S. bogerti (Mertens, 1950). 2018, 2019c-f, 2020a-b), Iannucci et al. (2019), ICZN (2001), Specimens from Papua New Guinea, extending from the Milne Jacobs (2002, 2003, 2008), Koch (2016, 2018), Koch and Bay region of south-east New Guinea to the east of the Trans- Eidenmüller (2019), Koch et al. (2010a, 2010b, 2013, 2014), Fly region of New Guinea, generally south of the central LiVigni (2013), Mann (1976), McCurry et al. (2015), Mendyk cordillera, were also found to be distinct and are also formally (2007, 2011, 2015), Mendyk and Horn (2011), Mertens (1941, named herein as a new species. While generally green in colour, 1942, 1950, 1959, 1963), Meyer (1874), Moldovan (2009), this taxon shares morphological traits with S. keithhornei (Wells Mundhenk (2008), O’Shea (1991), Pianka (2012), Pianka and and Wellington, 1985) and S. beccari (Doria, 1874). King (2004), Polleck (2004), Rauhaus et al. (2014), Reisinger (2014), Reisinger and Reisinger-Raweyai (2007a, 2007b), In early 2020, an Opinion was published by the International Schlegel (1839), Schneider (2016a, 2016b, 2016c), Shuter Commission of Zoological Nomenclature, following a successful (2014), Sprackland (1991, 1995, 2010), Spranger (2012), Switak and unopposed application by Wiejola (2015) seeking to replace (2006), Weijola et al. (2019), Werning and Lutzmann (2014), the (then) current neotype of Varanus indicus to one originating Whittier and Moeller (1993), Wilson (2015), Wilson and Swan from the type locality Ambon. (2017), Ziegler and Böhme (1996, 1998), Ziegler (2012), Ziegler This action resulted in two nomenclatural changes which were et al. (2007, 2009, 2016), including sources cited therein. These as follows: the name E. cerambonensis (Philipp et al., 1999) papers as a group also effectively include and contain a near was effectively synonymised with E. indicus (Daudin, 1802) and complete summary of all that is currently known to science of also E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) becomes the valid name for the ecology, captive husbandry and conservation status of the the species previously known as E. indicus from the Arafura relevant species (being the entirety of the genus Region. The genus name of the E. indicus Group Shireenhosersaurea) and to that extent form an important and (Euprepiosaurus) remains unchanged. near complete bibliography as of 2020. The diagnostic material within this paper incorporates this RESULTS nomenclatural action and so effectively post dates that. The morphological and molecular evidence based on the The 17 currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus literature combined with the inspection of specimens tended to excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: match to seventeen readily identifiable named and unnamed E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, species within the genus Euprepiosaurus. Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu As mentioned previously, phylogenetic studies that identified ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, species level taxa within Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 showed 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus hitherto unnamed lineages separated by well-known (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis biogeographical barriers, such as the New Guinea central (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. Cordillera and sea barriers present in the Solomon Islands at the lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E.

melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, Several of the previously cited publications cited in the 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), “Materials and Methods” section of this paper talk extensively E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. about declines in relevant species caused by human factors. tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, Wildlife laws as currently enforced in Australia, Indonesia, 1998) and E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are not in a Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named materially significant way enhancing the long-term survival species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus prospects of any of the relevant species. (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as Over breeding of humans, wholly in line with government policy follows: and the environmental problems associated with this Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living overpopulation are by far the greatest long term threat to each Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. and every relevant species, noting that already liberated feral cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi pest species continue to cause ongoing stress and decline of (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), some relevant species as explicitly detailed in Hoser (1991). E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. In line with the Australian Federal Government’s “Big Australia” rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. policy, that being to increase the human population of 25 million lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), (2020), from 13 million in around 1970, to over 100 million within contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. 100 years “so that we can tell China what to do”, as stated by bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of the former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd in 2019 (Zaczek 2019), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, the human pressure on the relevant ecosystems has increased treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon in line with the human populations nearby and will clearly (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. continue to do so. indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. This paper formally names a total of 15 hitherto unnamed forms E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. from Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as new 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. species on the basis of morphological and reproductive E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: divergence. https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html All forms are probably in decline and some may be in imminent All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the danger of extinction caused by imported pest species. relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. See for example Hoser (1995), McCoid et al. (1994), McCreless INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE FORMAL DESCRIPTIONS et al. (2015), Pianka (2012) and Pimm et al. (2006). However THAT FOLLOW sometimes for a given species of large monitor, human activity There is no conflict of interest in terms of this paper or the may see an increase in numbers as detailed by Soler (2013). conclusions arrived at herein. Formally naming new species is the critically important first step Several people including anonymous peer reviewers who in their conservation as outlined by Hoser (2019a, 2019b). revised the manuscript prior to publication are also thanked as In accordance with the recommendations in the International are relevant staff at museums who made specimens and Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999), this is being records available in line with international obligations. done as soon as is practicable. In terms of the following formal descriptions, spellings should EUPREPIOSAURUS OXYI SP. NOV. not be altered in any way for any purpose unless expressly and LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7BD0940B-4D14-415F-B0DD- exclusively called for by the rules governing Zoological 6364F46AA8F1 Nomenclature as administered by the International Commission Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Queensland Museum in of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen number J18103 In the unlikely event two or more newly named taxa are deemed collected from Claudie River, Cape York, Queensland, Australia, to be the same by a first reviser, then the name to be used and Latitude -12.7667 S., Longitude 143.2833 E. This government- retained is that which first appears in this paper by way of page owned facility allows access to its holdings. priority and as listed in the abstract keywords. Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Queensland Museum in Some material in descriptions for taxa may be repeated for other Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen number J32020 taxa in this paper and this is necessary to ensure each fully collected at 10 km from the mouth of the Pascoe River, far North complies with the provisions of the International Code of Queensland, Australia, Latitude -12.5667 S., Longitude Zoological Nomenclature (Fourth edition) (Ride et al. 1999) as 143.2167 E. amended online since. Diagnosis: Until now, Euprepiosaurus oxyi sp. nov. has been Material downloaded from the internet and cited anywhere in this treated as an Australian population of E. doreanus (Meyer, paper was downloaded and checked most recently as of 4 July 1874), with a type locality of Doreh, Berou peninsula, 2020 (including if also viewed prior), unless otherwise stated and northwestern New Guinea and until now would key out as that was accurate in terms of the content cited herein as of that date. species using the key in Ziegler et al. (2007a). Unless otherwise stated explicitly, colour and other descriptions However E. doreanus from north and west of the central apply to living adult specimens of generally good health and not cordillera of New Guinea are significantly different to those under any form of stress by means such as excessive cool, putative lizards from northern Australia and nearby parts of heat, dehydration, excessive ageing, abnormal skin or reaction southern New Guinea. to chemical or other input. Euprepiosaurus oxyi sp. nov. is readily separated from all other While numerous texts and references were consulted prior to species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 publication of this paper, the criteria used to separate the (named previously and those named within this paper) by the relevant species or subspecies has already been spelt out and/ following unique suite of characters: Entire tongue light, pinkish or is done so within each formal description and does not rely on and without with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in the material within publications not explicitly cited herein. anteriormost part; Temporal band absent; Dorsum may range CONSERVATION from nearly black to dark greyish-brown to blue-grey, with a In terms of conservation of each population of each species as dorsum covered with well-spaced tiny spots or dots on a dark described in this paper, the relevant comments in Hoser (1989, background. Less than thirteen well defined light cross bands 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2019a and 2019b) apply. across the posterior part of the (full) tail. There is a strong bluish Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 8 Australasian Journal of Herpetology tinge to the posterior part of the tail, extending towards the All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the anterior and losing intensity as it progresses forewards, the relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. bluish tinge sometimes including the rear of the body and hind Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are feet. readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of E. oxyi sp. nov. is only likely to be confused with E. doreanus, characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally but can be separated from that species by having less than 13 compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually well defined light cross bands on the posterior part of the tail, distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and versus more than 14 in E. doreanus. hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as The dorsal colouration of both E. oxyi sp. nov. and E. doreanus weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating also differs. Adult E. oxyi sp. nov. are dark and blackish on the Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). dorsal surface of the body, with numerous discrete small, evenly Distribution: Euprepiosaurus oxyi sp. nov. occurs on the spaced bright yellow spots that are circular in nature and well northern parts of Cape York, Queensland as well as proximal separated from one another by the blackish background. parts of southern New Guinea. By contrast E. doreanus have a dorsum where the yellow spots Etymology: The new species Euprepiosaurus oxyi sp. nov. is join one another to form a pattern of irregular shapes and broken named in honour of a (now deceased) Great Dane, dog, owned lines, but not one of discrete yellow spots on black background by the author for eight years who guarded the research facility and evenly spaced from one another as seen in E. oxyi sp. nov. and reptile education reptile display business Snakebusters: Juvenile E. oxyi sp. nov. are generally blackish in colour with Australia’s best reptiles, from acts of theft and other potential evenly spaced yellow spots, whereas juvenile E. doreanus are of attacks (e.g. Goodman 2019). The species name is short and dark but uneven colouration with a pattern of small ocelli along easy to remember. with other lighter markings across the dorsum, forming an EUPREPIOSAURUS ADELYNHOSERAE SP. NOV. indistinct reticulum. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:40642E86-21D8-46B4-801B- Adult E. oxyi sp. nov. in life is depicted in Wilson (2015) on page 1CF0F33D7161 211, on left; Wilson and Swan (2017) at page 463, middle left, or Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum in online at: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number https://spinelesswonders.smugmug.com/Reps-Aust-N-Guinea- R115341 collected at Diodo, Chimbu Province, Papua New SE-Asia/New-Guinea-Reptiles/New-Guinea-Lizards-Varanidae/ Guinea, Latitude 6.55 S., Longitude 144.833 E. This Young E. oxyi sp. nov. in life is depicted in Brown (2014) on government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. page 903 bottom right. Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum in Adult E. doreanus in life is depicted in Cogger (2014) on page Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number 768. R.122689, collected from Namosado, Southern Highlands Young E. doreanus in life is depicted in Bennett (1998) on page District, Papua New Guinea, Latitude -6.250 S., Longitude 103 at top of page. 142.783 E. The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus Diagnosis: Euprepiosaurus adelynhoserae sp. nov. from south excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: of the central cordillera in New Guinea has until now been E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, treated as putative E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932) with a type locality Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu from north of the central cordillera. ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, However E. jobiensis with a type locality of Jobi Island (= Japen 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus = Yapen), Irian Jaya, Indonesia, and including specimens from (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis north and west of the central cordillera of New Guinea are (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. significantly different to lizards of the same putative species lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. from nearby parts of southern New Guinea, south of the main melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, central cordillera. 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), Likewise for specimens assigned to E. jobiensis from the Milne E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. Bay and Central Province region of Papua New Guinea, which tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, are herein described as E. jackyhoserae sp. nov.. 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. is readily separated from all other Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus (including those named previously and those named within this (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as paper) by the following unique suite of characters: Entire tongue follows: light, pinkish; temporal band present; throat whitish yellow, with Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living a pinkish, reddish or orange tinge (hence the name, “peach- Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. throated monitor lizard”), the light colouring extending to the rear cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi upper labial area and to the side of the head posterior to the (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), eye; anterior labial scales are purple in colour and etched with E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. white, but fading somewhat with age; a distinct pointed, angular rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. head that is blackish in colour with numerous well-defined yellow lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), spots; it is a slender species with a long neck; dark brownish contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. dorsum with dense dark yellow transversal spotting to form a bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of distinctive banding pattern (7-8 bands); limbs are densely E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, spotted with yellow; posterior of tail is a blue-turquoise in colour treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon and banded. (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. E. jackyhoserae sp. nov. is similar in most respects to E. indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. adelynhoserae sp. nov. as described above, but is readily E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. separated from that species by having pale whitish-yellow on the 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. throat and without an obvious pink or red tinge, spots on the E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: back tending to form small occeli, limbs that are spotted with tiny https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html occeli that are well scattered or spaced (as opposed to spots in both E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jobiensis) and minimal if

any blueing of colour at the posterior end of the banded tail in weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating mature adults. Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). The only species likely to be confused with E. adelynhoserae sp. Distribution: E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. appears to be restricted nov. or E. jackyhoserae sp. nov. is E. jobiensis and that species to the mainland of New Guinea south of the central cordillera, is readily separated from both E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. generally in the region between the generalized Trans Fly area jackyhoserae sp. nov. by having a greyish dorsum (not dark of PNG, commencing near the type locality, west to about the brown), with dense white (not yellow) spotting on the dorsum Lorentz River System area, Irian Jaya. forming the distinctive banding pattern (7-8 bands); legs while E. jackyhoserae sp. nov. is confined to the Milne Bay and spotted with white, are not densely spotted as in E. Central Provinces region of Papua New Guinea, mainly south of adelynhoserae sp. nov. or E. jackyhoserae sp. nov.. the Owen Stanley Range, but apparently extending north as far In E. jobiensis the upper labials both anterior to and posterior to west as Popondetta. the eye, including the temporal region are grey. Underneath the E. jobiensis is restricted to New Guinea and Irian Jaya, north of jaw and throat, the colouration is generally an intense dark the central Cordillera and west of the Huon Peninsula and yellow, with slight red tinge, versus whitish yellow in E. includes the form originally described as Varanus karlschmidti adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. nov.. Mertens, 1951, occurring within this range. E. jobiensis E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. Etymology: The new species E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. is nov. are separated from all other species of Euprepiosaurus by named in honour of my eldest daughter, Adelyn Hoser, aged 21 the following unique suite of characters: Entire tongue light, in 2020 in recognition of a lifetime’s work involved in wildlife pinkish; Temporal band present; Throat whitish-yellow or intense research, conservation and education via dark yellow, with a pinkish, reddish or orange tinge (“peach- Snakebusters:Australia’s best reptile shows and other throated monitor lizard”); angular head; slender species with associated activities. long neck and distinct pointed head; dark grey or brown dorsum EUPREPIOSAURUS JACKYHOSERAE SP. NOV. with dark transversal banding and numerous tiny light spots (white or yellow), potentially forming tiny occeli, forming a LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:316EC905-16A1-4ACD-BEA4- distinctive pattern of 7-8 crossbands across the body; posterior E3AB148D4A52 of tail is usually blue-turquoise in colour and banded. Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Bernice P. Bishop The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, specimen number BPBM excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: 17250 collected at Omunsa, Milne Bay Province, Papua New E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, Guinea. This facility allows access to its holdings. Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Bernice P. Bishop ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, specimen number BPBM 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus 19510 collected from Dorobisoro, Central Province, Papua New (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis Guinea. (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. Diagnosis: Specimens assigned to Euprepiosaurus jobiensis lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. from the Milne Bay and Central Province region of Papua New melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, Guinea, are herein described as E. jackyhoserae sp. nov.. 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. from south of the central cordillera in E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. New Guinea has until now been treated as putative E. jobiensis tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, (Ahl, 1932) with a type locality from north of the central 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). cordillera. Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named However E. jobiensis with a type locality of Jobi Island (= Japen species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus = Yapen), Irian Jaya, Indonesia, and including specimens from (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as north and west of the central cordillera of New Guinea are follows: significantly different to lizards of the same putative species Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living from nearby parts of southern New Guinea, south of the main Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. central cordillera and the Milne Bay/Central Province animals, cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi which are different again. (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. is readily separated from all other E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. (including those named previously and those named within this lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), paper) by the following unique suite of characters: Entire tongue contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. light, pinkish; temporal band present; throat whitish yellow, with bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of a pinkish, reddish or orange tinge (hence the name, “peach- E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, throated monitor lizard”), the light colouring extending to the rear treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon upper labial area and to the side of the head posterior to the (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. eye; anterior labial scales are purple in colour and etched with indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. white, but fading somewhat with age; a distinct pointed, angular E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. head that is blackish in colour with numerous well-defined yellow 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. spots; it is a slender species with a long neck; dark brownish E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: dorsum with dense dark yellow transversal spotting to form a https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html distinctive banding pattern (7-8 bands); limbs are densely All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the spotted with yellow; posterior of tail is a blue-turquoise in colour relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. and banded. Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are E. jackyhoserae sp. nov. is similar in most respects to E. readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of adelynhoserae sp. nov. as described above, but is readily characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally separated from that species by having pale whitish-yellow on the compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually throat and without an obvious pink or red tinge, spots on the distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and back tending to form small occeli, limbs that are spotted with tiny hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as occeli that are well scattered or spaced (as opposed to spots in

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 10 Australasian Journal of Herpetology both E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jobiensis) and minimal if hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as any blueing of colour at the posterior end of the banded tail in weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating mature adults. Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). The only species likely to be confused with E. adelynhoserae sp. Distribution: E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. appears to be restricted nov. or E. jackyhoserae sp. nov. is E. jobiensis and that species to the mainland of New Guinea south of the central cordillera, is readily separated from both E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. generally in the region between the generalized Trans Fly area jackyhoserae sp. nov. by having a greyish dorsum (not dark of PNG, commencing near the type locality, west to about the brown), with dense white (not yellow) spotting on the dorsum Lorentz River System area, Irian Jaya. forming the distinctive banding pattern (7-8 bands); legs while E. jackyhoserae sp. nov. is confined to the Milne Bay and spotted with white, are not densely spotted as in E. Central Provinces region of Papua New Guinea, mainly south of adelynhoserae sp. nov. or E. jackyhoserae sp. nov.. the Owen Stanley Range, but extending on the north side about In E. jobiensis the upper labials both anterior to and posterior to as far west as Popondetta. the eye, including the temporal region are grey. Underneath the E. jobiensis is restricted to New Guinea and Irian Jaya, north of jaw and throat, the colouration is generally an intense dark the central Cordillera and west of the Huon Peninsula and yellow, with slight red tinge, versus whitish yellow in E. includes the form originally described as Varanus karlschmidti adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. nov.. Mertens, 1951, which was sourced from within this range. E. jobiensis E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. Etymology: The new species E. jackyhoserae sp. nov. is nov. are separated from all other species of Euprepiosaurus by named in honour of my youngest daughter, Jacky Hoser, aged the following unique suite of characters: Entire tongue light, 19 in 2020 in recognition of a lifetime’s work involved in wildlife pinkish; Temporal band present; Throat whitish-yellow or intense research, conservation and education at Snakebusters: dark yellow, with a pinkish, reddish or orange tinge (“peach- Australia’s best reptile shows and other associated activities. throated monitor lizard”); angular head; slender species with EUPREPIOSAURUS LENHOSERI SP. NOV. long neck and distinct pointed head; dark grey or brown dorsum with dark transversal banding and numerous tiny light spots LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:21D81D7B-EFF2-4A20-9AFA- (white or yellow), potentially forming tiny occeli, forming a DEDDDA971750 distinctive pattern of 7-8 crossbands across the body; posterior Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Zoological Museum of of tail is usually blue-turquoise in colour and banded. the University of Turku, Finland, specimen number: ZMUTSa197 The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus from Misima Island, Louisiades Islands, Milne Bay Province, excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: Papua New Guinea. This facility allows access to its holdings. E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Zoological Museum of Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu the University of Turku, Finland, specimen number: ZMUTSa200 ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, from Sudest Island, Louisiades Islands, Milne Bay Province, 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus Papua New Guinea. (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis Diagnosis: Euprepiosaurus lenhoseri sp. nov. from the (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. Louisiades islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, is lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. quite unlike any other species in the genus Euprepiosaurus melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, Fitzinger, 1843 and no others are likely to be confused with it. 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), E. lenhoseri sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. in the genus Euprepiosaurus by the following unique suite of tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, characters: 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). An appearance in many ways reminiscent of a Perentie Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named Titanzius giganteus Gray, 1845 in that in this species the dorsum species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus of the body and hind limbs has a well defined pattern of yellow (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as occeli in cross-bands running across the body, separated by follows: wider areas of yellow-grey, which at the centre have a Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living semiformed line of similar occeli creating a mid-space line. Each Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. row of (full) ocelli across the body contains about 6 fully formed cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi dark centred occeli and there are between 6-10 such rows (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), across the body from neck to pelvic region. Yellow spotting on E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. forelimbs is dense, prominent and tending towards forming rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. crossbands on the upper parts and closely spaced large yellow lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), spots on the top of the hands, with fingers mainly yellow. contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. On the hind limbs spots are larger, more widely spaced and bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of tending towards forming occeli with dark centres, with the toes E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, having a black and yellow banded appearance. treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon Upper labials from snout to below eye are yellow, then brownish (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. after that. Upper surface of head is brownish with a few indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. scattered and irregularly shaped spots. E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. There is a distinctive elongate patch of yellow anterior to the ear 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. (length being vertically orientated), the rest of the back of the E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: side of the head being generally brownish grey in colour. Chin https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html and gular region yellow with scattered grey spots. There is an All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the indistinct light streak running from behind the eye to the mid-ear. relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. Iris is dark orange. Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are A photo of E. lenhoseri sp. nov. in life can be found in Weijola readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of (2017), page 14 at bottom right. characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally Weijola (2017) also carries images of 13 other (then recognized) compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually species of Euprepiosaurus on pages 13 and 14 and none look distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and anything remotely like E. lenhoseri sp. nov. (and same applies

for the other taxa depicted in images listed below, or formally Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Queensland Museum, named in this paper) and none have characters (in total) in any Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen number J2148 way like the suite for E. lenhoseri sp. nov. as described herein. collected from Santa Ana Island, Solomon Islands, Latitude - The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus 10.8833 S. Longitude 162.4666 E. excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. from Malaita (Solomon ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from Guadalcanal (Solomon 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the New Georgia group of (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. from Santa (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. Isabel (Solomon Islands), E. sloppi from Shortland Island lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. (Solomon Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island (Papua melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, New Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar Island 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), (West Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) have until E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. now all been treated as populations of putative E. indicus tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, (Daudin, 1802). 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been follows: expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi described. (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were recognized as E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. being specifically distinct (excluding the descriptions of forms rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. synonymised, which has been agreed by myself). lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. tongue and some obvious bluish colour on the tail are excluded 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. from the diagnosis that follows. E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: The eight new species formally described herein continue this https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html process of the break up of this species complex. All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as indicus. weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise Distribution: Euprepiosaurus lenhoseri sp. nov. is evidently conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue restricted to the Louisiades islands, Milne Bay Province, Papua (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or New Guinea, including Misima, Sudest and Rossell islands. pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow The Rossell Island form is divergent and may even warrant spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack subspecies-level designation: (Also see Hoser (2020) on pages of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, 81-82). patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered Etymology: The new species E. lenhoseri sp. nov. is named in postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales honour of my now deceased father, Leonard (Len) Donald smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts Hoser, born in the United Kingdom of England, Scotland and usually within the range of 106-137. Wales, being the former British Empire, but mainly living in one All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, of the Royal Family’s colonies, best known as Australia, in 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new recognition of his many contributions to herpetology in his 69 species named above by having one or other of the four years of life. character states: EUPREPIOSAURUS MATTEOAE SP. NOV. 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:26C199B7-7978-4DEB-9C15- 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming B74621C94A44 distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Museum of Natural 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in History, London, United Kingdom, specimen number 83.6.28.24 the anteriormost part, or: collected from Santa Ana Island, Solomon Islands, Latitude - 4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. 10.8833 S. Longitude 162.4666 E. This facility allows access to its holdings. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 12 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Exceptional to the preceding is the following two taxa. Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. Weijola et al. 2020). bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). by a tongue that is entirely pink. Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are E. matteoae sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of within Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of characters: characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally Those mentioned previously for the putative species, E. compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually chlorostigma and: Dark, black coloured head with well spaced distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and scattered yellow circular spots on the upper surface; dark yellow hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as upper labials (broken by black at the rear) and yellow tip of weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating snout. Nostrils yellow. The dorsum of the body is greyish-black Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). with a semi-distinct pattern of yellow markings consisting of Distribution: E. matteoae sp. nov. occurs on Santa Ana and broken rows of single yellow scales running across the body, nearby mainland island San Cristobal in the Solomon Islands. usually 2-3 scales for each row before being broken by dark scales and usually no more than one scale wide (in an anterior- Etymology: Named in honour of Cathryn Matteo of Hawthorn, posterior direction), but with about 11 sections where the broken Victoria, Australia in recognition of services to herpetology. rows of yellow scales are 2 scales wide, giving an appearance of EUPREPIOSAURUS ELFAKHARIORUM SP. NOV. semi-distinct cross-bands. This condition amplifies on the LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:57E8AC66-9E8A-48B2-931F- anterior 25 per cent of the tail, with the latter two thirds of the tail 299765912C75 being obviously well banded with blackish and yellowish cross- Holotype: A preserved specimen at the California Academy of bands. The darker bands are strongly peppered with yellow and Sciences, San Francisco, California, 94118, USA, specimen the lighter ones with blackish-grey. Iris yellowish. number CAS 72046 collected from Malaita Island, Solomon There are more than ten (usually 12) well defined light bands on Islands. This facility allows access to its holdings. the posterior end of the tail. Upper surfaces of limbs are greyish- Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus black with numerous tiny yellow spots, almost all being formed matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon by a single yellow scale, surrounded by dark ones. Exceptionally Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. from Malaita (Solomon clusters of 2 or 3 joined yellow scales may occur. Beneath the Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from Guadalcanal (Solomon yellow labials, the throat is peppered with grey. Between the eye Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the New Georgia group of and ear, there are two broken lines of yellow spotted scales, islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. from Santa which may appear as an indistinct temporal streak from a Isabel (Solomon Islands), E. sloppi from Shortland Island distance, but nothing of the sort either posterior to the ear or (Solomon Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island (Papua anterior to the eye. Iris is yellow. New Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar Island A photo of E. matteoae sp. nov. in life can be found in McCoy (West Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) have until (2006) plate 94 (adult) and plate 95 (juvenile). now all been treated as populations of putative E. indicus The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus (Daudin, 1802). excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. described. Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, recognized as being specifically distinct (excluding the 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), synonymised forms, which has been agreed by myself). E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus follows: group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 13

tongue and usually having blue colour on the posterior tail, are are 2 scales wide, giving an appearance of semi-distinct cross- excluded from the diagnosis that follows. bands. This condition amplifies on the anterior 25 per cent of the The eight new species formally described herein continue this tail, with the latter two thirds of the tail being obviously well process of the break up of this species complex. banded with blackish and yellowish cross-bands. The darker All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent bands are strongly peppered with yellow and the lighter ones from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological with blackish-grey. A line of yellow scales runs across the upper entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. eye, forming a supraciliary band. Iris yellowish. Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the There are more than ten (usually 12) well defined light bands on ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species the posterior end of the tail. Upper surfaces of limbs are greyish- complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. black with numerous tiny yellow spots, almost all being formed chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. by a single yellow scale, surrounded by dark ones. Exceptionally indicus. clusters of 2 or 3 joined yellow scales may occur. Beneath the yellow labials, the throat is peppered with grey. Between the eye The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight and ear, there are two broken lines of yellow spotted scales, species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise which may appear as an indistinct temporal streak from a conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue distance, but nothing of the sort either posterior to the ear or (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or anterior to the eye. pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus usually within the range of 106-137. (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. species named above by having one or other of the four melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, character states: 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named the anteriormost part, or: species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus 4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as follows: Exceptional to this is the following two taxa. Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. Weijola et al. 2020). bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus by a tongue that is entirely pink. (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. is readily separated from all other Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are species within Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of characters: Those mentioned previously for the putative species, characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally E. chlorostigma and: Dark, black coloured head with well spaced compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually scattered yellow circular spots on the upper surface; dark yellow distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and upper labials (broken by black at the rear) and yellow tip of hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as snout. Light bluish, pink nostrils and immediately posterior to weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating them. The dorsum of the body is greyish-black with a semi- Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). distinct pattern of yellow markings consisting of broken rows of Distribution: E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. occurs on Malaita Island, single yellow scales running across the body, usually 2-3 scales Solomon Islands. for each row before being broken by dark scales and usually no Etymology: Named in honour of Daniel, Akram and Moses El- more than one scale wide (in an anterior-posterior direction), but Fakhari of Northcote, Victoria, Australia and their magnificent with about 11 sections where the broken rows of yellow scales wives and children for many services to the Taxi Industry of Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 14 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Victoria for many decades, services to wildlife conservation in species named above by having one or other of the four Australia for many decades and services in the fight against character states: police and judicial corruption in Victoria for many decades. 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: EUPREPIOSAURUS ALLENGREERI SP. NOV. 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:41DDCD3C-2E87-48EF-BA49- distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: 9168ED656040 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Museum of Natural the anteriormost part, or: History, London, United Kingdom, specimen number 88.1.7.1 4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. collected from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. This facility allows access to its holdings. Exceptional to this is the following two taxa. Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Zoologisches E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany, tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following specimen number ZMFK 52818 collected from Guadalcanal, suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly Solomon Islands. distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. from Malaita (Solomon Weijola et al. 2020). Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the New Georgia group of E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. from Santa grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the Isabel (Solomon Islands), E. sloppi from Shortland Island following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly (Solomon Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island (Papua speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small New Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar Island groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey (West Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) have until crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, now all been treated as populations of putative E. indicus range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear (Daudin, 1802). yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently by a tongue that is entirely pink. (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). E. allengreeri sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally within Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of characters: described. Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were Those mentioned previously for the putative species, E. recognized as being specifically distinct (excluding the chlorostigma and: Dark, black coloured head with well spaced descriptions of forms synonymised, which has been agreed by scattered yellow circular spots on the upper surface; dark yellow myself). upper labials and tip of snout. The yellow of the upper labials Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, forms a distinctive unbroken yellow line running the entire length Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and of the upper lip (versus broken by black in both E. matteroae sp. associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan nov. and E. elfakhariorum sp. nov.). Light bluish, pinkish-yellow and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. nostrils and immediately posterior to them. The dorsum of the oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. body is greyish-black with a semi-distinct pattern of yellow nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus markings consisting of broken rows of single yellow scales group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey running across the body, usually 2-3 scales for each row before tongue and usually having blue colour on the posterior tail, are being broken by dark scales and usually no more than one scale excluded from the diagnosis that follows. wide (in an anterior-posterior direction), but with about 11 sections where the broken rows of yellow scales are 2 scales The eight new species formally described herein continue this wide, giving an appearance of semi-distinct cross-bands. This process of the break up of this species complex. condition amplifies on the anterior 25 per cent of the tail, with the All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent latter two thirds of the tail being obviously well banded with from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological blackish and yellowish cross-bands. The darker bands are entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. strongly peppered with yellow and the lighter ones with blackish- Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the grey. A line of yellow scales runs across the upper eye, forming ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species a supraciliary band. Iris yellowish-orange. complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. There are more than ten (usually 12) well defined light bands on chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. the posterior end of the tail. Upper surfaces of limbs are greyish- indicus. black with numerous tiny yellow spots, almost all being formed The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight by a single yellow scale, surrounded by dark ones. Exceptionally species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise clusters of 2 or 3 joined yellow scales may occur. Beneath the conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue yellow labials, the throat is peppered with grey. Between the eye (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or and ear, there are two broken lines of yellow spotted scales, pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow which may appear as an indistinct temporal streak from a spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack distance, but nothing of the sort either posterior to the ear or of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, anterior to the eye. patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, usually within the range of 106-137. Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus

(Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis numbers: R.134950, R.134953 and R.134954 all collected from (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. Marovo Lagoon, Tamaneke Village, New Georgia, Solomon lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. Islands, Latitude -8.316 S., Longitude 157.816 E, and: melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, Two preserved specimens at the the Field Museum of Natural 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), History, Chicago, Illinois, USA, specimen numbers FMNH 41315 E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. and FMNH 41316 both collected from New Georgia, Solomon tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, Islands. 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. from Malaita (Solomon (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from Guadalcanal (Solomon follows: Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the New Georgia group of Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. from Santa Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. Isabel (AKA Ysabel) (Solomon Islands), E. sloppi from Shortland cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi Island (Solomon Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), (Papua New Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. Island (West Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. have until now all been treated as populations of putative E. lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), indicus (Daudin, 1802). contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. described. Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were recognized as being specifically distinct (excluding the E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: descriptions of forms synonymised, which has been agreed by https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html myself). All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually tongue and usually having blue colour on the posterior tail, are distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and excluded from the diagnosis that follows. hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as The eight new species formally described herein continue this weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating process of the break up of this species complex. Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent Distribution: E. allengreeri sp. nov. occurs on Guadalcanal, from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological Solomon Islands. entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. Etymology: Named in honour of Allen E. Greer, of Mudgee, Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the New South Wales, Australia, formerly of Sydney, Australia, ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species where he worked for many years as curator of herpetology at the complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. Australian Museum. He is recognized also for fighting taxonomic chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. vandalism by the Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves in the 1980’s indicus. through his ultimately successful petition to the ICZN to stop The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight their actions. species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise The Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves had applied to the ICZN conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue to formally suppress all nomenclatural actions by Richard Wells (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or and Cliff Ross Wellington (including Wells and Wellington, 1984, pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow 1985), in order to enable their cohort to steal their works and spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack rename hundreds of species and genera of reptile and frog. In of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, 1991 the ICZN formally squashed the application by the patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves. postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales EUPREPIOSAURUS DORISIOI SP. NOV. smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A1FFD7B0-42DE-4100-B582- usually within the range of 106-137. 45046D756DA3 All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number: species named above by having one or other of the four R.134949 collected from Marovo Lagoon, Tamaneke Village, character states: New Georgia, Solomon Islands, Latitude -8.316 S., Longitude 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: 157.816 E. 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: Paratypes: Three preserved specimens at the Australian 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in Museum, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen the anteriormost part, or: Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 16 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, Exceptional to this is the following two taxa. 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually follows: absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi Weijola et al. 2020). (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: by a tongue that is entirely pink. https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html E. dorisioi sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the within Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of characters: relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. Those mentioned previously for the putative species, E. The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus chlorostigma and: Dark black coloured neck and body with (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). numerous scattered single yellow scales giving a speckled Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are appearance on the dorsum and flanks. Exceptional to this are readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of widely scattered clusters of 1-4 scales, either in circular characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally arangement or similar (not as short bars). On the anterior tail the compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually yellow spots coalesce to form numerous short yellow bars distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and running cross ways of 2-4 scales in width. While juveniles have hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as obvious banding on the tail, this is not the case in adults, with weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating the entire length of the tail having a black and yellow speckled Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). appearance. Distribution: E. dorisioi sp. nov. is restricted to the New The top of the head is brown, with orange-yellow spotting, the Georgia group of islands, including outliers. head becoming pink anteriorly from the nostrils to give a pink snout and labial region (upper and lower), extending back to Etymology: The new species is named in honour of Morrie roughly below the eye. Inner nostrils are pink. Tongue is pink Dorisio of Bulleen, Victoria, (more recently of Reservoir, with a line of blue on top, except the rear, which is all pink. Iris is Victoria), Australia in recognition of his many hours of logistical bright orange. assistances helping Snakebusters: Australia’s best reptile shows with wildlife conservation and education activities, as well as Lower jaw is pink and the gular pouch is yellow, overlain with numerous scientific research projects, including publication of grey reticulations formed by joined single grey scales. papers, monographs and books. Behind the eye and anterior to the ear in the temporal region are EUPREPIOSAURUS PAULWOOLFI SP. NOV. scattered orange or yellow spots without any indication of any sort of a temporal streak, lines, broken lines, or similar. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:C1D47722-84C6-4FFE-B16A- F1CDDB3EB823 Limbs densely spotted with yellow (single scales surrounded by Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Field Museum of black). Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA, specimen number FMNH Photos of live adult E. dorisioi sp. nov. in life can be found online 13805 collected from Ysabel Island (AKA Isabel Island), at: Solomon Islands. This facility allows access to its holdings. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-mangrove-monitor-lizard-or- Paratypes: Two preserved specimens at the Australian goanna-varanus-indicus-uepi-island-solomon-28841387.html Museum, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen and numbers R8614 and R9298 collected from Tunabuli Harbour, https://www.flickr.com/photos/waterdragon62/4233538386/in/ Ysabel Island, Solomon Islands. Latitude -8.383 S., Longitude photolist-2aDg2hb-7s6Zt9 159.800 E. The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. from Malaita (Solomon Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from Guadalcanal (Solomon ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the New Georgia group of 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. from Santa (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis Isabel (AKA Ysabel) (Solomon Islands), E. sloppi from Shortland (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. Island (Solomon Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. (Papua New Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, Island (West Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), have until now all been treated as populations of putative E. E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. indicus (Daudin, 1802).

In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently by a tongue that is entirely pink. (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally within Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of characters: described. Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were Those mentioned previously for the putative species, E. recognized as being specifically distinct (excluding the chlorostigma and: Dark black coloured neck and body with descriptions of forms synonymised, which has been agreed by numerous scattered single yellow scales giving a speckled myself). appearance on the dorsum and flanks. Exceptional to this are Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, widely scattered clusters of 1-4 scales, either in circular Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and arangement or similar (not as short bars). On the anterior tail the associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan yellow spots coalesce to form numerous short yellow bars and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. running cross ways of 2-4 scales in width. While juveniles have oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. obvious banding on the tail, this only remains the case for the nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus posterior half of the tail in adults with banding being semi-distinct group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey only. tongue and usually having blue colour on the posterior tail, are The terminal part of the tail is mainly black, with a few yellow excluded from the diagnosis that follows. flecks. The eight new species formally described herein continue this The top of the head is blackish, with limited scattered indistinct process of the break up of this species complex. tiny yellow spots. All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent The front of the head becomes a lighter faded brownish pink from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological colour, becoming light greyish pink around the anterior lips to entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. give a pinkish snout and anterior labial region (upper and lower), Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the extending back to roughly below the eye. Inner nostrils are ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species greyish pink. Tongue is pink with a line of blue on top (all blue at complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. the tip), except the rear, which is all pink. Iris is dull brown chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. orange. indicus. Lower jaw is yellowish rather than pink, except the line of the The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight lower labials and the gular pouch is yellow, overlain with grey ill- species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise defined reticulations formed by joined single grey scales. conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue Behind the eye and anterior to the ear in the temporal region are (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or scattered orange or yellow spots arranged in a more-or-less pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow linear manner which give a pair of ill-defined lines containing a spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack generally dark temporal line. of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, Upper surfaces of fore and hind limbs are densely spotted with patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered yellow (single scales surrounded by black). postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus usually within the range of 106-137. excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, species named above by having one or other of the four 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus character states: (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), the anteriormost part, or: E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. 4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). Exceptional to this is the following two taxa. Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly follows: distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), Weijola et al. 2020). E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013.

E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. tongue and usually having blue colour on the posterior tail, are 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. excluded from the diagnosis that follows. E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: The eight new species formally described herein continue this https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html process of the break up of this species complex. All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually indicus. distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or Distribution: E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. is known from the type pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow locality, Ysabel Island in the Solomon Islands, but is believed to spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack also be the taxon found on the islands extending in a linear of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, manner to Bougainville, all of which were connected by land patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered bridges in the most recent glacial minima. postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales Etymology: The new species E. paulwoolfi sp. nov. is named in smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts honour of Paul Woolf of Walloon, west of Brisbane, Queensland, usually within the range of 106-137. Australia, the foundation president of the Herpetological Society All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, of Queensland Incorporated, Australia, in recognition of many 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new decades of important contributions to herpetology in Australia. species named above by having one or other of the four character states: EUPREPIOSAURUS SLOPPI SP. NOV. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6850CFF7-4D79-4A45-8BF6- 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: 44789616B7B9 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number: 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in R121569 collected from Shortland Island, Western Province, the anteriormost part, or: Solomon Islands, Latitude -7.0452 S., Longitude 155.7372 E. 4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. Exceptional to this is the following two taxa. Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Museum of Natural E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey History, London, UK, specimen number 84.3.24.77-78 collected tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following at Shortland Island, Western Province, Solomon Islands, suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly Latitude -7.0452 S., Longitude 155.7372 E. distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus sloppi absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail from Shortland Island (Solomon Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually nov. from Malaita (Solomon Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the Weijola et al. 2020). New Georgia group of islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- sp. nov. from Santa Isabel (AKA Ysabel) (Solomon Islands), E. grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island (Papua New speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar Island (West groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) have until now crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, all been treated as populations of putative E. indicus (Daudin, range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear 1802). yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently by a tongue that is entirely pink. (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally E. sloppi sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species described. Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were within Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of characters: recognized as being specifically distinct (excluding the Those mentioned previously for the putative species, E. descriptions of forms synonymised, which has been agreed by chlorostigma and: Dark black coloured neck and body with myself). numerous scattered single yellow scales giving a speckled appearance on the dorsum and flanks. Exceptional to this are Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, widely scattered clusters of 1-4 scales, either in circular Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and arangement or similar (not as short bars). On the anterior tail the associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan yellow spots coalesce to form numerous short yellow bars and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. running cross ways of 2-4 scales in width. While juveniles have oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. obvious banding on the tail, the banding is less obvious in nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus adults, but still clearly visible on the posterior half of the tail. group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey The top of the head is brownish-black, with very sparse and

indistinct orange-brown spots. The dorsum of the head becomes Etymology: Slop (AKA Slopp) was the name of the author’s yellowish-pink anteriorly from the nostrils to give a pink snout Great Dane dog (aged 8 in 2020) that protected this author’s and labial region (upper and lower), extending back to roughly scientific research facility from thieves for 8 years. It is below the eye. Inner nostrils are yellowish-pink. Tongue is pink appropriate that a species (formally described above) is formally with a line of blue on top, except the rear, which is all pink. Iris is named in his honour. dull reddish brown. EUPREPIOSAURUS POWI SP. NOV. Lower jaw is yellow and the gular pouch is also yellow, overlain LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:19002E65-59C7-4002-B78E- with dull grey reticulations formed by joined single grey scales. D8F968E54136 The rear lower labials are heavily peppered brown, separating Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, this taxon from others in the Solomons. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number: Behind the eye and anterior to the ear in the temporal region are R.129067 collected from Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands, scattered orange or yellow spots which combined show a broken Manus District, Papua New Guinea, Latitude -2.016 S., outline of two lines, creating a semblance of a temporal streak Longitude 147.416 E. as the intervening area is black. This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. Upper surfaces of the fore-limbs are densely spotted with yellow Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus sloppi (single scales surrounded by black) and spotted with white on from Shortland Island (Solomon Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. the hind-limbs, versus yellow on surfaces of fore and hind limbs nov. from Malaita (Solomon Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from in both E. dorisioi sp. nov. from New Georgia and E. paulwoolfi Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the sp. nov. from Isabel Island. New Georgia group of islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus sp. nov. from Santa Isabel (AKA Ysabel) (Solomon Islands), E. excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island (Papua New Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar Island (West ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) have until now 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus all been treated as populations of putative E. indicus (Daudin, (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis 1802). (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named described. Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus recognized as being specifically distinct (excluding the (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as descriptions of forms synonymised, which has been agreed by follows: myself). Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. tongue and usually having blue colour on the posterior tail, are bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of excluded from the diagnosis that follows. E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, The eight new species formally described herein continue this treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon process of the break up of this species complex. (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. indicus. The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts usually within the range of 106-137. Distribution: E. sloppi sp. nov. is as far as is known restricted to Shortland Island, Solomon Islands. All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 20 Australasian Journal of Herpetology species named above by having one or other of the four 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). character states: Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: follows: 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living the anteriormost part, or: Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi 4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), Exceptional to this is the following two taxa. E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. Weijola et al. 2020). indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally by a tongue that is entirely pink. compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually E. powi sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species within distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of characters: Those hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as mentioned previously for the putative species, E. chlorostigma weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating and: Similar in most respects to E. douarrha (Lesson, 1830) in Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). that the top of the head, including tip of snout and body are jet Distribution: E. powi sp. nov. is as far as is known restricted to black, both being heavily speckled with yellow, the spots not Manus Island and ouliers in the Admiralty Islands, Manus neccessarily coinciding with individual scales. The spots on the District, Papua New Guinea. head and neck are tiny, circular, discrete and well spaced, but at Etymology: In 2001 the Australian government set up a the rear of the neck and the dorsum of the body they notorious concentration camp on Los Negros Island in Manus significantly enlarge and become more densely spaced giving Province, Papua New Guinea for prisoners of war (POW’s) and the lizard’s body a strongly yellowish appearance (faded slightly refugees. in very old specimens, to become more a light grey colour). At this concentration camp facility prisoners of war and refugees Upper labials are black. Lower labials, chin and throat are were subjected to harassment, bashings, rapes and killings (Hill generally dark, greyish-black, with yellow peppering, the dark 2016). giving way to yellow past the gular pouch and beyond to the The new species name “powi” is not intended to honour the venter, which is mainly yellow. reckless illegal action of the Australian government towards E. powi sp. nov. is separated from C. douarrha by the presence prisoners of war and refugees, including pain, suffering and of pronounced light temporal streaks, bordered above and below deaths, but rather to draw attention to it so that similar mistakes by black lines which are absent in C. douarrha and is further are not made in the future and so that there is a historical record separated from C. douarrha by the fact that C. douarrha has, of these events, noting the propensity for the Australian running across the body a well-defined series of obvious yellow government to seek to rewrite history to over-write atrocities it occeli with black centres, forming a series of about 8-10 bands commits. running across the body. The spelling “powi” is deliberate and should not be amended to Iris is dark. Upper surfaces of limbs are peppered with large and “poworum” which would normally be taken as the correct small yellow spots of uneven size. Inner nostril is yellow. spelling, as more than one person is being remembered. The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus EUPREPIOSAURUS SCOTTGRANTI SP. NOV. excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:95D13230-3195-48EF-A0D6- E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, 3DE635CBB295 Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Western Australian ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, Museum, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, specimen number: 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus R112255 collected from Tanimbar, Indonesia. This government- (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis owned facility allows access to its holdings. (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Western Australian melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, Museum, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, specimen number: 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), R109969 collected from Tanimbar, Indonesia. E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. Diagnosis: The following eight species, Euprepiosaurus sloppi tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, from Shortland Island (Solomon Islands), E. elfakhariorum sp. nov. from Malaita (Solomon Islands), E. allengreeri sp. nov. from Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 21

Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands), E. dorisioi sp. nov. from the E. bennetti (Weijola et al. 2020), which also has a dark bluish- New Georgia group of islands (Solomon Islands), E. paulwoolfi grey tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the sp. nov. from Santa Isabel (AKA Ysabel) (Solomon Islands), E. following suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and evenly matteoae sp. nov. from Santa Ana and San Cristobal (Solomon speckled with yellow scales, sometimes arranged in small Islands), E. powi sp. nov. from Manus Island (Papua New groups of yellow scales, (ii) venter cream coloured with pale grey Guinea) and E. scottgranti sp. nov. from Tanimbar Island (West crossbands, (iii) tail exceptionally long (F/SVL mean = 1.76, Maluku Tenggara Regency, Maluku, Indonesia) have until now range = 1.60-1.89), high XY scale counts (148-160), (iv) a clear all been treated as populations of putative E. indicus (Daudin, yellow temporal stripe present in about half of the studied 1802). specimens, and (v), in life, peach colouring on the throat In his PhD Thesis in 1995, Robert George Sprackland headed (derived from Weijola et al. 2020). his account of the putative taxon as “Mangrove Monitor, For the record as a result of the ICZN ruling of 2020, E. indicus metaspecies”, knowing that several species-level taxa were of the type form from the Mollucas, Indonesia is characterised within this group (Sprackland 1995). Similar views have been by a tongue that is entirely pink. expressed by other authors since 1995 including most recently E. scottgranti sp. nov. is readily separated from all other species (Ziegler et al. 2007a, Weijola 2017). within Euprepiosaurus by the following suite of characters: Both before and since 1995, various species have been formally Those mentioned previously for the putative species, E. described. Prior to the publication of this paper 17 were chlorostigma and: Body dark, with light spots made of 2-6 scales recognized as being specifically distinct (excluding the in irregular pattern. Also on the body are 5-6 rows between neck descriptions of forms synonymised, which has been agreed by and hind limbs, of spots that are larger and each forming a myself). hexagonal shape running in a banded formation across the body Species including E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. finschi (Böhme, with about ten such hexagons in each cross band running from Horn and Ziegler, 1994), and E. jobiensis (Ahl, 1932), and either side of the flanks. A well defined, single light temporal associated species including E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan streak is present, becoming irregular and often interrupted in and Lindqvist 2016), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, 1998), E. larger specimens. The anterior half of the tail has irregular oxyi sp. nov., E. adelynhoserae sp. nov. and E. jackyhoserae sp. bands made of light spots forming oval clusters, most hollow in nov., all of a divergent lineage and separated from the E. indicus the center. These become prominent dark and light cross bands group sensu-stricto by not having a mainly dark bluish-grey on the posterior half of the visible surfaces of the tail. Dorsum of tongue and usually having blue colour on the posterior tail, are head, including tip of snout is greyish with scattered light yellow excluded from the diagnosis that follows. flecks only. Inner ear black. Iris dark brownish red. Upper The eight new species formally described herein continue this surfaces of limbs are greyish-black with numerous scattered process of the break up of this species complex. white flecks or spots of various size and shape, not in any obvious pattern or configuration. Fingers and toes are heavily All are reproductively, genetically and morphologically divergent banded black and yellow. Gular region is whitish-yellow, from one another. All are clearly evolving as separate biological generally unmarked or with limited peppering only. entities and therefore all warrant treatment as full species. Due to confusion relating to type specimens and a ruling by the The 17 Currently recognized species within Euprepiosaurus ICZN in 2020 (ICZN 2020), the description for the species excluding those formally named within this paper are as follows: complex immediately below is based on the nominate taxon, E. E. bennetti Weijola et al. (2020), E. caerulivirens (Philipp, chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) as the standard form and not E. Böhme and Ziegler, 1999), E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu indicus. ICZN 2020), E. doreanus (Meyer, 1874), E. douarrha (Lesson, 1830), E. finschi (Böhme, Horn and Ziegler, 1994), E. indicus The putative species, E. chlorostigma including the eight (Daudin, 1802) (type species) (sensu ICZN 2020), E. jobiensis species formally named herein, do unless specified otherwise (Ahl, 1932), E. juxtindicus (Böhme, Phillip, and Ziegler, 2002), E. conform to the following unique diagnosis: Entirely dark tongue lirungensis (Koch, Arida, Schmitz, Böhme and Ziegler, 2009), E. (blueish or dark purple), except for the rear which is purple or melinus (Böhme and Ziegler, 1997), E. obor (Weijola and Sweet, pink. Dorsum dark brownish-black, with small whitish-yellow 2010), E. rainerguentheri (Ziegler, Böhme and Schmitz, 2007), spots, mostly smaller than an area covered by five scales; lack E. semotus (Weijola, Donnellan and Lindqvist 2016), E. of blue pigmentation, even on the tail of juveniles; light, tsukamotoi (Kishida, 1929), E. yuwonoi (Harvey and Barker, patternless throat; absence of a well-defined light, dark-bordered 1998), E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005). postocular/supratemporal stripe; snout flat dorsally, scales Photos of live specimens of all seventeen previously named smooth or very slightly keeled, very low midbody scale counts species (prior to this paper) within the genus Euprepiosaurus usually within the range of 106-137. (AKA the E. indicus Group) are in the literature, including as All other species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, follows: 1843 are separated from E. chlorostigma and the eight new species named above by having one or other of the four Weijola (2017) in Fig. 2, contains photos of living character states: Euprepiosaurus caerulivirens (A), E. indicus (as E. cerambonensis) (B), E. doreanus (C), E. douarrha (D), E. finschi 1/ Tongue dark violet, with light lines, or: (E), E. chlorostigma (sensu ICZN 2020) (listed as E. indicus) (F), 2/ Tongue dark bluish or greyish pigmented anteriorly, becoming E. jobiensis (G), E. juxtindicus (H), E. melinus (I), E. obor (J), E. distinctly lighter laterally and posteriorly, or: rainerguentheri (K), E. semotus (L), E. yuwonoi (M) (and E. 3/ Light coloured tongue, with an ill-defined dark pigmentation in lenhoseri sp. nov. (as V. sp.) from Misima (N)). Weijola (2020), the anteriormost part, or: contains photos of living E. tsukamotoi in Figs. 6 and 7 and E. 4/ Entire tongue light, pinkish in colour. bennetti in Figs 9-12. Hoser (1989) on page 117 has a photo of E. chlorostigma (Gray, 1831) (sensu ICZN 2020) from Australia, Exceptional to this is the following two taxa. treated herein as two subspecies of the type form from Ambon E. tsukamotoi Kishida, 1929, which also has a dark bluish-grey (sensu ICZN 2020), namely E. indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013 and E. tongue, is separated from the preceding species by the following indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013. suite of characters: (i) dorsum black and covered with evenly E. lirungensis (Koch et al. 2009) is seen in life in (Koch et al. distributed yellow scales, (ii) yellow temporal stripe usually 2009), on page 33, Fig 4. absent, (iii) low scale counts around the head (P: 31-40), tail base (Q: 54-74) and midbody (S: 101-126), and (iv) usually E. zugorum (Böhme and Ziegler, 2005) is depicted online at: prominent dark pigmentation in the gular region (derived from https://www.reptilefact.com/zugs-monitor.html

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Weijola et al. 2020). Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 22 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

All the preceding specimens in images are identified in the suite of characters: Dorsal ground coloration of body brilliant to relevant publications as being of the genus “Varanus”. dark green, sometimes with V-shaped stripes over the dorsum The morphologically similar species Oxysaurus spinulosus being either absent or semi-distinct only at the anterior end; (Mertens, 1941) is depicted in life in plate 96 of McCoy (2006). nuchals smooth or slightly keeled; ventral side yellow or Species within the genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843 are greenish yellow; throat bright yellow and patternless; palms readily separated from all other Varanids by the following suite of black or darker; 72-88 transverse rows of slightly keeled ventral characters: At least the last two thirds of tail are strongly laterally scales. Separated from S. prasinus, S. satis and S. clara being compressed, not prehensile; mid-body scale count usually the three species superficially most similar, by the following: distinctly higher than 106; unilaterally built hemipenial and Absence of a well defined temporal streak from eye to above hemiclitorial paryphasma rows, which are also developed as ear; labials top and bottom are green, not yellow; iris is bright weakly hardened ridges (the weakly hardened ridges separating orange, versus yellow or light orange; top of head is without Euprepiosaurus from Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013). obvious black markings and generally dark green in colour, except nostrils (yellow) and tip of snout (light pinkish-grey), Distribution: E. scottgranti sp. nov. are restricted to the versus yellow in front of eyes in S. prasinus, S. satis and S. Tanimbar Islands, West Maluku, Tenggara Regency, Maluku, clara. Indonesia. S. prasinus and S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. are both readily Etymology: The new species E. scottgranti sp. nov. is named in separated from both S. satis sp. nov. and S. clara sp. nov. by honour of Scott Grant, who as of 2020 was owner of the Whyalla having black undersides of the feet (particularly the hind ones), Fauna Park in South Australia, in recognition of his services to versus grey or light in colour in S. satis sp. nov. and S. clara sp. wildlife conservation. His start in the wildlife “business” was nov.. somewhat choppy in that he sustained two near fatal bites from S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. is separated from all of S. satis sp. Inland Taipans Parademansia microlepidotus McCoy, 1879. This nov., S. clara sp. nov. and S. prasinus by the absence of an arose because he was improperly trained by a Victorian obvious temporal streak running from the eye and above the ear. government-licensed trainer who in fact had no meaningful experience with snakes and should never have been licensed to S. prasinus is further separated from the other species by train people in the first place. having a well defined pattern of distinct black V-shaped stripes Scott Grant’s problems arose because he was let loose to catch on the dorsum of the neck extending down the body at least half and handle venomous snakes with so-called Killer Snake way and usually all the way to the hind limbs (see for example TONGS, of the sort aggressively used and marketed by the the image published with the original description of that taxon) notorious Mark O’Shea in the UK, (see image at: http:// (or alternatively the cross bands are semi-distinct at the www.markoshea.info/home.php of O’Shea with a set of TONGS posterior end of the body). ostensibly of “Mark searching for spitting cobras in KwaZulu The morphologically similar S. telenesetes (Sprackland, 1991) is Natal, S.Africa”), or alternatively, see image of O’Shea, separated from the preceding species by having a mottled Wolfgang Wüster and other members of the gang of thieves venter, banded throat, pale palms and approximately 92 about to engage in a round of extreme animal abuse, armed to transverse rows of smooth ventral scales. the teeth with numerous sets of TONGS at: https:// S. kordensis (Meyer, 1874) is separated from the preceding www.markoshea.info/images/safricapix/geogap_teaml.jpg species by having an olive to bluish-green dorsum with dark These TONGS are barbaric devices, that when used on snakes, ocelli or black reticulation and heavily keeled nuchal scales. break bones and internal organs and as a result cause S. reisingeri (Eidenmüller and Wicker, 2005) is separated from otherwise placid snakes to turn into crazy one-dimensional the preceding species by having a yellow or greenish-yellow killing machines (Hoser, 2019b). dorsum with transversal dark bands or a dark reticulation and a Fortunately for Scott Grant, he was retrained by the late Les greenish-yellow throat. Williams from Ballan, Victoria and Roy Pails, of Ballarat, All other species in the genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 Victoria, so now Scott Grant is able to handle venomous snakes are either melanistic and patternless or not melanistic, but with a without attacking them with TONGS and unecessarily inducing dorsal ground coloration of black, combined with a distinct light them to bite him. pattern and therefore none can be confused with the preceding By the way, the notorious Mark O’Shea rarely goes into the field species. to handle snakes venomous snakes and does not keep them A photo of S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. in life can be seen in either, but on the rare occasions he interacts with them, because O’Shea (1991). he invariably uses TONGS, he regularly gets bitten and ends up The genus Shireenhosersaurea gen. nov. (now) consisting 12 in a hospital intensive care ward. recognized species are separated from all other living varanids SHIREENHOSERSAUREA SHIREENHOSERAE SP. NOV. by the following suite of characters: The tail is only moderately LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:61D39781-0167-4357-9EED- compressed or not at all; there is no obvious median double keel F669CD60B5BB dorsally along the tail; the tail is round in section or somewhat Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum in dorso-ventrally compressed, at the most, very slightly laterally Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number compressed in the last half; there is a median series of R.129209 collected from Maprik, East Sepik District, Papua New transversely enlarged supraocular scales. The genus Guinea, Latitude -3.650 S., Longitude 143.033 E. This Shireenhosersaurea gen. nov. is further separated from all other government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. living varanids, including the so-called “indicus group” (Genus Paratypes: Two preserved specimens at the Australian Museum Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843), the group it is most closely in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen numbers related to, by the following suite of characters: a long tail being R.124774 and R.124801 collected at Usino, Madang Province, 1.75 times the snout-vent length, that is unique among the living Papua New Guinea, Latitude -5.5639 S., Longitude 145.3555 E. varanids in being prehensile (and notably not seen in Genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843), and a mainly green or black Diagnosis: Until now Shireenhosersaurea shireenhoserae sp. colouration (the green being unique to this genus) and particular nov. has been treated as a population of putative S. prasinus specializations of the foot to enable grasping on branches. (Schlegel, 1839), which superficially at least, this species is In common with Euprepiosaurus, Shireenhosersaurea gen. nov. most similar to. species are characterized by having relatively long snouts, tails S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. is separated from all other eleven and legs. species in Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 by the following The genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 consists the

following 12 species: Shireenhosersaurea prasinus (Schlegel, S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. is separated from all of S. satis sp. 1839) (type species), S. beccarii (Doria, 1874), S. boehmei nov., S. clara sp. nov. and S. prasinus by the absence of an (Jacobs, 2003), S. bogerti (Mertens, 1950), S. clara sp. nov., S. obvious temporal streak running from the eye and above the ear. keithhornei (Wells and Wellington, 1985), S. kordensis (Meyer, The morphologically similar S. telenesetes (Sprackland, 1991) is 1874), S. macraei (Böhme and Jacobs, 2001), S. reisingeri separated from the preceding species by having a mottled (Eidenmüller and Wicker, 2005), S. satis sp. nov., S. venter, banded throat, pale palms and approximately 92 shireenhoserae sp. nov. and S. telenesetes (Sprackland, 1991). transverse rows of smooth ventral scales. Distribution: S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. is found in Northern S. kordensis (Meyer, 1874) is separated from the preceding New Guinea, in the general region bounded by Pulau Yapen species by having an olive to bluish-green dorsum with dark Irian Jaya (West Papua) in the west, including the Mamberamo ocelli or black reticulation and heavily keeled nuchal scales. River system, along the north coast and nearby ranges, north of S. reisingeri (Eidenmüller and Wicker, 2005) is separated from the highest parts of the central cordillera to the Huon Peninsula the preceding species by having a yellow or greenish-yellow in Papua New Guinea. dorsum with transversal dark bands or a dark reticulation and a Etymology: S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. is named in honour of greenish-yellow throat. my wife, Shireen Hoser, of Park Orchards, Melbourne, Victoria, All other species in the genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 Australia, formerly of Africa, in recognition of her services to are either melanistic and patternless or not melanistic, but with a herpetology and wildlife conservation over more than 20 years. dorsal ground coloration of black, combined with a distinct light SHIREENHOSERSAUREA CLARA SP. NOV. pattern and therefore none can be confused with the preceding LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:F0DB2587-AEE4-4ACA-B790- species. BDB468B8BD2B The genus Shireenhosersaurea gen. nov. consisting 12 species Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum in (recognized as of this paper) are separated from all other living Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number R.9963 varanids by the following suite of characters: The tail is only collected from Mt. Lamington, Northern District, Papua New moderately compressed or not at all; there is no obvious median Guinea, Latitude -8.933 S., Longitude 148.166 E. This double keel dorsally along the tail; the tail is round in section or government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. somewhat dorso-ventrally compressed, at the most, very slightly Diagnosis: Until now Shireenhosersaurea clara sp. nov. has laterally compressed in the last half; there is a median series of been treated as a population of putative S. prasinus (Schlegel, transversely enlarged supraocular scales. The genus 1839), which superficially at least, this species is most similar to. Shireenhosersaurea gen. nov. is further separated from all other S. clara sp. nov. is separated from all other eleven species in living varanids, including the so-called “indicus group” (Genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 by the following suite of Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843), the group it is most closely characters: Dorsal ground coloration of body green without a related to, by the following suite of characters: a long tail being pattern of V-shaped stripes being semi-distinct or distinct; a 1.75 times the snout-vent length, that is unique among the living dorsal pattern consisting of small indistinct irregular-shaped varanids in being prehensile (and notably not seen in Genus ocelli on the dorsum of the upper forebody, becoming indistinct Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843), and a mainly green or black at midbody; scattered dark markings forming a somewhat colouration (the green being unique to this genus) and particular reticulated pattern under the otherwise yellowish chin and front specializations of the foot to enable grasping on branches. of undersurface of the head, grading to become a pattern of In common with Euprepiosaurus, Shireenhosersaurea gen. nov. heavy dark marbling on the neck and continuing in similar form species are characterized by having relatively long snouts, tails as an indistinct pattern under the belly near the forelimbs, before and legs. grading to heavy peppering posteriorly; nuchals are smooth or The genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 consists the only very slightly keeled; ventral surface is mainly yellowish or following 12 species: Shireenhosersaurea prasinus (Schlegel, greenish; throat yellowish, palms black or very dark; 72-88 1839) (type species), S. beccarii (Doria, 1874), S. boehmei transverse rows of slightly keeled ventral scales. (Jacobs, 2003), S. bogerti (Mertens, 1950), S. clara sp. nov., S. The three species most similar to S. clara sp. nov. are S. keithhornei (Wells and Wellington, 1985), S. kordensis (Meyer, prasinus, S. satis sp. nov. and S. shireenhoserae sp. nov.. S. 1874), S. macraei (Böhme and Jacobs, 2001), S. reisingeri clara sp. nov. is separated from these three species by the (Eidenmüller and Wicker, 2005), S. satis sp. nov., S. following: A dorsal pattern consisting of small indistinct irregular- shireenhoserae sp. nov. and S. telenesetes (Sprackland, 1991). shaped ocelli on the dorsum of the upper forebody, becoming Distribution: S. clara sp. nov. is known only from the indistinct at midbody; scattered dark markings forming a Popondetta / Mount Victory region in the Northern District of somewhat reticulated pattern under the otherwise yellowish chin Papua New Guinea. and front of undersurface of the head, grading to become a It may extend further east or west, north of the central cordillera, pattern of heavy dark marbling on the neck and continuing in to Milne Bay in the east and the Huon Peninsula (Lae area) in similar form as an indistinct pattern under the belly near the the west. forelimbs, before grading to heavy peppering posteriorly (versus an absence of this in the other three species). The base Etymology: The new species name S. clara sp. nov. comes colouration of the ventral surface of the body is green. Front of from the Latin word “clara”, meaning bright, in reflection of the dorsal surface of snout anterior to eyes is yellowish, which colour of the lizard. separates this species from S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. which SHIREENHOSERSAUREA SATIS SP. NOV. has a generally green anterior snout. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B2397304-AA76-4068-BFFF- The morphologically similar S. satis sp. nov. is separated from 6927FE75A4A2 S. clara sp. nov. by the small indistinct irregular-shaped ocelli Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum in on the dorsum of the upper forebody extending the entire length Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number R.6495 of the body and an absence of the marbling on the underside of collected from Fife Bay, Papua New Guinea, Latitude -10.600 S., the throat, it being yellow and a green belly without dark Longitude 150.016 E. peppering. This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. S. prasinus and S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. are readily Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum in separated from both S. satis sp. nov. and S. clara sp. nov. by Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number R.6741 having black undersides of the feet (particularly the hind ones), collected from Fife Bay, Papua New Guinea, Latitude -10.600 S., versus grey or light in colour in S. satis sp. nov. and S. clara sp. Longitude 150.016 E. nov.. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 24 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Diagnosis: Until now Shireenhosersaurea satis sp. nov. has called “indicus group” (Genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843), been treated as a population of putative S. prasinus (Schlegel, the group it is most closely related to, by the following suite of 1839), which superficially at least, this species is most similar to. characters: a long tail being 1.75 times the snout-vent length, S. satis sp. nov. is separated from all other eleven species in that is unique among the living varanids in being prehensile (and Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 by the following suite of notably not seen in Genus Euprepiosaurus Fitzinger, 1843), and characters: Dorsal ground coloration of body is emerald green a mainly green or black colouration (the green being unique to with a pattern of distinct black V-shaped stripes on the dorsum this genus) and particular specializations of the foot to enable of the neck becoming obvious black-edged occeli from the grasping on branches. region of the front legs, extending down the entire body to the In common with Euprepiosaurus, Shireenhosersaurea gen. nov. base of the tail. Posteriorly nuchals are smooth or only very species are characterized by having relatively long snouts, tails slightly keeled; ventral surface is green; throat yellow and and legs. patternless; undersides of all palms and feet are black; 72-88 The genus Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013 consists the transverse rows of slightly keeled ventral scales. following 12 species: Shireenhosersaurea prasinus (Schlegel, S. satis sp. nov. is readily separated from S. prasinus by having 1839) (type species), S. beccarii (Doria, 1874), S. boehmei a green belly, versus yellow in S. prasinus. S. prasinus is further (Jacobs, 2003), S. bogerti (Mertens, 1950), S. clara sp. nov., S. separated by having a well defined pattern of distinct black V- keithhornei (Wells and Wellington, 1985), S. kordensis (Meyer, shaped stripes on the dorsum of the neck extending down the 1874), S. macraei (Böhme and Jacobs, 2001), S. reisingeri body at least half way, and usually all the way to the hind limbs (Eidenmüller and Wicker, 2005), S. satis sp. nov., S. (or alternatively semi-distinct at the posterior end of the body) shireenhoserae sp. nov. and S. telenesetes (Sprackland, 1991). (see for example the drawing that accompanied the original Distribution: S. satis sp. nov. is found in Papua New Guinea, description of S. prasinus depicting a fully banded lizard). extending from the Milne Bay region of south-east New Guinea S. satis sp. nov. and S. clara sp. nov. are readily separated from to the east of the Trans-Fly region of New Guinea, generally both of S. prasinus and S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. by having south of the central cordillera. Specimens found west of this black undersides of palms and feet, versus grey or light in S. region (e.g. near Merauke) are morphologically similar and prasinus and S. shireenhoserae sp. nov.. tentatively assigned to this species. S. shireenhoserae sp. nov. is separated from all of S. satis sp. Etymology: The new species name S. satis sp. nov. comes nov., S. clara sp. nov. and S. prasinus by the absence of an from the Latin word “satis”, meaning pretty, in reflection of the obvious temporal streak running from the eye and above the ear. colour and form of the lizard. The three species most similar to S. clara sp. nov. are S. REFERENCES CITED prasinus, S. satis sp. nov. and S. shireenhoserae sp. nov.. S. Ahl, E. 1932. Eine neue Eidechse und zwei neue Frösche von clara sp. nov. is separated from these three species by the der Insel Jobi. Mitt. zool. Mus. Berlin 17:892-899. following: A dorsal pattern consisting of small indistinct irregular- Akeret, B. 2014. Geschichtliches zur Haltung von Waranen in shaped ocelli on the dorsum of the upper forebody, becoming Deutschland und der Schweiz. Terraria-Elaphe 2014(6):14-21. indistinct at midbody; scattered dark markings forming a somewhat reticulated pattern under the otherwise yellowish chin Allison, A. 1996. 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Scale Morphology and the nomenclature of the V. gouldii species complex. and Micro-Structure of Monitor Lizards (Squamata: Varanidae: Mertensiella Bonn 2:38-41. Varanus spp.) and their Allies: Implications for Systematics, Böhme, W. 1991b. New findings on the hemipenial morphology Ecology, and Conservation. Zootaxa (PRINO) (online) 4153(1):1- of monitor lizards and their systematic implications. Mertensiella 192. Bonn 2:42-49. Buden, D. W. 2015a. Reptiles of Lukunor Atoll, Mortlock Islands, Böhme, W. 2003. Checklist of the living monitor lizards of the Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia. Pacific Science world (family Varanidae). Zoologische Verhandelingen 341:6-43. 69(1):117-124. Buden, D. W. 2015b. Reptiles of Uman District Islands Böhme, W. 2014. Herpetology in Bonn. Mertensiella 21. vi+256 (Southeastern Chuuk Lagoon and Kuop Atoll), Federated States pp. of Micronesia. Pacific Science 69(2):271-279. Böhme, W. and Jacobs, H. J. 2001. Varanus macraei sp. n., eine neue Waranart der V. prasinus-Gruppe aus West Irian, Buden, D. W. and Taboroši, D. 2016. Reptiles of the Federated Indonesien. Herpetofauna (Münster) 23(133):5-10. States of Micronesia. Island Research and Education Böhme, W. and Koch, A. 2010. On the type selection and re- Initiative:311 pp. typification of two monitor lizard taxa (Squamata: Varanidae): Canto, R. del 2013. Field Observations on Varanus macraei. Monitor bivittatus celebensis Schlegel, 1844 and Monitor Biawak 7(1):18. kordensis Meyer, 1874; with some comments and corrections on Cogger, H. G. 2014. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia other name-bearing type specimens. Zootaxa (PRINO) (online) (Seventh Edition). CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, 2440:60-68. Australia:1033 pp. Bo¨hme, W. and Ziegler, T. 1997. Varanus melinus sp. n., ein Cogger, H. G., Cameron, E. E. and Cogger, H. M. 1983. neuer Waran aus der V. indicus-gruppe von den Molukken, Zoological Catalogue of Australia (1) Amphibia and Reptilia, Indonesien. Herpetofauna (Münster)19:26-34. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, ACT, Böhme, W. and Ziegler, T. 2005. A new monitor lizard from Australia:319 pp. Halmahera, Moluccas, Indonesia (Reptilia: Squamata: Cooper, T., Liew, A., Andrle, G., Cafritz, E., Dallas, H., Niesen, Varanidae). Salamandra 41:51-59. T., Slater, E., Stockert, J., Vold, T., Young, M. and Mendelson, J. Böhme, W. and Ziegler, T. 2007. Notes on the Distribution, Diet, 2019. Latency in Problem Solving as Evidence for Learning in Hemipenis Morphology and Systematics of Varanus spinulosus Varanid and Helodermatid Lizards, with Comments on Foraging Mertens, 1941. Mertensiella 16:100-108. Techniques. Copeia 107(1):78-84. Böhme, W., Horn, H. and Ziegler, T. 1994. On the taxonomy of Cota, M. 2008. Varanus indicus and its presence on the Mariana the Pacific monitor lizards (Varanus indicus complex): Islands: natural geographic distribution vs. introduction. Biawak Resurrection of Varanus doreanus (A.B. MEYER, 1874) and 2(1):18-27. description of a new subspecies. Salamandra 30(2):119-142. Court of Appeal Victoria. 2014. Hoser v Department of Böhme, W., Philipp, K. and Ziegler, T. 2002. Another new Sustainability and Environment [2014] VSCA 206 (5 September member of the Varanus (Euprepiosaurus) indicus group (Sauria: 2014). Varanidae): an undescribed species from Rennell Island, Czechura, G. V. 1980. The Emerald Monitor Varanus prasinus Solomon Islands. Salamandra 38(1):15-26. (Schlegel): an addition to the Australian mainland herpetofauna. Böhme, W., Koch, A. and Ziegler, T. 2016. Comment on the Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 20:103-109. proposed conservation of Tupinambus indicus Daudin, 1832 Daudin, F. M. 1802. Histoire naturelle, geìneìrale et particulieìre (currently Varanus indicus: Reptilia, Squamata) by replacement des Reptiles. Vol. 3. Dufart, Paris, France:455 pp. of the neotype (Case 3676; see BZN 72: 134-140). Bulletin of Davis, A. C. 2014. Successful Repair of an Emerald Tree Zoological Nomenclature 73(1). Monitor (Varanus prasinus Schlegel, 1839) Egg at Bristol Zoo Böhme, W., Jacobs, H. J., Koppetsch, T. and Schmitz, A. 2019. Gardens. Biawak 8(1):39. The Kei Islands Monitor Lizard (Squamata: Varanidae: Varanus: Dawson, J. E. 2018. Successful Hatching of a Patched Varanus Euprepiosaurus) as a Distinct Morphological, Taxonomic, and beccarii (Doria, 1874) Egg at the Saint Louis Zoo?. Biawak Conservation Unit. Russian Journal of Herpetology 26(5):272- 12(2):91-96. 280. De Lisle, H. F. 1996. Natural History of Monitor Lizards. Krieger, Bosch, H. 1996. Schwarze Smaragdwarane: Varanus beccarii Malabar, Florida, USA. im Löbbecke Museum und Aquazoo Düsseldorf. TI Magazin De Lisle, H. 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De Vis, C. W. 1887. On new or rare vertebrates from the Herbert Varanus rainerguentheri, einem Pazifikwaran aus der indicus- River, North Queensland. Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. W. Gruppe. Terraria-Elaphe 2014(6):38-42. (2)1(IV):1129-1137. Grabbe, J. and Koch, A. 2014. First and Repeated Cases of Doria, G. 1875. Enumerazione dei rettili raccolti dal Dott. O. Parthenogenesis in the Varanid Subgenus Euprepiosaurus Beccari in Amboina alle Isole Aru ed alle Isole Kei durante gli (Varanus indicus Species Group) and the First Successful anni 1872-73. Ann. Mus. Civ. Stor. Nat. Genova 6:325-357 Breeding of V. rainerguentheri in Captivity. Biawak 8(2):79. [1874]. Goodman, R. 2019. Snake snatcher cops hefty fine for taking Dryden, G. L. 1965. The food and feeding habits of Varanus python. Age, 21 March 2019, posted online at: https:// indicus on Guam. Micronesica 2(1):73-76. www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/snake-snatcher-cops-hefty- Dubois, A. 2014. 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Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt, Hediger, H. 1934. Beitrag zur Herpetologie und Zoogeographie Germany:148 pp. Neu-Britanniens und einiger umliegender Gebiete. Zool. Jahrb. Eidenmüller, B. and Wicker, R. 1992. Varanus (Odatria) prasinus (Syst.) 65:441-582. beccarii (Doria, 1874), Pflege und Zucht. Salamandra 28(3- Hill, B. 2016. Two men jailed for murdering asylum seeker Reza 4):171-178. Barati in Manus Island. Australian Broadcasting Corporation Eidenmüller, B. and Wicker, R. 2005. Eine weitere neue (ABC) News, 19 April, posted online at: https://www.abc.net.au/ Waranart aus dem Varanus prasinus-Komplex von der Insel radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/two-men-jailed-for- Misol, Indonesien. Sauria 27(1):3-8. murdering-asylum-seeker-reza/7339362?nw=0 Eidenmüller, B., Koch, A., Köhler, J. and Wicker, R. 2017. New Hobbs, K. 2010. Truckie jailed for having sex with 14 year old findings on the relationships among New Guinea tree monitor girl. Geelong Advertiser, 7 August, posted online at: lizards of the Varanus prasinus (Schlegel, 1839) complex http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/08/07/ (Squamata: Sauria: Varanidae). Herpetozoa 30(1/2):9-20. 198431_news.html Eipper, S. 2013. Post on Facebook 16 December 2013. Holmes, R. B., Murray, A. M., Attia, Y. S., Simons, E. L. and Ellis, R. J. 2018. An annotated type catalogue of varanid lizards Chatrath, P. 2010. Oldest known Varanus (Squamata: (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae) in the collection of the Western Varanidae) from the upper Eocene and lower Oligocene of Australian Museum. Records of the Western Australian Museum Egypt: Support for an African origin of the genus. Palaeontology 33:187-194, 53(5):1099-1110. Hörenberg, T. and Koch, A. 2013. Die Zwergwarane der Emerson, B. C. 2008. Speciation on islands: what are we Untergattung Odatria Gray, 1838. Draco 13(53):6-19. learning? Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 95:47-52. Fitch, A. J., Goodman, A. E. and Donnellan, S. C. 2006. A Horn, H. G. 1977. Notizen zur Systematik, Fundortangaben und molecular phylogeny of the Australian monitor lizards Haltung von Varanus (Varanus) karlschmidti. Salamandra (Squamata: Varanidae), inferred from mitochondrial DNA 13(2):78-88. sequences. Australian Journal of Zoology 54:253–269. Hoser, R. T. 1989. Australian Reptiles and Frogs. Pierson and Frýdlová, P. and Frynta, D. 2010. A test of Rensch’s rule in Co., Sydney, NSW, Australia:238 pp. varanid lizards. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society Hoser, R. T. 1991. Endangered Animals of Australia. Pierson 100:293-306. and Co., Mosman, NSW, 240 pp. Frýdlová, P., Velenský, P., Šimková, O., Cikánová, V., Hnízdo, Hoser, R. T. 1993. Smuggled: The Underground Trade in J., Rehák, I. and Frynta, D. 2011. Is body shape of mangrove- Australia’s Wildlife. Apollo Publishing, Moss Vale, NSW. 160 pp. dwelling monitor lizards (Varanus indicus; Varanidae) sexually Hoser, R. T. 1995. Release into hell. Monitor:Journal of the dimorphic? Amphibia-Reptilia 32(1):27-37. Victorian Herpetological Society Incorporated 7(2):77-88. Frýdlová, P., Hnizdo, J., Velensky, P., Simkova, O., Cikanova, V., Hoser, R. T. 1996. Smuggled-2: Wildlife Trafficking, Crime and Chylikova, L. and Frynta, D. 2013. Easy life of males? Indirect Corruption in Australia. Kotabi Publishing, Doncaster, Victoria, evidence that growth is easier than egg production in mangrove- 3108, Australia:280 pp. dwelling monitor lizards (Varanus indicus). Acta Herpetologica Hoser, R. T. 1998a. Death Adders (Genus Acanthophis): An 8(2):105-113. overview, including descriptions of five new species and one Good, D. A., Bauer, A. M. and Günther, R. 1993. An Annotated subspecies. Monitor: Journal of the Victorian Herpetological Type Catalogue of the Anguimorph Lizards (Squamata: Society Incorporated 9(2):20-41. Anguidae, Helodermatidae, Varanidae, Xenosauridae) in the Hoser, R. T. 1998b. Comments on the proposed conservation of Zoological Museum, Berlin. Mitt. Zool. Mus. Berl. 69(1):45-56. the specific name of Varanus teriae Sprackland, 1991 (Reptilia, Grabbe, J. 2014. Erster Nachweis von Parthenogenese bei Squamata) (Case 3043; see BZN 54: 100-103, 250-251; 55: 37- Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 27

39). Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 55(2):113-114. Hoser, R. T. 2016a. A division of the elapid genus Salomonelaps Hoser, R. T. 2000a. A New Species of Snake (Serpentes: McDowell, 1970 from the Solomon Islands, including the Elapidae) from Irian Jaya. Litteratura Serpentium 20(6):178-186. resurrection of two species and formal description of four other Hoser, R. T. 2000b. A Revision of the Australasian pythons. forms (Serpentes: Elapidae: Micropechiini: Loveridgelapina). Ophidia Review 1:7-27. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 31:12-21. Hoser, R. T. 2007. Wells and Wellington - It’s time to bury the Hoser, R. T. 2016b. A division of the genus elapid genus hatchet. Calodema Supplementary Paper 1:1-9. Loveridegelaps McDowell, 1970 from the Solomon Islands, including formal description of four new species (Serpentes: Hoser, R. T. 2009a. Creationism and contrived science: A review Elapidae: Micropechiini: Loveridgelapina). Australasian Journal of recent python systematics papers and the resolution of issues of Herpetology 31:22-28. of taxonomy and nomenclature. Australasian Journal of Hoser, R. T. 2016c. A review of the Candoia bibroni species Herpetology 2:1-34. (3 February). complex (Squamata: Serpentes: Candoiidae: Candoia). Hoser, R. T. 2009b. Pain makes venomous snakes bite humans. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 31:39-61. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 5 (9 Feb 2009):1-21. Hoser, R. T. 2016d. Carphodactylidae reviewed: Four new Hoser, R. T. 2012a. Exposing a fraud! Afronaja Wallach, Wüster genera, four new subgenera, nine new species and four new and Broadley 2009, is a junior synonym of Spracklandus Hoser subspecies within the Australian gecko family (Squamata: 2009! Australasian Journal of Herpetology 9 (3 April 2012):1-64. Sauria). Australasian Journal of Herpetology 32:3-25. Hoser, R. T. 2012b. Robust taxonomy and nomenclature based Hoser, R. T. 2016e. A division of the genus Corucia Gray, 1855, on good science escapes harsh fact-based criticism, but the Giant Skink, from the Solomon Islands, into five remains unable to escape an attack of lies and deception. geographically separated species. Australasian Journal of Australasian Journal of Herpetology 14:37-64. Herpetology 32:26-32. Hoser, R. T. 2013a. Tidying up the taxonomy of the extant Hoser, R. T. 2016f. A re-evaluation of the Crocodile Skinks, Booidea, including the erection and naming of two new families, genus Tribolonotus Duméril and Bibron, 1839 sensu lato the description of Acrantophis sloppi sp. nov., a new species of including the division of the genus into three, description of three Ground Boa from Madagascar and Candoia aspera iansimpsoni new species, a new subspecies and the placement of all within a subsp. nov., a new subspecies of Boa from Papua New Guinea. new tribe. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 32:33-39. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 16:3-8. Hoser, R. T. 2016g. Boiga irregularis (Bechstein, 1802): An Hoser, R. T. 2013b. The science of herpetology is built on invasive species complex busted! (Serpentes: Colubridae). evidence, ethics, quality publications and strict compliance with Australasian Journal of Herpetology 33:3-11. the rules of nomenclature. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 18:2-79. Hoser, R. T. 2018. A revised taxonomy of the gecko genera Lepidodactylus Fitzinger, 1843, Luperosaurus Gray, 1845 and Hoser, R. T. 2013c. Monitor Lizards reclassified with some Pseudogekko Taylor, 1922 including the formal erection of new common sense (Squamata: Sauria: Varanidae). Australasian genera and subgenera to accommodate the most divergent taxa Journal of Herpetology (21):41-58. and description of 26 new species. Australasian Journal of Hoser, R. T. 2014. A long overdue taxonomic rearrangement of Herpetology 38:32-64. the New Guinea Crowned Snakes, currently referred to the Hoser, R. T. 2019a. 11 new species, 4 new subspecies and a genus Aspidomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Serpentes:Elapidae). subgenus of Australian Dragon Lizard in the genus Australasian Journal of Herpetology 23:3-9. Tympanocryptis Peters, 1863, with a warning on the Hoser, R. T. 2015a. Dealing with the “truth haters” ... a conservation status and long-term survival prospects of some summary! Introduction to Issues 25 and 26 of Australasian newly named taxa. Australasian Jour. of Herpetology 39:23-52. Journal of Herpetology. Including “A timeline of relevant key Hoser, R. T. 2019b. Richard Shine et al. (1987), Hinrich Kaiser et publishing and other events relevant to Wolfgang Wüster and al. (2013), Jane Melville et al. (2018 and 2019): Australian his gang of thieves.” and a “Synonyms list”. Australasian Journal Agamids and how rule breakers, liars, thieves, taxonomic of Herpetology 25:3-13. vandals and law breaking copyright infringers are causing reptile Hoser, R. T. 2015b. The Wüster gang and their proposed “Taxon species to become extinct. Australasian Jour. of Herp. 39:53-63. Filter”: How they are knowingly publishing false information, Hoser, R. T. 2019c. A new species of Tree Kangaroo, Genus recklessly engaging in taxonomic vandalism and directly Dendrolagus Müller, 1840 from Tembagapura, Mimika, Irian attacking the rules and stability of zoological nomenclature. Jaya, Indonesia. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 40:50-55. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 25:14-38. Hoser, R. T. 2019d. Eight new skink genera and 45 newly Hoser, R. T. 2015c. Best Practices in herpetology: Hinrich named species associated with Emoia Gray, 1845 sensu lato Kaiser’s claims are unsubstantiated. Australasian Journal of that reflects ancient divergence and recent speciation within the Herpetology 25:39-52. assemblage (Reptilia: Squamata). Australasian Journal of Hoser, R. T. 2015d. PRINO (Peer reviewed in name only) Herpetology 40:3-49. journals: When quality control in scientific publication fails. Hoser, R. T. 2019e. Further dismemberment of the pan- Australasian Journal of Herpetology 26:3-64. continental Lizard genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 with the Hoser, R. T. 2015e. Rhodin et al. 2015, Yet more lies, creation of four new genera to accommodate divergent species misrepresentations and falsehoods by a band of thieves intent and the formal descriptions of six new species. Australasian on stealing credit for the scientific works of others. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 41:18-28. Journal of Herpetology 27:3-36. Hoser, R. T. 2019f. Six new genera of skinks associated with Hoser, R. T, 2015f. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 Lipinia Gray, 1845 based on morphological and evolutionary (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the divergence as well as twenty seven previously undiagnosed availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural species within the same assemblage. Australasian Journal of validation of the journal in which it was published (Case 3601; Herpetology 41:29-61. see BZN 70: 234-237; comments BZN 71:30-38, 133-135). Hoser, R. T. 2020a. Small and overlooked … six new species of (unedited version) Australasian Journal of Herpetology 27:37-42. Pygmy Possum, Genus Cercartetus Gloger, 1841 sensu lato Hoser, R. T. 2015g. Two hitherto overlooked subspecies of from the Australasian bioregion. Australasian Journal of Papuan Python Liasis (Apodora) papuana Peters and Doria, Herpetology 42:11-22. 1878 from New Guinea. Australasian J. of Herp. 30:18-20. Hoser, R. T. 2020b. For the first time ever! An overdue review

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 28 Australasian Journal of Herpetology and reclassification of Australasian Tree Frogs (Amphibia: Koch, A. and Böhme, W. 2005. Die Herpetofauna Sulawesis Anura: Pelodryadidae), including formal descriptions of 12 tribes, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Gattung Varanus: 11 subtribes, 34 genera, 26 subgenera, 62 species and 12 phylogeographische Beziehungen zu angrenzenden Gebieten - subspecies new to science. Australasian Journal of Herpetology das Projekt stellt sich vor. Elaphe 13(4):43-46. 44-46:1-192. Koch, A. and Eidenmüller, B. 2019. Is the New Guinea Emerald How, R. A. and Kitchener, D. J. 1997. Biogeography of Tree Monitor Lizard (Varanus prasinus) Native to Mainland Indonesian snakes. Journal of Biogeography 24:725-735. Australia? Biawak 13(1):32-42. Iannucci, A., Altmanová, M., Ciofi, C., Ferguson-Smith, M., Koch, A., Arida, E. A. and Böhme, W. 2007. Zwischenbericht Milan, M., Pereira, J. C., Pether, J., Rehák, I., Rovatsos, M., über die Herpetofauna Sulawesis unter besonderer Stanyon, R., Velenský, P., Ráb, P., Kratochvíl, L. and Pokorná, Berücksichtigung der Gattung Varanus: phylogeographische M. J. 2019. Conserved sex chromosomes and karyotype Beziehungen zu angrenzenden Gebieten. Elaphe 15(3):42-52. evolution in monitor lizards (Varanidae). Heredity 123:215-227. Koch, A., Arida, E., Schmitz, A., Böhme, W. and Ziegler, T. ICZN 2001. Opinion 1970: Odatria keithhornei Wells and 2009. Refining the polytypic species concept of mangrove Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Sauria): specific name placed on monitors (Squamata: Varanus indicus group): a new cryptic Official List. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 58(1):74. species from the Talaud Islands, Indonesia, reveals the ICZN 2020. Opinion 2451: Tupinambis indicus Daudin, 1802 underestimated diversity of Indo-Australian monitor lizards. (currently Varanus indicus; Reptilia, Squamata): specific name Australian Journal of Zoology 57(1):29-40. conserved ICZN, Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 77. Koch, A., Philipp, K. and Ziegler, T. 2010a. The Monitor Man: A Iskandar, D. T. and Mumpuni 2002. The herpetological type Story of Stunning Discoveries and Charismatic Creatures. specimens in the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense Collection. Biawak 4(4):132-152. Hamadryad 27(1):123-135. Koch, A., Auliya, M. and Ziegler, T. 2010b. Updated checklist of Jacobs, H. J. 2002. Zur morphologischen Variabilität der the living monitor lizards of the world (Squamata: Varanidae). nominellen Smaragdwaran-Taxa Varanus prasinus (H. Schlegel, Bonn Zool. Bull. 57(2):127-136. 1939) und V. kordensis (A. B. Meyer, 1874), mit Bemerkungen Koch, A., Ziegler, T., Böhme, W., Arida, E. and Auliya, M. 2013. zur Erstzucht des letzteren. Herpetofauna (Münster) 24(137):21- Pressing Problems: Distribution, Threats, and Conservation 34. Status of the Monitor Lizards (Varanidae: Varanus spp.) of Jacobs, H. J. 2003. A further new emerald tree monitor lizard of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Herp. the Varanus prasinus species group from Waigeo, West Irian Cons. Biol. 8 (Monograph 3):1-62. (Squamata: Sauria: Varanidae). Salamandra 39(2):65-74. Koch, A., Ernst, N., Eidenmuller, B. and Kraus, F. 2014. New Jacobs, H. J. 2008. Zucht von Varanus reisingeri data on the rare Varanus bogerti Mertens, 1950 and V. EIDENMÜLLER UND WICKER, 2005 mit Vergleich der telenesetes Sprackland, 1991 (Squamata: Varanidae), two jugendkleider der V. prasinus-Gruppe und Bemerkungen zu endemic monitor lizard taxa from island groups off southeastern deren Taxonomie. Sauria 30(1):5-12. New Guinea. The Herpetological Journal 24(2):111-122. Kaiser, H. 2012a. SPAM email sent out to numerous recipients Kok, R. 1995. Zur Haltung und Nachzucht des Pazifikwarans on 5 June 2012. (Varanus indicus). Salamandra 31(3): 129-136. Kaiser, H. 2012b. Point of view. Hate article sent as attachment Kraus, F. 2013. Further range extensions for reptiles and with SPAM email sent out on 5 June 2012. amphibians from Papua New Guinea. Herpetological Review Kaiser, H. 2013. The Taxon Filter, a novel mechanism designed 44(2):277-280. to facilitate the relationship between taxonomy and Lesson, R. P. 1830. Monitor douarrha In: Duperrey, L.I. Voyage nomenclature, vis-à-vis the utility of the Code’s Article 81 (the autour du monde, exeìcuteì par ordre du Roi, sur la corvette de Commission’s plenary power). Bulletin of Zoological Sa Majesteì, La Coquille, pendant les anneìes 1822, 1823, 1824 Nomenclature 70(4) December 2013:293-302. et 1825. Zoologie 2(1):53-54. Kaiser, H. 2014a. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 LiVigni, F. (ed.) 2013. A Life for Reptiles and Amphibians, (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the Volume 1. Chimaira, Frankfurt:495 pp. availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural Mann, H. J. 1976. Zur Behandlung eines Smaragdwarans, validation of the journal in which it was published. Bulletin of Varanus prasinus. Salamandra 12(4):206-207. Zoological Nomenclature, 71(1):30-35. McCoid, M. J., Hensley, R. A. and Witteman, G. J. 1994. Factors Kaiser H. 2014b. Best Practices in Herpetological Taxonomy: in the decline of Varanus indicus on Guam, Mariana Islands. Errata and Addenda. Herpetological Review, 45(2):257-268. Herpetological Review 25(2):60-61. Kaiser, H., Crother, B. L., Kelly, C. M. R., Luiselli, L., O’Shea, M., McCoy, F. 1879. Small-scaled Brown Snake. Prodromus Zoology Ota, H., Passos, P., Schleip, W. D. and Wüster, W. 2013. Best Victoria 3:12-13. practices: In the 21st Century, Taxonomic Decisions in McCreless, E. E., Huff, D. D., Croll, D. A., Tershy, B. R., Spatz, Herpetology are Acceptable Only When supported by a body of D. N., Holmes, N. D., Butchart, S. H. M. and Wilcox, C. 2015. Evidence and Published via Peer-Review. Herpetological Past and estimated future impact of invasive alien mammals on Review 44(1):8-23. insular threatened vertebrate populations. Nature Kirschner, A. and Koschorke, H. 1998. Das Portrait: Varanus Communications 10.103. yuwonoi. Sauria 20(4):1-2. McCoy, M. 1980. Reptiles of the Solomon Islands. Wau Ecology Kishida, K. 1929. A new Monitor from the island of Saipan, Institute Handbook 7. Wau Ecology Institute, Wau, Papua New South Sea Islands. Lansania. 1(1):13-16. Guinea. Koch, A. 2012. Discovery, Diversity, and Distribution of the McCoy, M. 2015. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of the Solomon Amphibians and Reptiles of Sulawesi and its offshore islands. Islands. Michael McCoy, Kuranda:147 pp. Edition Chimaira:374 pp. McCurry, M. R., Mahony, M., Clausen, P. D., Quayle, M. R., Koch, A. 2016. Der Blaue Baumwaran (Varanus macraei) von Walmsley, C. W., Jessop, T. S., Wroe, S., Richards, H. and Batanta:?wunderschön und stark bedroht. Reptilia (Münster) McHenry, C. R. 2015. The Relationship between Cranial 21(122):38-41. Structure, Biomechanical Performance and Ecological Diversity Koch, A. 2018. 15 Jahre Forschung an indo-australischen in Varanoid Lizards. PLoS One 10 (6): e0130625. Waranen. Terraria-Elaphe 2018(5):54-57. Mendyk, R. W. 2007. Dizygotic twinning in the Blue tree Monitor,

Varanus macraei. Biawak 1(1):26-28. batraci raccolti da O. Beccari, L. M. D’Alberts e A. A. Bruijn. Mendyk, R. W. 2011. Forelimb-assisted Extractive Foraging nella sotto-regione Austro-Malese. Annali del Museo Civico de Sheds New Light on the Behavioural Complexity of Arboreal Storia Naturale di Genova. 1(13):323-450. Varanid Lizards. Biawak 5(3):51-52. Philipp, K. M. 1999. Niche partitioning of Varanus doreanus, V. Mendyk, R. W. 2015. An Annotated Bibliography of the Captive indicus and V. jobiensis in Irian Jaya: preliminary results. Pp. Husbandry, Breeding, Behavior, Veterinary Management and 307-316 in Horn, H. G. and Bo¨hme, W. (eds.): Advances in Trade of Tree Monitor Lizards (Varanus prasinus Complex). monitor research II. Mertensiella 11. Biawak 9(2):58. Philipp, K. M., Böhme, W. and Ziegler, T. 1999. The identity of Mendyk, R. W. and Horn, H. -G. 2011. Skilled forelimb Varanus indicus: Redefinition and description of a sibling movements and extractive foraging in the arboreal monitor lizard species coexisting at the type locality (Sauria: Varanidae: Varanus beccarii (Doria, 1874). Herp. Review 42(3):343-349. Varanus indicus group). Spixiana 22(3):273-287. Merrem, B. 1820. Versuch eines Systems der Amphibien I Philipp, K. M., Ziegler, T. and Böhme, W. 2007. Preliminary (Tentamen Systematis Amphibiorum). J. C. Krieger, Marburg:191 Investigations of the Natural Diet of Six Monitor Lizard Species pp. of the Varanus (Euprepiosaurus) indicus Group. Mertensiella Mertens, R. 1926. Uber die Rassen einiger indo – australischer 16:336-345. Reptilien. Senckenbergiana Biologica 8:272-279. Pianka, E. R. 2012. Can humans share spaceship earth? Mertens, R. 1941. Zwei neue Warane des australischen Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 6(1):1-24. Fauenengebietes. Senckenbergiana Biologica 23:266-272. Pianka, E. R. and King, D. R. (eds.) 2004. Varanoid Lizards of the World. Indiana University Press, USA:599 pp. Mertens, R. 1942. Die familie der Warane (Varanidae) 3. Abhandlungen der Senckenbergischen Naturforschenden Pianka, E. R. and Sweet, S. S. 2016. Field observations by two Gesellschaft 466:235-391. American Varanophiles, 64 pp. in Cota, M. (ed.), Proceedings of Mertens, R. 1950. Notes on some Indo-Australian monitors the fourth multidisciplinary world conference on monitor lizards. (Sauria, Varanidae). American Museum Novitates 1456:1-7. Pianka, E. R. and Vitt, L. J. 2003. Lizards: Windows to the Mertens, R. 1951. A new lizard of the genus Varanus from New Evolution of Diversity. Univ. of Calif. Press, USA:347 pp. Guinea. Fieldiana Zoology 31:467-471. Pimm, S., Raven, P., Peterson, A., Cagan, H., Sekercioglu and Ehrlich, P. R. 2006. Human impacts on the rates of recent, Mertens, R. 1959. Liste der Warane Asiens und der indo- present, and future bird extinctions. 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Notes on the Natural code of Zoological Nomenclature (Fourth edition). The Natural History of Blue-tailed Monitors (Varanus doreanus) in Australia. History Museum - Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. Biawak 11(1):8-14. Rowe, K. C., Aplin, K. P., Baverstock, P. R. and Moritz, C. 2011. Oliver, P. M., Clegg, J. R., Fisher, R. N., Richards, S. J., Taylor, Recent and rapid speciation with limited morphological disparity P. N. and Jocque, M. M. T. 2016. A new biogeographically in the genus Rattus. Systematic Biology 60(2):188-203. disjunct giant gecko (Gehyra: Gekkonidae: Reptilia) from the East Melanesian Islands. Zootaxa (PRINO) (online) 4208 1: 61- Schlegel, H. 1839. Abbildungen neuer oder unvollständig 76. bekannter Amphibien, nach der Natur oder dem Leben entworfen und mit einem erläuternden Texte begleitet. Arne and Oliver, P. M., Travers, S. L., Richmond, J. Q., Pikacha, P. and Co., Düsseldorf, xiv+141 pp. Fisher, R. N. 2017. At the end of the line: independent overwater colonizations of the Solomon Islands by a hyperdiverse trans- Schmidt, K. P. 1932. Reptiles and Amphibians from the Solomon Wallacean lizard lineage (Cyrtodactylus: Gekkota: Squamata). Islands. Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Zool. 18(9):175-190. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society (XX):1-14. Schneider, A. 2016a. Der Blaue Baumwaran, Varanus macraei - ein prächtiger Botschafter der indopazifischen Inselwelt. Reptilia Oransky, I. 2020. Major indexing service sounds alarm on self- (Münster) 21(122):16-20. citations by nearly 50 journals. Media release at: https:// retractionwatch.com/2020/06/29/major-indexing-service-sounds- Schneider, A. 2016b. Der Blaue Baumwaran im Terrarium. alarm-on-self-citations-by-nearly-50-journals/ Reptilia (Münster) 21(122):22-33. O’Shea, M. 1991. The reptiles of Papua New Guinea. The Schneider, A. 2016c. Die Nachzucht des Blauen Baumwarans, British Herpetological Society Bulletin 37:15-32 (and cover). 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Pulau Halmahera. Kerjasama antara Pusat Studi Biodiversitas Sweet, S. S. and Pianka, E. R. 2003. The lizard kings. Natural dan Konservasi Universitas Indonesia dan Museum Zoologicum History 112(9):40-45. Bogoriense, Puslit Biologi Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Sweet, S. S. and Pianka, E. R. 2007. Monitors, Mammals and Indonesia. Wallace’s Line. pp. 79-99 in Horn, H. –G., Böhme, W. and Shea, G. 2013a. Email to Raymond Hoser dated Fri, 8 Mar 2013 Krebs, U. (eds.), Advances in monitor research III, DGHT, 04:29:39 +0000. Rheinbach. Shea, G. 2013b. Post on facebook on 8 March at 7.51 AM at: Switak, K. H. 2006. Adventures in Green Python Country. Natur http://www.facebook.com/glenn.shea.73?ref=ts&fref=ts und Tier Verlag (Münster):364 pp. Shea, G. 2013c. Post on facebook on 20 March at: Thorpe, S. 2013. Post to the Taxacom listserver, 21 May 2014. http://www.facebook.com/glenn.shea.73?ref=ts&fref=ts#!/ Thorpe, S. 2014a. Post on Taxacom forum dated 13 April. bryangrieg.fry?fref=ts Thorpe, S. 2014b. Email to ICZN. 29 April. Shea, G. 2013d. Second post on facebook on 20 March at: Toussaint, E. F. A., Moriniere, J., Lam, A., Turlin, B. and Balke, http://www.facebook.com/glenn.shea.73?ref=ts&fref=ts#!/ M. 2016. Bayesian Poisson tree processes and multispecies bryangrieg.fry?fref=ts coalescent models shed new light on the diversification of Shuter, A. 2014. A Novel Underwater Foraging Behavior Nawab butterflies in the Solomon Islands (Nymphalidaem Observed in Varanus prasinus at the wildlife Conservation Charaxinae, Polyura). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Society’s Bronx Zoo. Biawak 8(2):61. 178(2):241-256. Smith, C. E. and Filiardi, C. E. 2007. Patterns of molecular and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). 2015. Hoser morphological variation in some Solomon island land birds. The v Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (Review Auk 124(2):479-493. and Regulation) [2015] VCAT 1147 (30 July 2015, judgment and Soler, J. 2013. Feral Monitor Lizards (Varanus spp.) in transcript). Catalonia, Spain: an increasing Phenomenon. Biawak 7(1):21. Vidal, N., Marin, J., Sassi, J., Battistuzzi, F. U., Donnellan, S. C., Fitch, A. J., Fry, B. G., Vonk, F. J., Rodriguez de la Vega, R. C., Somma, M. and Koch, A. 2012. New morphological and Couloux, A. and Hedges, S. B. 2012. Molecular evidence for an distributional data on Varanus rainerguentheri (Squamata: Asian origin of monitor lizards followed by Tertiary dispersals to Varanidae), an endemic and little-known monitor lizard species Africa and Australasia. Biology Letters 8:853-855. of the Moluccas, Indonesia. Salamandra 48(4):207-212. Sprackland, R. G. 1991. Taxonomic review of the Varanus Voris, H. K. 2000. Maps of Pleistocene sea levels in Southeast prasinus group with descriptions of two new species. Memoirs of Asia: shorelines, river systems and time durations. Journal of the Queensland Museum 30(3):561-576. Biogeography 27(5):1153-1167. Sprackland, R. G. 1993. Rediscovery of Solomon Islands Wallace, A. R. 1858. On the tendency of species to form monitor lizard (Varanus indicus spinulosus) Mertens, 1941. varieties; and on the perpetuation of varieties and species by Vivarium 4(5):25-27. natural means of selection. Journal of the proceedings of the Linnean Society of London. Zoology 3(9):45-62. Sprackland, R. G. 1994. Rediscovery and taxonomic review of Wallace, A. R. 1876. The geographical distribution of animals: Varanus indicus spinulosus Mertens, 1941. Herpetofauna (Sydney, Australia) 24(2):33-38. with a study of the relations of living and extinct faunas as elucidating the past changes of the earth’s surface (in two Sprackland, R. G. 1995. The Emerald monitor. Reptilian 4(1):43- volumes). Cambridge University Press, New York (2011 reprint). 46. Wallace, A. R. 1881. Island Life: Or, the phenomena and causes Sprackland, R. G. 1995. Evolution, Systematics, and Variation of of insular faunas and floras, including a revision and attempted Pacific Mangrove Monitors. PhD thesis, University College solution of the problem of geological climates. Cosimo, New London:249 pp. Online at: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/ York (2007 reprint). 10101518/ Wellington, C. R. 2013. Post on Facebook 26 December 2013. Sprackland, R. G. 2004. Evolution, systematics and variation of Pacific mangrove monitor lizards. Lizard Biology 2(1):Art. 1. Wellington, C. R. 2014a. Post on Facebook wall of Scott Eipper 6 April. Sprackland, R. G. 2007. Peach-throat monitors. Reptiles Magazine 2007:40-47. Wellington, C. R. 2014b. Email to ICZN List and others on 9 July 2014. Sprackland, R. G. 2010. True blue: Care for the rare and Wells, R. W. 2013. Post on Facebook dated 18 December. challenging blue-spotted monitor. Reptiles Mag. 18(7):32-41. Spranger, T. M. 2012. Haltung und Handel „exotischer” Tiere als Wells, R. W. 2014a. Post on Facebook wall of Scott Eipper 6 Gegenstand des Polizei- und Ordnungsrechts. Draco 13(51):44- April. 53. Wells, R. W. and Wellington, C. R. 1984. A synopsis of the class Steadman, D. W. 1995. Prehistoric extinctions of Pacific island Reptilia in Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology 1(3-4):73- birds: biodiversity meets zooarchaeology. Science 129. 267(5201):1123-1131. Wells, R. W. and Wellington, C. R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Steadman, D. W., White, J. P. and Allen, J. 1999. Prehistoric Herpetology Supplementary Series 1:1-61. birds from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea: Extinctions on a large Melanesian island. Proceedings of the National Academy Weijola, V. 2010. Geographical distribution and habitat use of of Sciences USA 96:2563-2568. monitor lizards of the north Moluccas. Biawak 4:7-23. Stefani, M. 2008. Husbandry and Reproduction of the Peach- Weijola, V. 2015. Tupinambis indicus Daudin, 1802 (currently throated Monitor Varanus jobiensis in Captivity. Biawak 2(3):124- Varanus indicus: Reptilia, Squamata): proposed conservation of 130. usage of the specific name by replacement of the neotype. Strickland, J. L., Carter, S., Kraus, F. and Parkinson, C. L. 2016. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 72:134-141. Snake evolution in Melanesia: origin of the Hydrophiinae Weijola, V. 2017. Phylogeny and taxonomy of the Pacific Monitor (Serpentes, Elapidae), and the evolutionary history of the Lizards (Squamata: Varanus: Euprepiosaurus). Annales enigmatic New Guinea elapid Toxicocalamus. Zoological Journal Universitatis Turkuensis 334:36 pp. of the Linnean Society 178(3):663-678. Weijola, V. and Sweet, S. S. 2010. A new melanistic species of Supreme Court of Western Australia 2009. Thomas V Mallard monitor lizard (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae) from Sanana

Island, Indonesia. Zootaxa (PRINO) (online):2434:17-32. nation can defend itself in the face of threats from China. Daily Weijola, V. and Sweet, S. S. 2015. A single species of mangrove Mail (Australia) (27 November), published online at: https:// monitor (Varanus) occupies Ambon, Seram, Buru and Saparua, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7729689/Kevin-Rudd-says- Moluccas, Indonesia. Amphibian and Reptile Cons. 9:14-23. Australia-increase-population-50-MILLION-defend-China.html Weijola, V., Donnellan, S. C. and Lindqvist, C. 2016. A new blue- Ziegler, T. 2012. Erforschung und Erhalt der Artenvielfalt: Neue tailed monitor lizard (Reptilia, Squamata, Varanus) of the Wege des Ko¨lner Zoos in Su¨dostasien. Zeitschrift des Ko¨lner Varanus indicus group from Mussau island, Papua New Guinea. Zoos 55(3):111-130. Zookeys 568:129-154. Ziegler, T. and Böhme, W. 1996. Zur Hemiclitoris der squamaten Weijola, V., Vahtera, V., Lindqvist, C. and Kraus, F. 2019. A Reptilien: Auswirkungen auf einige Methoden der molecular phylogeny for the Pacific monitor lizards (Varanus Geschlechtsunterscheidung. Herpetofauna (Münster) subgenus Euprepiosaurus) reveals a recent and rapid radiation 18(101):11-19. with high levels of cryptic diversity. Zoological Journal of the Ziegler, T. and Böhme, W. 1998. Comments on the proposed Linnean Society 186(4):1053-1066. conservation of the specific name Varanus teriae Sprackland, Weijola, V., Vahtera, V., Koch, A., Schmitz, A. and Kraus, F. 1991 (Reptilia, Squamata) (Case 3043; see BZN 54: 100-103, 2020. Taxonomy of Micronesian monitors (Reptilia: Squamata: 250-251; 55: 37-39). Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature Varanus): endemic status of new species argues for caution in 55(2):111-113. pursuing eradication plans. R. Soc. Open Sci. 7:1-28. Ziegler, T. and Minh, D. Le 2018. New Records of the Blue-tailed Monitor, Varanus doreanus (Meyer, 1874), including a Maximum Welton, L. J., Travers, S. L., Siler, C. D. and Brown, R. M. 2014. Size Record, Biawak 12(1):48-53. Integrative taxonomy and phylogeny-based species delimitation of Philippine water monitor lizards (Varanus salvator Complex) Ziegler, T., Philipp, K. M. and Bo¨hme, W. 1999. Zum artstatus with descriptions of two new cryptic species. Zootaxa (PRINO) und zur genitalmorphologie von Varanus finschi Bo¨hme, Horn et (online) 3881(3):201-227. Ziegler, 1994, mit neuen verbreitungsangaben fu¨r V. finschi und V. doreanus (Meyer, 1874) (Reptilia: Sauria: Varanidae). Werning, H. 2010. 100 Jahre Aquarium im Zoo Leipzig. Reptilia Zoologische Abhan-dlungen 17:267-279. (Münster) 15(84):72-76. Ziegler, T., Bo¨hme, W., Eidenmu¨ller, B. and Philipp, K. M. Werning, H. and Lutzmann, N. 2014. Illegalen Wildtierhandel 2001. A note on the coexistence of three species of Pacific kann man nicht mehr verbieten. Reptilia (Münster) 19(106):14- monitor lizards in Australia (Sauria, Varanidae, Varanus indicus 22. group). Bonner Zoologische Beitra¨ge 50(1-2):27-30. Wesiak, K. 2009. Terrarienhaltung und Erstnachzucht des Ziegler, T., Schmitz, A., Koch, A. and Böhme, W. 2007a. A Pazifikwarans Varanus (Euprepiosaurus) indicus (DAUDIN, review of the subgenus Euprepiosaurus of Varanus (Squamata: 1802), mit einigen Bemerkungen zur Entwicklung der Jungtiere. Varanidae): morphological and molecular phylogeny, distribution Elaphe 17(1):44-55. and zoogeography, with an identification key for the members of Wesiak, K. and Koch, A. 2009. Successful Husbandry and First the V. indicus and the V. prasinus species groups. Zootaxa Breeding of Varanus juxtindicus Böhme et al., 2002, with (PRINO) (online) 1472:1-28. Remarks on the Development of Juveniles of this “Rarely-Kept” Ziegler, T., Böhme, W. and Schmitz, A. 2007b. A new species of Endemic Solomon Monitor Species. Biawak 3(4):106-121. the Varanus indicus group (Squamata, Varanidae) from Whittier, J. M. and Moeller, D. R. 1993. Varanus prasinus (the Halmahera Island, Moluccas: morphological and molecular Emerald Goanna) on Moa Island, Torres Strait, Australia. evidence. Mitteilungen aus dem Museum für Naturkunde in Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 34:130. Berlin 83(S1):109-119. Wilson, S. 2015. A field guide to the reptiles of Queensland. Ziegler, T., Strauch, M., Pes, T., Konas, J., Jirasek, T., Rütz, N., Reed / New Holland, Chatswood, NSW, Australia:304 pp. Oberreuter, J. and Holst, S. 2009. First captive Breeding of the Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2017. A complete guide to Reptiles of Blue Tree Monitor Varanus macraei Böhme and Jacobs, 2001 at Australia. Reed / New Holland, Sydney, Australia:647 pp. the Plzen and Cologne Zoos. Biawak 3(4):122-133. Woods, I. G. 2007. Varanus indicus (Mangrove Monitor) Liapari Ziegler, T., Rauhaus, A. and Gill, I. 2016. A Preliminary Review Island. Biawak 1(2):90. of Monitor Lizards in Zoological Gardens. Biawak 10(1):26. Zaczek, Z. 2019. Former PM Kevin Rudd says Australia should CONFLICTS OF INTEREST drastically increase its population to 50 MILLION to make sure None.

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Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:3-31. Snakebusters are Australia’s only hands-on reptiles shows that let people hold the animals. Available online at www.herp.net Relevant trademarks registered Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 32 Australasian Journal of Herpetology Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:32-38. Published 9 July 2020. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online)

Two new hitherto overlooked species of Dwarf Goanna, Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984, subgenus Parvavaranus Hoser, 2013 from Australia.

TO BE ASSIGNED - LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:88C0C262-ABA2-4878-80D9-F85838DB90DD

RAYMOND T. HOSER LSIDURN:LSID:ZOOBANK.ORG:PUB:784CF879-1F94-4F82-B3AE-7414FF271077

488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: snakeman (at) snakeman.com.au Received 1 December 2020, Accepted 30 April 2020, Published 9 July 2020.

ABSTRACT As part of a long-term taxonomic review of Australian varanid lizards by the author over a 40 year period, it has emerged that morphologically distinct and genetically divergent forms of two species of widely distributed Pygmy Monitors of the genus Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984, subgenus Parvavaranus Hoser, 2013 remain unrecognized to science as of 2020. The purpose of this paper is to identify and formally name these new species. They can be readily identified and separated from the nominate form of each closely related species on the basis of morphology. Furthermore previously published studies involving the analysis of DNA has shown species-level divergences for the relevant putative taxa. It is for this reason I have not hesitated to recognise each taxon as full species. I have no doubt that a group of thieves known as the Wolfgang Wüster gang, will make a lot of “noise” following the publication of this paper and falsely accuse this author of “taxonomic vandalism”. Then a few years down the track, when the obvious can no longer be ignored, they will attempt to steal this work and illegally rename the very same species as done by Bucklitsch et al. (2016) at Wüster’s instigation, when they illegally renamed two varanid genera previously named by Hoser (2013). The unlawfully coined name Hapturosaurus Bucklitsch, Böhme and Koch, 2016, published in (PRINO = peer reviewed in name only) online “journal” Zootaxa is a junior synonym of the correct legal name Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, 2013. Solomonsaurus Bucklitsch, Böhme and Koch, 2016 is a junior synonym of the correct legal name Oxysaurus Hoser, 2013. The genus-level taxonomy used in this paper is that used in Hoser (2013) and not the illegally coined names of Wüster’s gang of thieves including Bucklitsch et al. (2016). I note that as of 2020 the ICZN names of Hoser are those that are being widely accepted by scientists as the most logical for the Australian varanids (see for example Cogger 2014 and Dubois et al. 2019, both of whom condemned the Wüster gang of thieves). The Hoser names are the ones that are fully compliant with the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999). Keywords: Taxonomy; nomenclature; Goanna; Monitor lizard; Varanidae; Varanus; Worrellisaurus; Parvavaranus; South Australia; Northern Territory; Western Australia, Queensland, Australia; Shireenhosersaurea; Hapturosaurus; Oxysaurus; Solomonsaurus; eremius; brevicauda; sparnus; new species; apicemalba; ignis; new subspecies; pyrhus.

INTRODUCTION As part of a long-term taxonomic review of Australian varanid Therefore the genus-level classification of Hoser (2013) is used lizards by the author over a 40 year period, the genus-level throughout this paper. classification of the Varanidae globally was reviewed and revised The nefarious and often illegal activities of the Wüster gang of by Hoser (2013). thieves are detailed in Hoser (2015a-f) and sources cited This classification has been widely accepted in the five years therein. since then, including by regular critics of my scientific works Post year 2000 papers naming new taxa of Australian varanid known as the Wüster gang of thieves, who have even sought to include the following: Doughty et al. (2014), Hoser (2013, 2014, illegally rename genera first formally named in the Hoser (2013) 2015g, 2018a, 2018b, 2018c, 2018d), Maryan et al. (2014). paper in Bucklitsch et al. (2016) as detailed by Hoser (2017). The post year 2000 varanid taxa named in Australia by these Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:32-38. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 33

authors (using the genus-level nomenclature of Hoser 2013) are In terms of the latter, I am now aged 57 years of age, and am the following 25 species and subspecies-level taxa as follows: not likely to live another 40 years in good health to be able to go Worrellisaurus (Arborhabitatiosaurus) bushi (Aplin, Fitch and around the same parts of northern Australia collecting and King, 2006); recording species, as done in the previous 40 years. Odatria (Odatria) hoserae Hoser, 2013; As it is critically important that unnamed species be formally Odatria (Honlamus) honlami Hoser, 2013; identified and named as the vital first step in their long-term Odatria (Honlamus) mitchelli hawkeswoodi Hoser, 2013; conservation, I have absolutely no hesitation in describing the new to science forms herein, even though my available material Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) makhani (Hoser, 2013), originally and data is nowhere near as extensive as I would like it to be. described by Hoser (2013) as a subspecies of W. storri (Mertens, 1966); As stated in the abstract, the purpose of this paper is to identify and formally name these two forms from Australia. Odatria (Odatria) tristis nini Hoser, 2013; The newly named species can be readily identified and Euprepiosaurus indicus wellsi Hoser, 2013; separated from the nominate form of each closely related Euprepiosaurus indicus wellingtoni Hoser, 2013; species on the basis of morphology. Furthermore previously Odatria (Kimberleyvaranus) glebopalma funki Hoser, 2014; published studies involving the analysis of DNA within the last Odatria (Kimberleyvaranus) glebopalma maderi Hoser, 2014; decade by other authors, including as cited in Hoser (2013), Odatria (Pilbaravaranus) hamersleyensis (Maryan, Oliver, Fitch including Fitch et al. (2006), has shown species-level and O’Connell, 2014); divergences for the relevant forms. Worrellisaurus (Parvavaranus) sparnus (Doughty, Keally, Fitch In terms of the divergence by way of DNA, earlier studies and Donnellan, 2014); including Fitch et al. (2006) have shown divergences for each of Pantherosaurus (Aspetosaurus) maxhoseri Hoser, 2015; the two newly named forms being on par with other well-known and widely accepted taxa, such as Worrellisaurus bushi (Aplin, Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) primordius dalyi Hoser, 2015; Fitch and King, 2006) versus W. gilleni (Lucas and Frost, 1895) Pantherosaurus (Titanzius) giganteus queenslandensis Hoser, (its nearest relative) or Pantherosaurus flavirufus (Mertens, 2015; 1958) versus P. gouldi (Gray, 1838) (its nearest relative). Pantherosaurus (Titanzius) giganteus bulliardi Hoser, 2015; It is for this reason I have not hesitated to recognise each taxon Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) kimaniadilbodeni Hoser, 2018; as full species, rather than to take the conservative position of Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) microocellata Hoser, 2018; giving them taxonomic recognition at the subspecies level. Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) tyeseeipperae Hoser, 2018; I have no doubt that a group of thieves known as the Wolfgang Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) scotteipperi Hoser, 2018; Wüster gang, will make a lot of “noise” following the publication Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) dannybrowni Hoser, 2018; of this paper and falsely accuse myself of “taxonomic vandalism”. Worrellisaurus (Arborhabitatiosaurus) jenandersonae Hoser, 2018; Then a few years down the track, when the obvious can no longer be ignored, they will attempt to steal this work and Worrellisaurus (Worrellisaurus) bigmoreum Hoser, 2018; illegally rename the very same species. Odatria (Odatria) davidhancocki Hoser, 2018; The same gang of thieves will allege I have no experience at all Odatria (Kimberleyvaranus) glebopalma jimgreenwoodi Hoser, with the said taxa and that all my evidence is either “non- 2018. existent”, “fabricated” or “stolen”, (see for example Kaiser Non-Australian varanid taxa have also been formally described (2012a, 2012b, 2013, 2014a, 2014b) and Kaiser et al. (2013), and named by Hoser (2013) and other authors in the same post the latter “paper” perhaps should be better known as “Wüster 2000 period. and others he can “add” to his authors list”. In spite of this effort, it has also emerged that two more Bucklitsch et al. (2016) are a case in point in that as part of the morphologically distinct and genetically divergent forms of two Wüster gang of thieves, they engaged in taxonomic vandalism species of widely distributed Pygmy Monitors of the genus by coining names for varanid genera previously named by Hoser Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984, subgenus subgenus (2013). Paravaranus Hoser, 2013 remain unrecognized to science. Their objective junior synonyms should not be used as they are As it happens, these would have been named many years ago illegal under the rules of the International Code of Zoological were it not for a series of extremely damaging interruptions to Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999). our research effort, by money grabbing thieves, whose agenda Hapturosaurus Bucklitsch, Böhme and Koch, 2016 is a junior is more along the lines of destruction for profit, rather than public synonym of the correct legal name Shireenhosersaurea Hoser, benefit or science. 2013 and Solomonsaurus Bucklitsch, Böhme and Koch, 2016 is These illegal armed raids and other attacks are detailed by a junior synonym of the correct legal name Oxysaurus Hoser, Court of Appeal, Victoria (2014), Victorian Civil and 2013. Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) (2015), Hoser (1993, 1995, As stated already, the genus-level taxonomy used in this paper 1996, 1999a and 1999b). is that used in Hoser (2013), which as of 2018 was widely Events detailed by Court of Appeal, Victoria (2014), Victorian accepted by scientists as the most logical for the Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) (2015), Hoser (1989, varanids, remains the case in 2020 and is also fully compliant 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999a and 1999b, 2000a, 2000b) with the rules of the International Code of Zoological included illegal armed raids and unlawful thefts of research files, Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999). which caused irreparable harm to numerous research projects MATERIALS AND METHODS by the theft of records, photos and data that took many decades of hard work to accumulate. The basis of this long-term study has been the inspection of While it would be preferable to either retrieve the stolen material numerous specimens, live, in jars in museums and via photos or to replicate earlier research and accumulation of data, neither with accurate locality data, as well as a perusal of the limited are likely to happen in my lifetime. published literature on putative species within the genus In terms of the former, corrupt wildlife officers and police who Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984. illegally took materials have refused to return them in spite of Obviously I should note that morphological divergence on its numerous court orders to do so. own is not regarded by myself as sufficient grounds to assign a Evidence given by the offenders in court was that the relevant new species. materials have been destroyed. However there are other important grounds. All populations of Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:32-38. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 34 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

“candidate species” are separated by zones of clearly unsuitable Dubois et al. (2019), Fitch et al. (2016), Gray (1838, 1845), habitat, meaning zero collection of specimens from those places Hoser (2007, 2013, 2014, 2015a-g, 2017, 2018a-d), Lucas and and are therefore reproductively isolated. Frost (1895), Maryan et al. (2014), Mertens (1958, 1966), Ride Having said that, for one of these newly named species, et al. (1999), Sternfeld (1919, Storr (1980), Storr et al. (1983), geographic species boundaries between the relevant species Wells and Wellington (1984, 1985), Wilson and Knowles (1988), has not yet been fully established. Wilson and Swan (2017) and sources cited therein. As mentioned already, both newly named species are from the INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE FORMAL DESCRIPTIONS genus Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984, subgenus THAT FOLLOW Parvavaranus Hoser, 2013. There is no conflict of interest in terms of this paper or the All the relevant comments of Hoser (2013) and Hoser (2018a-d) conclusions arrived at herein. apply herein. Several people including anonymous peer reviewers who Relevant literature applicable to the taxonomy of Australian revised the manuscript prior to publication are also thanked as a monitor species, including the species formally in named this relevant staff at museums who made specimens and records paper was listed in Hoser (2013) and Hoser (2018a-d) and are available in line with international obligations. not necessarily cited again here, although the ones that are In terms of the following formal descriptions, spellings should most relevant are below. not be altered in any way for any purpose unless expressly and RESULTS exclusively called for by the rules governing Zoological The two newly identified species are wholly new to science in Nomenclature as administered by the International Commission that until now, no other herpetologist has suspected their of Zoological Nomenclature including within the International existence, or published anything to suggest they exist. Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Fourth edition) (Ride et al. 1999) as amended online since. Both species were identified simply by way of audit of wide- ranging generally well-known taxa through inspection of Any material downloaded from the internet and cited anywhere hundreds of specimens of the relevant and similar species in this paper was downloaded and checked most recently as of across their known areas of distribution. 20 April 2020, unless otherwise stated and were accurate in terms of the context cited herein as of that date. They have also been confirmed and corroborated by way of publicly available and published gene sequences, including Unless otherwise stated explicitly, colour descriptions apply to those of Fitch et al (2006). living adult specimens of generally good health and not under any form of stress by means such as excessive cool, heat, W. eremius (Lucas and Frost, 1895) as defined and diagnosed dehydration or abnormal skin reaction to chemical or other input. in Cogger (2014), with a type locality of Idracowra, Northern Territory was inspected across the known range for the putative While numerous texts and references were consulted prior to species. Specimens from the Shark Bay area of Western publication of this paper, the criteria used to separate the Australia were significantly divergent and are herein identified relevant species has already been spelt out and/or is done so and named as a new species. Those from the Pilbara to the within each formal description and does not rely on material north are also identified and named herein as a new subspecies within publications not explicitly cited herein. of W. eremius due to their morphological divergence. In terms of the long term conservation and survival of these newly named species, delays in recognition of these unique The differential level of classification is due to the fact that the species as unique species (or subspecies) could jeopardise the Shark Bay population is well and truly separated from all others long-term survival of these taxa as outlined by Hoser (2019a, and therefore wholly allopatric and this fits within the definition of 2019b and 2020) and sources cited therein. species by any reasonable classification. Therefore attempts by taxonomic vandals like the Wolfgang The Pilbara population, while also significantly divergent to the Wüster gang via Kaiser (2012a, 2012b, 2013, 2014a, 2014b) type form and based on the phylogeny of Fitch et al. (2006) at and Kaiser et al. (2013) (as frequently amended) to unlawfully the species level, may have gene flow with that population and suppress the recognition of these taxa on the basis they have a is therefore conservatively named herein as a subspecies. personal dislike for the person who formally named it should be The species W. brevicauda (Boulenger, 1898), was split by resisted (Cogger 2014, Dubois et al. 2019). Doughty, Keally, Fitch and Donnellan, (2014), with a population Claims by the Wüster gang against this paper and the from the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia formally descriptions herein will no doubt be no different to those the named W. sparnus (Doughty, Keally, Fitch and Donnellan, gang have made previously, all of which were discredited long 2014). They placed both their newly identified species and W. ago as outlined by Cogger (2014), Dubois et al. (2019), Hoser, brevicauda in the genus Varanus Merrem, 1820. See Hoser (2007, 2009, 2012a, 2012b, 2013a, 2015a-f, 2019a, 2019b) and (2013) for a full discussion of the genus level placements of sources cited therein. varanid species, including that used in this paper. WORRELLISAURUS (PARVAVARANUS) APICEMALBA SP. However in terms of the remaining population of the putative NOV. species, W. brevicauda Doughty, Keally, Fitch and Donnellan LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:448ED65C-846C-438E-8A27- (2014) left it all as a single species. 9667DB275826 Their molecular data did however indicate a genus-level divergence between eastern and western specimens. Holotype: A preserved specimen in the Western Australian Inspection of specimens from across the known range also Museum, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, specimen number shows consistent morphological divergence and so the R121347 collected from 38 km south, south east of Canarvon, unnamed eastern population is formally named as a new Western Australia, Australia, Latitude -25.1314 S., Longitude species in this paper. The type locality for W. brevicauda for the 113.7681 E. This government-owned facility allows access to its holotype is Sherlock River, Nickol Bay, Pilbara region, Western holdings. Australia (Boulenger 1898; Cogger et al. 1983; Wells and Paratype: A preserved specimen in the Western Australian Wellington 1985). Museum, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, specimen number Notwithstanding what has been written above, references R125771 collected from Woodleigh Station, Western Australia, relevant to the putative species subject of this paper and the Australia, Latitude -26.2169 S., Longitude 114.5992 E. taxonomic conclusions herein include Aplin et al. (2006), Diagnosis: Until now, Worrellisaurus apicemalba sp. nov. from Bennett (1998), Boulenger (1885, 1898), Brown (2012, 2014), the Shark Bay area of Western Australia, has been treated as a Cogger (2014), Cogger et al. (1983), Doughty et al. (2014), western population of W. eremius Lucas and Frost, 1895 (better

known as “Varanus eremius”), with a type locality of Idracowra, https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/30064010117 Northern Territory, Australia. and: Likewise for the Pilbara subspecies W. eremius pryyhus subsp. https://www.flickr.com/photos/154630905@N06/26631863159/ nov.. W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. is depicted in life in Wilson and All three are readily separated from one another on the basis of Swan (2017) at page 463 middle right and online at: their colouration as described below. https://www.flickr.com/photos/euprepiosaur/13556044454/ The type form of W. eremius is accurately depicted in the W. apicemalba sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: original description of Lucas and Frost (1895), Houston (1978) https://www.flickr.com/photos/ben_parkhurst_photography/ on page 51 top and also on page 769 of Cogger (2014). 38773858160/ It is readily separated from the other two forms, W. apicemalba and sp. nov. and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. by having an https://www.flickr.com/photos/136643623@N03/45772808232 orange-red coloured dorsum punctuated by numerous semi- Distribution: W. apicemalba sp. nov. is found only in the Shark distinct brownish-black spots. The tail has alternating Bay region of Western Australia, in a zone generally south of longitudinal stripes of yellowish-cream and dark brown, with the Minilya, being the northern limit of a well-defined sand and striped being sometimes broken, or marked as irregular spinifex zone, south to Geraldton, extending about 200 km blotching. The tail is overwhelmingly yellowish in colour, inland from these towns. especially at the anterior end. Etymology: Apicemalba is Latin for white dot, in reference to There is a well-defined temporal streak running from snout, the white dots on the brown forelimbs of this taxon, which also through the eye and to the back of the head. separates it from the nominate type form of W. eremius. The forelimbs are orange with blackish spots. WORRELLISAURUS (PARVAVARANUS) EREMIUS PYRRHUS W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. from the Pilbara region of SP. NOV. Western Australia is like W. eremius in that the dorsum is LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E50BF2B9-ADE6-4DF0-AD41- generally orange-red coloured. It is however different from W. 0E276F73716F eremius in having obvious white spots on the orange forelimbs Holotype: A preserved male specimen in the Western (not seen in W. eremius eremius) and a general lack of blackish Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, spots and flecks on the upper surfaces of the head (in contrast specimen number R110851 collected 36.8 km south, south-west to W. eremius eremius). W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. also of Pannawonica, Western Australia, Latitude -21.9413 S., has a strongly reddish anterior tail region, versus obviously Longitude 116.4538 E. This facility allows access to its holdings. yellow in W. eremius eremius. Paratype: A preserved male specimen in the Western Although not quantified, it appears that both W. eremius pryyhus Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, subsp. nov. and W. apicemalba sp. nov. have slightly more specimen number R157578, collected from the Robe River, pronounced ridging on the foretail than seen in W. eremius Western Australia, Australia, Latitude -21.7478 S., Longitude eremius. 116.0753 E. W. apicemalba sp. nov. are readily separated from both W. Diagnosis: Until now, Worrellisaurus apicemalba sp. nov. as eremius eremius and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. by being a described above, from the Shark Bay area of Western Australia, generally yellow-grey colour instead of strongly reddish-orange. had been treated as a western population of W. eremius Lucas Some W. apicemalba sp. nov. may have a dark brownish tinge and Frost, 1895 (better known as “Varanus eremius”), with a on the back, but never a whole body that is bright orange red as type locality of Idracowra, Northern Territory, Australia. seen in the other two forms. Likewise for the Pilbara subspecies W. eremius pryyhus subsp. W. apicemalba sp. nov. has dark brown forelimbs with white nov. formally described herein. spots or small ocelli scattered on them. The tail is a brownish All three are readily separated from one another on the basis of grey colour along the entire length, occasionally with a slight their colouration as described below. reddish hue at the posterior end. Unlike both both W. eremius eremius and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov., W. apicemalba The type form of W. eremius is accurately depicted in the sp. nov. has a significant amount of white markings on the original description of Lucas and Frost (1895), Houston (1978) dorsal surface of the head, versus none in the other two taxa. on page 51 top and also on page 769 of Cogger (2014). These markings are in the form of flecks, thin lines, peppering or It is readily separated from the other two forms W. apicemalba spots. Both W. eremius eremius and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. sp. nov. and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. by having an nov. have either an unmarked upper surface of the head, or orange-red coloured dorsum punctuated by numerous semi- alternatively any markings are darker coloured flecks, spots or distinct brownish-black spots. The tail has alternating tiny stripes. longitudinal stripes of yellowish-cream and dark brown, with the The dorsum of W. apicemalba sp. nov. is characterised by being striped being sometimes broken, or marked as irregular brownish-grey with scattered white peppering or flecks on the blotching. The tail is overwhelmingly yellowish in colour. upper surfaces. On the lower flanks, there is a defined zone of There is a well-defined temporal streak running from snout, grey between the dark upper surface and light (whitish) venter, through the eye and to the back of the head. this grey zone forming a wideish line on the lower flanks. This is The forelimbs are orange with blackish spots. not the case in W. eremius eremius and W. eremius pryyhus W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. from the Pilbara region of subsp. nov. where the orange-red upper surface rapidly Western Australia is like W. eremius in that the dorsum is becomes whitish on the lower flanks, effectively forming a line generally orange-red coloured. It is however different from W. between these zones, the line being merely the boundary from eremius in having obvious white spots on the orange forelimbs one to other. (not seen in W. eremius eremius) and a general lack of blackish All of W. eremius eremius, W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. and spots and flecks on the upper surfaces of the head (in contrast W. apicemalba sp. nov. are separated from the morphologically to W. eremius eremius). W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. also similar species in the subgenus Paravaranus Hoser, 2013, as has a strongly reddish anterior tail region, versus obviously defined by Hoser (2013) by having keeled head scales, dark yellow in W. eremius eremius. streaks on the throat and long slender claws. Although not quantified, it appears that W. eremius pryyhus The type form of W. eremius in life is depicted on page 316 of subsp. nov. and W. apicemalba sp. nov. have slightly more Wilson and Knowles (1988) at page 316 (bottom right) and on pronounced ridging on foretail than seen in W. eremius eremius. page 769 of Cogger (2014) and online at: Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:32-38. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 36 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

W. apicemalba sp. nov. are readily separated from both W. 138.5 E. eremius eremius and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. by being a Diagnosis: Until now, Worrellisaurus ignis sp. nov. has been generally yellow-grey colour instead of strongly reddish-orange. treated as the eastern population of W. brevicauda (Boulenger, Some W. apicemalba sp. nov. may have a dark brownish tinge 1898), type locality of Sherlock River, Nickol Bay, Pilbara region, on the back, but never a whole body that is bright orange red as Western Australia (Boulenger 1898; Cogger et al. 1983; Wells seen in the other two forms. and Wellington 1985). W. apicemalba sp. nov. has dark brown forelimbs with white W. brevicauda is herein restricted to Western Australia, while W. spots or small ocelli scattered on them. The tail is a brownish ignis sp. nov. accounts for those specimens referred to W. grey colour along the entire length, occasionally with a slight brevicauda from Queensland, South Australia and the Northern reddish hue at the posterior end. Unlike both both W. eremius Territory. The ranges of both species appear to be separated by eremius and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov., W. apicemalba a series of salt lakes running north-south near the Northern sp. nov. has a significant amount of white markings on the Territory / Western Australian border. dorsal surface of the head, versus none in the other two taxa. W. brevicauda is readily separated from W. ignis sp. nov. by These markings are in the form of flecks, thin lines, peppering or having a reddish-brown dorsum and a dorsum which has spots. Both W. eremius eremius and W. eremius pryyhus subsp. numerous scattered white spots of size large enough to appear nov. have either an unmarked upper surface of the head, or as distinctive small ocelli and a red iris. The white spots fade in alternatively any markings are darker coloured flecks, spots or aged specimens. tiny stripes. By contrast W. ignis sp. nov. has no such white spots or ocelli The dorsum of W. apicemalba sp. nov. is characterised by being on the dorsum, has an orange dorsum, which is only broken by brownish-grey with scattered white peppering or flecks on the numerous indistinct and dull lighter and dull darker flecks, giving upper surfaces. On the lower flanks, there is a defined zone of it a more uniform appearance, as well as having an orange iris. grey between the dark upper surface and light (whitish) venter, In W. brevicauda the lower surface of the dark temporal streak is this grey zone forming a wideish line on the lower flanks. This is well defined by a whitish border, versus ill-defined in W. ignis sp. not the case in W. eremius eremius and W. eremius pryyhus nov.. subsp. nov. where the orange-red upper surface rapidly The top of the head of W. ignis sp. nov. is heavily peppered with becomes whitish on the lower flanks, effectively forming a line white, versus a brownish-red unicoloured upper surface of the between these zones, the line merely being the boundary from head in W. brevicauda. one to other. W. ignis sp. nov. and W. brevicauda are separated from all other All of W. eremius eremius, W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. and species of living varanid by having a tail that is the same length W. apicemalba sp. nov. are separated from the morphologically as or shorter than the head as well as body and forearms with similar species in the subgenus Paravaranus Hoser, 2013, as large scales encircled by granules. defined by Hoser (2013) by having keeled head scales, dark The morphologically similar species V. sparnus (Doughty et al., streaks on the throat and long slender claws. 2014) is separated from both W. ignis sp. nov. and W. The type form of W. eremius in life is depicted on page 316 of brevicauda by having a plain reddish-brown dorsum with widely Wilson and Knowles (1988) at page 316 (bottom right) and on scattered small black spots; a more elongate body than W. ignis page 769 of Cogger (2014) and online at: sp. nov. and W. brevicauda, shorter limbs, less robust head, https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/30064010117 body and tail, and importantly having the presence of enlarged and: squarish scales not encircled by granules on front of the arms. https://www.flickr.com/photos/154630905@N06/26631863159/ W. sparnus in life is depicted in Wilson and Swan (2017) on W. eremius pryyhus subsp. nov. is depicted in life in Wilson and page 473 at top right and Doughty et al. (2014) at page 134. Swan (2017) at page 463 middle right and online at: W. brevicauda in life is depicted in Wilson and Swan (2017) on https://www.flickr.com/photos/euprepiosaur/13556044454/ page 461 at bottom. W. apicemalba sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: W. ignis sp. nov. in life is depicted in Wilson (2014) on page 210 https://www.flickr.com/photos/ben_parkhurst_photography/ bottom right. 38773858160/ Distribution: W. ignis sp. nov. occurs in south-west and Queensland, northern South Australia and the Northern Territory, https://www.flickr.com/photos/136643623@N03/45772808232 Australia. Distribution: As far as is known, W. eremius pryyhus subsp. Etymology: “Ignis” in Latin means fire, and this is the nov. appears to be confined to the Pilbara of Western Australia. colouration of the dorsal surface of adults and so is an Etymology: “Pyrrhus” sometimes refers to fire in Latin and so appropriate species name. the name reflects the fire colouration of the dorsum of adults. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS WORRELLISAURUS (PARVAVARANUS) IGNIS SP. NOV. Luke and Gina Faba, lawyers at Stenta Legal, 1 Queens Road, LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6E0AE27B-7C70-4960-8451- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, successfully retrieved some, but E0848D87A5A4 not all, relevant data and hard drives illegally seized by Glenn Holotype: A preserved specimen in the Queensland Museum, Sharp and Emily Gibson, claiming to be acting on the orders of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen number J45037, Ron Waters, head of wildlife law enforcement at the State collected from 8km north of Mirrica Boren at Ethabuka Station, Government wildlife department on 17 August 2011 during a north-west of Bedourie, Queensland, Australia, Latitude -23.75 unlawful violent armed raid on the author’s facility. S., Longitude 138.5 E. This government-owned facility allows The trio, and the dozens of others they employed in their so- access to its holdings. called “Operation Bassett” (as detailed in Victorian Civil and Paratpes: Two preserved specimens at the Queensland Administrative Tribunal 2015) all worked for the Victorian Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen numbers Government Wildlife Department (at the time called “DSE”). J73991 and J73992 collected at Naibar Station, Queensland, Their destructive armed raid, in which they also illegally killed Australia, Latitude -23.6456 S., Longitude 138.4478 E, and a numerous live reptiles held by the author, was found to be illegal preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, Sydney, New by several courts of law after the fact, including by the Victorian South Wales, Australia, specimen number R.110614 collected at Court of Appeal in 2014 and Victorian Civil and Administrative 8km north of Mirrica Bore at Ethabuka Station, north-west of Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) in 2015. Bedourie, Queensland, Australia, Latitude -23.75 S., Longitude

REFERENCES CITED Hoser, R. T. 2013. Monitor Lizards reclassified with some Aplin, K. P., Fitch, A. J. and King, D. J. 2006. A new species of common sense (Squamata: Sauria: Varanidae). Australasian Varanus Merrem (Squamata: Varanidae) from the Pilbara region Journal of Herpetology 21:41-58. of Western Australia, with observations on sexual dimorphism in Hoser, R. T. 2014. The break up of Odatria (Kimberleyvaranus) closely related species. Zootaxa (online) 1313:1-38. glebopalma (Mitchell, 1955) into three obvious subspecies. Bennett, D. 1998. Monitor Lizards: Natural history, biology and Australasian Journal of Herpetology 24:16-19. husbandry. Edition Chimaira: Germany:352 pp. Hoser, R. T. 2015a. Dealing with the “truth haters” ... a Boulenger, G. A. 1885. Catalogue of the Lizards in the British summary! Introduction to Issues 25 and 26 of Australasian Museum (Natural History) Volume II. Iguanidae, Xenosauridae, Journal of Herpetology. 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Australasian Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Volume 1: Amphibia and Journal of Herpetology 27:3-36. Reptilia. AGPS, Canberra, ACT:313 pp. Hoser, R. T, 2015f. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 Court of Appeal Victoria. 2014. Hoser v Department of (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the Sustainability and Environment [2014] VSCA 206 (5 Sept. 2014). availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural Doughty, P., Kealley, L., Fitch, A. and Donnellan, S. C. 2014. A validation of the journal in which it was published (Case 3601; new diminutive species of Varanus from the Dampier Peninsula, see BZN 70: 234-237; comments BZN 71:30-38, 133-135). western Kimberley region, Western Australia. Records of the (unedited version) Australasian Journal of Herpetology 27:37-42. Western Australian Museum 29:128-140. Hoser, R. T. 2015g. Hitherto overlooked species of reptile from Dubois, A., Bauer, A. M., Ceriaco, L. M. P., Dusoulier, F., Fretey, Northern Australia: A result of science, taxonomy, molecular T., Lobl, I., Lorvelec, O., Ohler, A., Stopiglia, R. and Aescht, E. biology, systematics, history and forensic herpetology. 2019. The Linz Zoocode project: a set of new proposals Australasian Journal of Herpetology 30:21-27. regarding the terminology, the Principles and Rules of zoological Hoser, R. T. 2017. Taxonomic vandalism by Wolfgang Wüster nomenclature. First report of activities (2014-2019). Bionomina and his gang of thieves continues. New names unlawfully coined (online), 17:1-111. by the rule breakers for species and genera previously named Fitch, A. J., Goodman, A. E. and Donnellan, S. C. 2006. A according to the rules of the International Code of Zoological molecular phylogeny of the Australian monitor lizards Nomenclature. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 35:57-63. (Squamata: Varanidae) inferred from mitochondrial DNA Hoser, R. T. 2018a. Six new species of Dwarf Goanna, sequences. Australian Journal of Zoology 54:253-269. Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984 from Australia. Gray, J. E. 1838. Catalogue of the slender-tongued saurians, Australasian Journal of Herpetology 37:24-37. with descriptions of many new genera and species. Part 3. Ann. Hoser, R. T. 2018b. Varanus kingorum Storr, 1980, Varanus Mag. Nat. Hist. (1)1:388-394. minor Weigel, 1985, a damaging case of taxonomic vandalism Gray, J. E. 1845. Catalogue of the Specimens of Lizards in the by John Weigel and Worrellisaurus bigmoreum sp. nov., a new British Museum. British Museum, London, UK. species of small monitor lizard, from the East Kimberley division Hoser, R. T. 1989. Australian Reptiles and Frogs. Pierson and of Western Australia. Australasian J. of Herpetology 37:38-43. Co., Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia:238 pp. Hoser, R. T. 2018c. A new species within the Odatria glauerti Hoser, R. T. 1991. Endangered Animals of Australia. Pierson (Squamata: Varanidae) species complex. Australasian Journal Publishing, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia:240 pp. of Herpetology 37:44-45. Hoser, R. T. 1993. Smuggled: The Underground Trade in Hoser, R. T. 2018d. The description of a fourth subspecies of Australia’s Wildlife. Apollo Publishing, NSW, Australia:160 pp. Odatria (Kimberleyvaranus) glebopalma (Mitchell, 1955) Hoser, R. T. 1996. Smuggled-2: Wildlife Trafficking, Crime and (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae). Australasian Journal of Corruption in Australia. Kotabi Pub., Victoria, Australia:280 pp. Herpetology 37:46-47. Hoser, R. T. 1999a. Victoria Police Corruption: The book the Hoser, R. T. 2019a. 11 new species, 4 new subspecies and a Victoria Police don’t want you to read! Kotabi Publishing, subgenus of Australian Dragon Lizard in the genus Doncaster, Victoria, 3108, Australia:736 pp. Tympanocryptis Peters, 1863, with a warning on the Hoser, R. T. 1999b. Victoria Police Corruption-2:Including what conservation status and long-term survival prospects of some the media didn’t tell you! Kotabi Pub., Victoria, Australia:736 pp. newly named taxa. Australasian J. of Herpetology 39:23-52. Hoser, R. T. 2019b. Richard Shine et al. (1987), Hinrich Kaiser et Hoser, R. T. 2000a. Taxi: Indecent Exposures. Kotabi al. (2013), Jane Melville et al. (2018 and 2019): Australian Publishing, Doncaster, Victoria, 3108, Australia:520 pp. Agamids and how rule breakers, liars, thieves, taxonomic Hoser, R. T. 2000b. Taxi-2: More Indecent Exposures. Kotabi vandals and law breaking copyright infringers are causing reptile Publishing, Doncaster, Victoria, 3108, Australia:504 pp. species to become extinct. Australasian J. of Herp. 39:53-63. Hoser, R. T. 2007. Wells and Wellington - It’s time to bury the Hoser, R. T. 2020. From a putative new taxon to a mutt! Formal hatchet. Calodema (Supplementary Paper) 1:1-9. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:32-38. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 38 Australasian Journal of Herpetology descriptions of three new genetically divergent Mountain Pygmy Storr, G. M. 1980. The monitor lizards (genus Varanus Merrem, Possums from Victoria and New South Wales closely associated 1820) of Western Australia. Rec. West. Aus. Mus. 8(2):237-293. with Burramys parvus Broom, 1896. Australasian Journal of Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A. and Johnstone, R. E. 1983. Lizards of Herpetology 42:3-10. Western Australia 2: Dragons and Monitors. Western Australian Houston, T. F. 1978. Dragon lizards and goannas of South Museum, Perth, Western Australia, Australia:114 pp. Australia. SA Museum, Adelaide, South Australia:84 pp. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). 2015. Hoser Kaiser, H. 2012a. SPAM email sent out to numerous recipients v Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (Review on 5 June 2012. and Regulation) [2015] VCAT 1147 (30 July 2015, judgment and Kaiser, H. 2012b. Point of view. Hate article sent as attachment transcript). with SPAM email sent out on 5 June 2012. Wells, R. W. and Wellington, C. R. 1984. A synopsis of the class Kaiser, H. 2013. The Taxon Filter, a novel mechanism designed Reptilia in Australia. Australian J. of Herpetology 1(3-4):73-129. to facilitate the relationship between taxonomy and Wells, R. W. and Wellington, C. R. 1985. A classification of the nomenclature, vis-à-vis the utility of the Code’s Article 81 (the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Commission’s plenary power). Bulletin of Zool. Nomenclature Herpetology Supplementary Series 1:1-61. 70(4) December 2013:293-302. Wilson, S. K. 2014. A field guide to reptiles of Queensland. Kaiser, H. 2014a. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 Reed / New Holland, Chatswood, NSW, Australia:304 pp. (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the Wilson, S. K. and Knowles, D. G. 1988. Australia’s Reptiles. A availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural Photographic Reference to the Terrestrial Reptiles of Australia. validation of the journal in which it was published. Bulletin of William Collins, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia:447 pp. Zoological Nomenclature, 71(1):30-35. Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2017. A complete guide to reptiles of Kaiser H. 2014b. Best Practices in Herpetological Taxonomy: Australia. New Holland, Australia:560 pp. Errata and Addenda. Herpetological Review, 45(2):257-268. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Kaiser, H., Crother, B. L., Kelly, C. M. R., Luiselli, L., There are no conflicts of interest in terms of this O’Shea, M., Ota, H., Passos, P., Schleip, W. D. and paper and the author. Wüster, W. 2013. Best practices: In the 21st Century, Taxonomic Decisions in Herpetology are Acceptable Only When supported by a body of Evidence and Published via Peer-Review. Herpetological Review 44(1):8-23. Lucas, A. H. S. and Frost, C. 1895. Preliminary notice of certain new species of lizards from central Australia. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, 7:264-269. Maryan, B., Oliver, P. M., Fitch, A. J. and O’Connell, M. 2014. Molecular and morphological assessment of Varanus pilbarensis (Squamata: Varanidae), with a description of a new species from the southern Pilbara, Western Australia. Zootaxa (PRINO) online 3768(2):139- 158. Mertens, R. 1958. Bemerkungen über die Warane Australiens. Senckenbergiana biologica 39:229- 264. Mertens, R. 1966. Ein neuer Zwergwaran aus Australien. Senckenbergiana biologica 47:437-441. Ride, W. D. L. (ed.) et. al. (on behalf of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature) 1999. International code of Zoological Nomenclature. The Natural History Museum - Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. Sternfeld, R. 1919. Neue Schlangen und Echsen aus Zentralaustralien. Senckenbergiana 1:76-83.

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:32-38. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 39 Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:39-41. Published 9 July 2020. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online)

A new species of the Australian Bandy Bandy Vermicella Gray, 1841 (Serpentes: Elapidae) from north-west Australia.

LSIDURN:LSID:ZOOBANK.ORG:PUB:CBC854A2-50FE-4E74-AB62-7FF940C9C506

RAYMOND T. HOSER LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:author:F9D74EB5-CFB5-49A0-8C7C-9F993B8504AE

488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: snakeman (at) snakeman.com.au Received 3 April 2020, Accepted 14 April 2020, Published 9 July 2020.

ABSTRACT Hoser in 2019 reviewed the wide-ranging Bandy Bandy group of snakes, Vermicella Gray, 1841, as defined by Cogger (2014). After inspection of specimens from all parts of their range in continental Australia, a greater diversity than indicated by the then current taxonomy was found. As a result of that paper, five species and three subspecies were formally recognized. This paper formally names a sixth valid species for the genus. Vermicella sloppi sp. nov. has until now been treated as a northern population of V. snelli Storr (1967) as defined by Storr in that paper. However genetic divergence across the known biogeographical barrier of the Fortescue River Valley combined with the morphological divergence of the population, is a compelling argument for recognition of this population as a separate species. The new species is formally named Vermicella sloppi sp. nov.in accordance with the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999). Keywords: Taxonomy; nomenclature; snakes; Elapidae; Australia; Western Australia; New Vermicella; snelli; new species; sloppi.

INTRODUCTION MATERIALS, METHODS AND RESULTS As part of a wide-ranging audit of the Australian snake fauna, These are effectively the same as for Hoser (2019c). specimens of the iconic Bandy Bandy Snakes (Genus Besides inspecting live specimens, museum specimens and Vermicella, Gray, 1841) of all recognized species from across quality photos with accurate location data, I also reviewed all the range of each were inspected by myself with a view to relevant available literature. This included the following: ascertaining if there were any hitherto unnamed forms. Boulenger (1896), Cogger (2014), Cogger et al. (1983), Couper The results of that audit were published by Hoser (2019c). and Covacevich (1996), Covacevich (1971), De Vis (1905), Resolution of the identity of the northern population of V. snelli Derez et al. (2018), Duméril et al. (1851), Gray (1841), Hoser (Storr, 1967) was deferred pending a planned field trip to the (1989), Keogh and Smith (1996), Krefft (1869), Longman (1915, region in 2018. 1916), Simpson (1973), Storr (1967) and Wells and Wellington However as a result of unexpected legal proceedings against (1984, 1985) including sources cited therein. trademark infringing, animal abusing thieves, attacking the Material relevant to this and related papers was stolen during an Snakebusters and Reptile Party businesses which dragged on illegal armed raid by government wildlife officers on our research for some years, such a field trip was put off until these finalised, facility on 17 Aug 2011 and this was not returned in spite of which appeared to be in early 2020. orders by courts to do so (Court of Appeal Victoria 2014, However a Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in Australia, being Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal 2015). part of a global pandemic that had started in China, led the State The destructive illegal armed raid was initiated by false of Western Australia closing its borders in April 2020 for an complaints made by associates of the Wüster gang (see Hoser indefinite period (Laschon and Trigger 2020). 2015a-f for details). Notwithstanding this effective indefinite shelving of the proposed The actions of the raid and the numerous bogus criminal field trip, the evidence available in support of recognizing the charges arising from it, all of which were defended in court and north western population of putative V. snelli as a separate won by myself (i.e. all claims by the wildlife department were species is compelling and doing so is the purpose of this paper, found to be false) (Court of Appeal Victoria 2014, Victorian Civil even with limited data available. and Administrative Tribunal 2015), delayed the publication of this Delay in recognition of this form as a new species could also paper and others in any form indefinitely. have negative conservation outcomes as outlined by Hoser It also gave the Wüster gang of thieves the opportunity to scoop me in terms of describing a species now known as V. parscauda Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:39-41. (2019a, 2019b) and hence the decision to publish this paper. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 40 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Derez et al. (2018), named with full knowledge I had intended Cogger (2014) on page 939 at bottom and the holotype doing so. specimen of V. snelli downloaded from the internet at: Before dealing with the description of the new West Australian http://museum.wa.gov.au/catalogues/sites/default/files/ species in accordance with the rules of the International Code of vermicella_snelli_dors_holotype_wamr19203.jpg Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. (1999), I raise other on 3 February 2020. relevant material below. These images clearly show that the difference in number of body Storr (1967), highlighted differences within four populations of bands is wholly due to the greater width of the black bands on the subspecies he then identified as “Vermicella annulata snelli the body in the species V. snelli. In that species at the widest subsp. nov.”. Keogh and Smith (1996) later formally named the point, the black bands are more than three times wider than the two Northern Territory forms as new species, namely V. adjacent white ones, whereas in V. sloppi sp. nov. this is never intermedia (from the top end of the Northern Territory) and V. the case. vermiformis from central Australia. Both V. sloppi sp. nov. and V. snelli are separated from all other Hoser (2019) relied on morphological evidence and the species of Vermicella Günther, 1858 by the presence of molecular evidence as published by Derez et al. (2018) to treat internasals and 285-320 ventrals. both V. multifasciata (Longman, 1915) and V. intermedia as Snakes in the genus Vermicella are readily separated from all conspecific, with the name V. multifasciata (Longman, 1915) other Australian elapid genera by having a body pattern having date priority in accordance with the International Code of consisting of distinctive black and white rings across the body, Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999). short tails with less than 35 divided subcaudals, smooth scales Derez et al. (2018) also produced in their genus-wide phylogeny, with 15 mid-body rows and no suboculars. results for six specimens of putative V. snelli, which in turn Distribution: V. sloppi sp. nov. is believed to be confined to the formed two clades of moderate divergence, but not sufficient to immediate region of the vicinity of the locations of the collection warrant taxonomic recognition. of the holotype and paratype, being north of the Fortescue River However all specimens tested were of the population to the in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia and generally near to north of the Fortescue River and therefore of the same general the coast, extending as far east as Bonney Downs Station, group and population. Western Australia. The nominate form of V. snelli is from south of this The species V. snelli is found in all other hilly parts of the Pilbara biogeographic barrier and as shown by Storr (1967) is radically region, not including where V. sloppi sp. nov. occurs. different in form to this more northern population. Conservation status: No known threats exist at present, save On this basis alone, a convincing case for taxonomic recognition for the fact that wildlife laws in Western Australia prevent private at the species level is made. individuals from keeping, breeding, or studying this taxon, as This is further shown to be the case when one reconciles other noted in Hoser (1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2019a, 2019b), dominantly saxacoline hill dwelling reptile forms also separated The dysfunctional government-owned Zoo in Perth or any others by the same biogeographical barrier of the Fortescue River and in Australia, have zero interest in this species or its long-term now recognized as northern and southern species based on survival and so there is no captive population to ensure against morphological and genetic divergence. calamity in the wild. Examples include Worrellisaurus acanthurus (Boulenger, 1885) If the Australian government persists with its “Big Australia north of the river and W. dannybrowni Hoser, 2018 south of the Policy”, (see for example Saunders 2019 or Zaczek 2019), that river, Pilbaravaranus pilbarensis (Storr, 1980) north of the river being a long-term aim to increase the human population in and P. hamersleyensis (Maryan et al. 2014) south of the river, or Australia to over 100 million people by year 2150 (from the Wellsopus elegans (Kluge, 1974) to the south of the river and W. present 25 million as of 2019), all sorts of unforseen threats to robwatsoni (Hoser, 2017) to the north. the survival of this species may emerge. In terms of the formal description below, the spelling of the new V. sloppi sp. nov. is a restricted range species as compared to name should not be changed unless absolutely mandated by the many other Australian elapid species and due to this I International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999) recommend further research on the taxon and potential future as amended, or superseding publication. conservation threats in line with the previous paragraph, There is no conflict of interest in terms of this paper and including by direct human activities as well as potential threats assistances of many people including Museum curators and the caused by changed vegetation regimes, introduced pests and like are acknowledged, as are the assistance’s of peer reviewers potential pathogens, including those introduced via the legal in this and all other papers I have published of a taxonomic or importation of foreign reptiles by government-owned zoos and nomenclatural nature. associated entities. 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Pierson and Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK (also commonly cited as Co., Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia:238 pp. “ICZN 1999”). Hoser, R. T. 1991. Endangered Animals of Australia. Pierson Saunders, S. 2019. Morrison and Shorten’s Big Australia: The Publishing, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia:240 pp. overpopulation problem. News article published 17 April 2019 Hoser, R. T. 1993. Smuggled: The Underground Trade in and downloaded from Australia’s Wildlife. Apollo Publishing, Moss Vale, NSW, https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/morrison- Australia:160 pp. and-shortens-big-australia-the-overpopulation-problem,12584 Hoser, R. T. 1996. Smuggled-2: Wildlife Trafficking, Crime and last downloaded on 3 February 2020. Corruption in Australia. Kotabi Publishing. Doncaster, Victoria, Simpson, K. N. G. 1973. Amphibians, reptiles and mammals of Australia:280 pp. the Murray River region between Mildura and Renmark, Hoser, R. T. 2017. 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T. 2019a. 11 new species, 4 new subspecies and a v Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (Review subgenus of Australian Dragon Lizard and Regulation) [2015] VCAT 1147 (30 July 2015, judgment and in the genus Tympanocryptis Peters, 1863, with a warning on transcript). the conservation status and long-term survival prospects of Wells, R. W. and Wellington, C. R. 1984. A synopsis of the class some newly named taxa. Australasian Journal of Herpetology Reptilia in Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology 1(3-4):73- 39:23-52. 129. Hoser, R. T. 2019b. Richard Shine et al. (1987), Hinrich Kaiser et Wells, R. W. and Wellington, C. R. 1985. A classification of the al. (2013), Jane Melville et al. (2018 and 2019): Australian Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Agamids and how rule breakers, liars, thieves, taxonomic Herpetology Supplementary Series 1:1-61. vandals and law breaking copyright infringers are causing reptile Zaczek, Z. 2019. Former PM Kevin Rudd says Australia should species to become extinct. Australasian Journal of Herpetology drastically increase its population to 50 MILLION to make sure 39:53-63. nation can defend itself in the face of threats from China. Daily Hoser, R. T. 2019c. New subspecies of the Australian Bandy Mail (Australia) (27 November), published online at: https:// Bandy Vermicella Gray, 1841 (Serpentes: Elapidae). www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7729689/Kevin-Rudd-says- Australasian Journal of Herpetology 40:56-58. Australia-increase-population-50-MILLION-defend-China.html Keogh, J. S. and Smith, S. A. 1996. Taxonomy and natural CONFLICT OF INTEREST history of the Australian bandy-bandy snakes (Elapidae: There are no conflicts of interest in terms of this paper.

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:39-41. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 42 Australasian Journal of Herpetology Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Published 9 July 2020. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online)

Nine new species of Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser, 2012 from northern India, western China Vietnam, Burma, Thailand and Malaysia as well as a new genus of snake associated with Xylophis Beddome, 1878 from India (Serpentes: Pareidae).

LSIDURN:LSID:ZOOBANK.ORG:PUB:BC3585E7-CDA1-491B-A6EF-CFA1A651939E

RAYMOND T. HOSER LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:author:F9D74EB5-CFB5-49A0-8C7C-9F993B8504AE

488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: snakeman (at) snakeman.com.au Received 22 June 2020, Accepted 1 July 2020, Published 5 July 2020.

ABSTRACT Nine divergent species within the genus Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser, 2012 (Serpentes: Pareidae) from northern India, western China, Thailand, Vietnam and Burma are formally named and described for the first time. Two species were formerly treated as populations of K. (Dannyleeus) monticola (Cantor, 1839), five of K. (Katrinahoserserpenea) macularius (Theobold, 1868) and two of K. (Katrinahoserserpenea) margaritophorus (Jan, 1866). This paper continues the recent naming of new species within the Pareidae, underscoring previously underestimated snake biodiversity in the south Asian region. The genus Xylophis Beddome, 1878, (subfamiliy Xylophiinae Deepak et al. 2019) as currently recognized are endemic to the Western Ghats of peninsular India. Molecular studies (e.g. Deepak et al. 2020) and morphology indicate two divergent lineages of great antiquity. One of these is formally placed in a new genus Zilonear gen. nov.. Keywords: Snakes; Serpentes; Pareidae; Asia; China; India; Thailand; Vietnam; Burma; Katrinahoserserpenea; Pareas; Dannyleeus; macularius; monticola; new genus; Zilonear; new species; rayhammondi; danielmani; tongzhoujiae; mannixi; mcconnachiei; daranini; rodneykingi; bobbottomi; evanwhittoni.

INTRODUCTION invalid (sic) and rejected their use instead of Pareas.” Hoser (2012b) formally divided the genus Pareas Wagler, 1830, type species Dipsas carinata Reinhardt along obvious More recently, Wüster et al. have taken it upon themselves to phylogenetic lines. not bother attacking taxonomy in papers by Hoser, as they know them to be correct, but have instead decided to systematically This meant that most species were transferred to the new genus rename the taxa previously named by Hoser, with a total number Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser, 2012, with a type species of of illegally renamed taxa being nearly 100 as of June 2020 and Amblycephalus boulengeri Angel, 1920. including species and genera of Blind Snakes, Elapids, The divergent taxon originally described as Dipsas monticola Agamids, Pythons, Crocodile, Geckos, Monitors, Skinks and Cantor, 1839 was placed in the subgenus Dannyleeus Hoser, Turtles. 2012, within Katrinahoserserpenea. These acts of taxonomic vandalism are in breach of the This logical arrangement was immediately condemned and International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. lampooned by the Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves, who via 1999). their war-cry blog known as Kaiser et al. (2013) told all other Through Kaiser et al. (2013) and other documents including, herpetologists not to use the new genus and subgenus name. Kaiser (2012a, 2012b, 2013, 2014a, 2014b) and countless To enforce this position, they reposted their blog and similar others by the same cohort, they have directed and harassed comments all over the internet many thousands of times, other herpetologists to not use names proposed by Hoser and to including on Search Engine Optimized (SEO) sites such as act in defiance of the International Code of Zoological Wikipedia and Peter Uetz’s “The Reptile Database”. Nomenclature and the edicts of the ICZN itself. On Uetz’s site, at: Their actions, arguments and lies have been thoroughly http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/ discredited by numerous authors including Cogger (2014), species?genus=Pareas&species=carinatus&search_param Dubois et al. (2019), Hoser, (2007, 2009, 2012a, 2012c, 2013a, =%28%28search%3D%27Pareas%27%29%29 2015a-f, 2019a, 2019b) and sources cited therein. Wüster et al. had (as of 10 June 2020) written: Furthermore, scientific reality is hard to ignore and while placing “Synonymy: Kaiser et al. 2013 rejected the (sub-) generic names all relevant species in a single genus Pareas (as opposed to Dannyleeus Hoser 2012, Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser 2012 splitting between that genus and Katrinahoserserpenea) Wang Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 43

et al. (2020) confronted scientific reality when they wrote: (1965), Theobald (1868), Van Denburgh (1909), Vidal et al. “Pareas is not monophyletic, but contains two highly supported (2007), Vogel (2010, 2015), Wall (1908, 1909), Wallach et al. clades, consistent with scale characters (Guo et al. 2011).” (2014), Wang et al. (2020), Yang et al. (2019), You et al. (2015), Hoser (2016) also re-confirmed the earlier findings. Zaher et al. (2019), Zhao (2006), Zhao and Adler (1993), Ziegler Deepak et al. (2020) also made the same findings, but as their (2002) and sources cited therein. paper was published in the predatory PRINO (peer reviewed in References relevant to the potential division of Xylophis name only) online “journal” called Zootaxa as was Guo et al. Beddome, 1878 and taxonomic conclusions herein include (2011), there is simply no evidence to suggest any peer review Beddome (1878), Bhupathy and Sathishkumar (2013), of their papers. Boulenger (1890, 1893), Deepak et al. (2019, 2020), Duméril et In other words, three separate peer reviewed papers and two al. (1854), Ganesh et al. (2012), Gower and Winkler (2007), without peer review have come to the same obvious conclusion Günther (1858, 1875), Inger et al. (1984), Jerdon (1865), Palot and yet the wholly unscientific and non peer reviewed document (2015), Ruane and Austin (2017), Santhoshkumar and Kannan known as Kaiser et al. (2013) steadfastly attempts to hide peer (2017), Sharma (2004), Smith (1943), Wall (1919) and sources reviewed scientific reality and is as of 2020 still being falsely cited therein. peddled as herpetological consensus by the noisy minority RESULTS known as the Wolfgang Wüster gang of thieves. Nine hitherto unnamed species were identified. In the absence of any scientific basis to reject use of With two exceptions, all were of taxa generally confined to hilly Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser, 2012 or Dannyleeus Hoser, 2020, or higher altitude areas, separated by areas of lowland, being a and that both names are fully compliant with the rules of the common precursor to speciation in otherwise geographically International Code of Zoological Nomenclature both are used as proximate forms. This was particularly the case in terms of the correct within this paper. relevant species, noting similar potentially excluding species An audit of previously described forms within occurred in intervening lowland areas. In this case the relevant Katrinahoserserpenea yielded a number of potentially species was K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) as defined by undescribed species and among these, those that are obviously Hauser (2017), which is herein treated as a species complex. and undeniably new species-level taxa are formally described K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) sensu stricto and the two newly within this paper. named species until now treated as populations of this taxon MATERIALS AND METHODS appeared to exclude the other taxa where it/they occurred (sympatry only occurring where ranges abut). K. The audit of the genus Katrinahoserserpenea, followed an margaritophorus sensu lato was generally a lowland form/s as earlier one on the audit of Pareas sensu Hoser (2012b), which identified by data presented in Hauser (2017). yielded new species as published by Hoser (2016). The putative species K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935) from Specimens of all known putative species and all relevant and northern Vietnam and nearby southern China is herein treated available literature was audited against type material, published as valid and is most like K. macularius Theobold, 1868 in terms descriptions, redescriptions and the like to flag any potentially of previously described forms (see elsewhere in this paper). unnamed forms. When molecular evidence had been published or was available, The putative species K. (Dannyleeus) monticola (Cantor, 1839), it was used to assist in determination if populations represented with a type locality of Naga Hills, Asám (=Assam), India, was new species. In the absence of molecular data, biogeographical found to comprise at least three morphologically distinctive information was utilized in terms of determining likely barriers to species. Two are formally named herein for the first time. gene flow between morphologically similar, but geographically K. rayhammondi sp. nov. is found on the southern edge of the disjunct populations in order to determine likely species-level Himalayas in northern India and K. danielmani sp. nov. is found divergence. This same information was used to estimate in south-western China. species boundaries in the absence of significant collection in The three populations appear to be separated by major river this understudied region. valleys. The genus Xylophis Beddome, 1878 from south-west India has The putative species K. macularius Theobold, 1868 was found also come under recent scrutiny at the species level (see for to comprise at least six regionally distinct species. The nominate example Deepak et al. 2020). However in spite of at least two form of K. macularius is from southern Burma and nearby studies indicating deep divergence of the two main species western Thailand. groups, both are presently treated as being within a single The newly described forms are K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. from genus. Hainan, China, K. danielmannixi sp. nov. from Yunnan, China, K. This point of view was tested and the result is already outlined in rodneykingi sp. nov. from Vietnam, K. daranini sp. nov. from the abstract. Western and northern Myanmar and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. Literature relevant to the audit of Katrinahoserserpenea, Pareas from the Isthmus of Kra, in southern Thailand. and taxonomic conclusions herein include: Anderson (1871), Specimens of putative K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) were Angel (1920), Athreya (2006), Barbour (1912), Boulenger (1896, inspected from all parts of the known range of the species. 1900a, 1900b, 1905, 1914), Bourret (1935a, 1935b, 1937, Three distinctive forms were identified, all of which 1939), Cantor (1839), Chan-ard et al. (2015), Chew (2017), Das corresponded with well-known biogeographic barriers and gaps et al. (2009), Das (1996, 2012), Deepak et al. (2020), de Rooij in collection records for museums. As a result, the specimens (1917), Dunaev and Orlova (2003), Figueroa et al. (2016), Goris from Peninsula Malaysia and Hong Kong, were each formally and Maeda (2004), Götz (2002), Grossmann and Tillack (2003), named as new species. Günther (1864), Guo and Deng (2009), Guo and Zhang (2015), These are K. bobbottomi sp. nov. from the Malay Peninsula and Guo et al. (2011), Hauser (2017), Hei (2008), Hoser (2012b, (presumably) nearby Sumatra and K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. from 2016), Hoso (2017), Hoso and Hori (2008), Hoso et al. (2010), Hong Kong and adjacent parts of China. Huang (2004), Jan (1866), Jiang (2004), Kelly et al. (2003), The genus Xylophis Beddome, 1878, (subfamiliy Xylophiinae Kraus and Brown (1998), Lalbiakzuala and Lalremsanga (2019), Deepak et al. 2020) as currently recognized are endemic to the Laltanpuia et al. (2008), Lawson et al. (2005), Lenz (2012), Western Ghats of peninsular India. Molecular studies (e.g. Loredo et al. (2013), Maki (1931, 1937), Malkmus et al. (2002), Deepak et al. 2020) and morphology indicate two divergent Nguyen et al. (2009), Ota et al. (2007), Pope (1928), Pyron et al. lineages of great antiquity. One of these is formally placed in a (2011), Rao and Yang (1992), Savage (2015), Schleich and new genus Zilonear gen. nov.. Kästle (2002), Sharma (2004), Smith (1923, 1930, 1943), In terms of the following formal descriptions, the following should Stanley (2017), Stejneger (1910), Tan and Lim (2013), Taylor Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. be noted: Spelling of names is deliberate and should not be Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 44 Australasian Journal of Herpetology changed. Descriptions are of normal, healthy adult snakes genus Katrinahoserserpenea by cephalic scalation and unless otherwise stated. Material may be repeated in distribution pattern. descriptions of taxa to ensure full compliance with the rules of Pareas species share three anterior temporals in contrast to the the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. one or two (rarely three) anterior temporals in 1999). Katrinahoserserpenea species. Material cited in this paper as downloaded from the internet was The frontal scale in Pareas is hexagonal with the lateral sides last checked as being online and as cited as of 20 June 2020 parallel to the body axis; this scale in unless otherwise stated. Katrinahoserserpenea is almost diamond-shaped or shield- KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (DANNYLEEUS) shaped with the lateral sides converging posteriorly. The two RAYHAMMONDI SP. NOV. anterior chin shields are longer than broad in LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:BFACB7B4-4733-42E1-9294- Katrinahoserserpenea, whereas in Pareas they are broader than 1A5F4546537F long; this is a consistent way to separate the two genera. Holotype: A preserved male specimen at the Museum of Another consistent way to separate the genera is by the fact that Natural History, London, UK, specimen number 1880.11.10.147, in Katrinahoserserpenea species there is a pre-frontal that collected at Darjeeling, India. enters they eye, whereas in Pareas there is no prefrontal. This facility allows access to its holdings. The snakes in the genus Pareas occur mainly throughout the Paratype: A preserved female specimen at the Museum of Indochinese Peninsula and Sunda shelf Islands. Natural History, London, UK, specimen number 1909.3.9.18-21, By contrast most species of Katrinahoserserpenea occur in collected from near Darjeeling, India. southern China and the northern Indochinese Peninsula, Diagnosis: In most respects Katrinahoserserpenea extending south along the southern Indochinese Peninsula and (Dannyleeus) rayhammondi sp. nov. and K. danielmani sp. nov. west to north-east India. are similar to K. monticola (Cantor, 1839) and until now have Distribution: K. rayhammondi sp. nov. is known only from the been treated as the same taxon. type locality, but is presumed to also be found in immediately However both the new species are readily separated from K. adjacent parts of Nepal, Bhutan and China. monticola by their shorter body. Etymology: K. rayhammondi sp. nov. is named in honour of Ray K. monticola is separated from the other two species by males Hammond of Hamilton in western Victoria, Australia, in having more than 193 ventrals and 84 subcaudals. recognition for his critically important and free of charge By contrast, male K. rayhammondi sp. nov. has 188 ventrals and logistical services assisting various scientific projects by this 75 subcaudals. author over many years. K. danielmani sp. nov. is separated from both other species by KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (DANNYLEEUS) DANIELMANI males having 182-189 ventrals and 69-72 subcaudals. SP. NOV. K. rayhammondi sp. nov., K. monticola and K. danielmani sp. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:DB19D3CD-9B80-4083-8A7D- nov. are also separated by colouration. K. rayhammondi sp. nov. 80C7CCD7AE60 is yellowish brown (sometimes with reddish tinge as well as Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Kuming Institute of strong yellow tinge) and with indistinct or no obvious banding or Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, now at the markings on the posterior end of the body, versus orange in K. Kuming Natural History Museum of Zoology at Kuming Institute monticola with pattern extending the full length of the body and of Zoology, China, specimen number KIZ047036 collected from versus yellowish brown with pattern extending the full length of Pingbian, Yunnan, China. This facility allows access to its the body in K. danielmani sp. nov.. holdings. An image of K. monticola in life can be found in Vogel (2015) in Paratype: A preserved specimen at the California Academy of figure 5, from Mizoram, India, or online at: Sciences, San Francisco, USA, specimen number CAS 224415 https://www.flickr.com/photos/84335714@N07/15257990328/ collected at Nagmung Township, Hkakabo Razi National Park, or: between Ngawar Village and Lon Nut Village, Myanmar, Latitude https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/1610555 27.4605 N., Longitude 97.4907 E. or: Diagnosis: In most respects Katrinahoserserpenea https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/18564088 (Dannyleeus) danielmani sp. nov. and K. rayhammondi sp. nov. or: are similar to K. monticola (Cantor, 1839) and until now have https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/18406607 been treated as the same taxon. Two images of K. rayhammondi sp. nov. in life can be found However both the new species are readily separated from K. online at: monticola by their shorter body. http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~sbhatnag/Nature/warunachal/Images/ K. monticola is separated from the other two species by males Snakes/rma_pareasSp1.jpg having more than 193 ventrals and 84 subcaudals. and: By contrast, male K. rayhammondi sp. nov. has 188 ventrals and http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~sbhatnag/Nature/warunachal/Images/ 75 subcaudals. Snakes/rma_pareasSp2.jpg K. danielmani sp. nov. is separated from both other species by with specimens from Eaglenest Wildlife Reserve, India. males having 182-189 ventrals and 69-72 subcaudals. The three species form the entirety of the subgenus Dannyleeus K. rayhammondi sp. nov., K. monticola and K. danielmani sp. Hoser, 2012 and are separated from all other species within nov. are also separated by colouration. K. rayhammondi sp. nov. Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser, 2012 and Pareas Wagler, 1830 by is yellowish brown (sometimes with reddish tinge as well as the following suite of characters (amended slightly to form a new strong yellow tinge) and with indistinct or no obvious banding or diagnosis as opposed to Hoser, 2012): markings on the posterior end of the body, versus orange in K. These snakes are of a dark or light-brown dorsal colour, many monticola with pattern extending the full length of the body and dorsal scales having small black dots forming a transverse line versus yellowish brown with pattern extending the full length of or reticulation, there is a pre-frontal that enters the eye, there’s the body in K. danielmani sp. nov.. no preocular and the loreal enters the eye, smooth dorsal An image of K. monticola in life can be found in Vogel (2015) in scales, vertebral enlarged, the fourth upper labial enters the eye, figure 5, from Mizoram, India, or online at: there are more than 182 ventrals, more than 69 subcaudals and https://www.flickr.com/photos/84335714@N07/15257990328/ a black “X”-shaped mark behind the parietals. or: Snakes in the genus Pareas Wagler, 1830 differ from taxa in the https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/1610555 Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 45

or: (= Burma): Kachin, Mandalay, Mon, Shan, Tanintharyi, Yangon, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/18564088 Thailand (Chiang Mai), Laos (Xiangkhouang), Vietnam (Bac or: Kan, Cao Bang, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Nghe An, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/18406607 Quang Binh, Vinh Phuc), Northern West Malaysia, South China Two images of K. rayhammondi sp. nov. in life can be found (Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou). online at: However previous studies including the molecular evidence, of http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~sbhatnag/Nature/warunachal/Images/ Wang et al. (2020) and Deepak et al. (2020), as well as the Snakes/rma_pareasSp1.jpg morphological evidence of Hauser (2017) have confirmed that a and: number of species have been lumped within this putative taxon. http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~sbhatnag/Nature/warunachal/Images/ Five relevant species are formally named in this paper. Snakes/rma_pareasSp2.jpg The nominate form of K. macularius is from hilly parts of with specimens from Eaglenest Wildlife Reserve, India. southern Myanmar and nearby western Thailand. The three species form the entirety of the subgenus Dannyleeus The newly described species are K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. from Hoser, 2012 and are separated from all other species within Hainan, China, K. danielmannixi sp. nov. from Yunnan, China, K. Katrinahoserserpenea Hoser, 2012 and Pareas Wagler, 1830 by rodneykingi sp. nov. from Vietnam south of the delta region of the following suite of characters (amended slightly to form a new Hanoi and K. daranini sp. nov. from Western and northern diagnosis as opposed to Hoser, 2012): Myanmar and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. from the Isthmus of Kra, These snakes are of a dark or light-brown dorsal colour, many in southern Thailand. dorsal scales having small black dots forming a transverse line All six preceding species are separated from the morphologically or reticulation, there is a pre-frontal that enters the eye, there’s similar species K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) by the following no preocular and the loreal enters the eye, smooth dorsal suite of characters: Dorsal scales forming the median 7-13 rows scales, vertebral enlarged, the fourth upper labial enters the eye, are weakly keeled; nuchal region often with a butterfly or W- there are more than 182 ventrals, more than 69 subcaudals and shaped collar with moderate or dense speckling; intensely black a black “X”-shaped mark behind the parietals. blotch (IBB) usually present on the seventh (and last) supralabial Snakes in the genus Pareas Wagler, 1830 differ from taxa in the (rarely absent except in K. danielmannixi sp. nov.); ventral genus Katrinahoserserpenea by cephalic scalation and shields usually more than 148; belly speckling usually dense, distribution pattern. often large blotches are present, but the prevalence of this last Pareas species share three anterior temporals in contrast to the character is also somewhat species dependent (see below). one or two (rarely three) anterior temporals in By contrast K. margaritophorus (sensu lato) is diagnosed and Katrinahoserserpenea species. separated from the preceding species as follows: Dorsal scales The frontal scale in Pareas is hexagonal with the lateral sides are entirely smooth (no keels); nuchal region usually with pink, parallel to the body axis; this scale in cream or yellow, entire or tripartite collar or spot without fine brown speckling; IBB usually absent on the seventh supralabial Katrinahoserserpenea is almost diamond-shaped or shield- (very rarely present); ventral shields usually fewer than 158; shaped with the lateral sides converging posteriorly. The two belly speckling usually sparse, in particular anteriorly (adapted anterior chin shields are longer than broad in from Hauser 2017). Katrinahoserserpenea, whereas in Pareas they are broader than long; this is a consistent way to separate the two genera. The type form of K. macularius is readily separated from K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi Another consistent way to separate the genera is by the fact that sp. nov., K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by in Katrinahoserserpenea species there is a pre-frontal that the following suite of characters: dorsum is mainly light brown enters they eye, whereas in Pareas there is no prefrontal. with a very slight orange tinge; scattered dark brownish-black The snakes in the genus Pareas occur mainly throughout the scales are arranged into indistinct cross bands or similar and Indochinese Peninsula and Sunda shelf Islands. with obvious white tips at the anterior end, therefore being only By contrast most species of Katrinahoserserpenea occur in visible on the outward curved side of the snake, with the white southern China and the northern Indochinese Peninsula, being hidden under a scale on the inward curved side of the extending south along the southern Indochinese Peninsula and snake. Where bands form across the body, they are more-or- west to north-east India. less continuous, with most scales in a given row being dark and Distribution: K. danielmani sp. nov. is known from Yunnan, few if any lighter gap scales are present. The top of the head is China and nearby parts of northern Myanmar. greyish brown and peppered all over. Labials have white on Etymology: Named in honour of Daniel Man, an accountant of them near the lip and if the white is prominent it is always well Mitcham, Victoria, Australia, in recognition of his services to barred with dark brown. Snakebusters, Australia’s best reptiles shows and other wildlife K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. conservation enterprises in Australia over a period of 30 years. macularius, K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA) daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by having the TONGZHOUJIAE SP. NOV. following unique combination of characters: Dorsum is a dark LSIDURN:LSID:ZOOBANK.ORG:ACT:74AA0D00-80BE-47CA- olive brown and the dark blackish-brown scales scattered on the 876F-A539E78E0000 dorsum are clustered to form a distinctive series of spots all over Holotype: A preserved specimen at Yinbin University, China, the dorsal surface, as opposed to cross bands. The spots are Cuiping District, Yibin, China, specimen number: YBU12016, irregularly spaced. The anterior upper surface of the head is collected from Hainan, China. uniformly grey. This facility allows access to its holdings. K. danielmannixi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. Paratype: A preserved specimen at Yinbin University, China, macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. Cuiping District, Yibin, China, specimen number: YBU17030, daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by being collected from Hainan, China. generally dark brown dorsally, with dark near black scales being Diagnosis: Katrinahoserserpenea (Katrinahoserserpenea) generally arranged in cross-bands, but these are well spaced macularius (Theobold, 1868) has until now been treated as a with more lighter coloured scales between the dark ones, wide-ranging species with a distribution encompassing making the banding indistinct on the fore-body, becoming absent potentially India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, West Bengal) (those on the posterior end of the body and tail. The side of the head records being doubted by Hauser 2017), Bangladesh, Myanmar and snout, anterior to the eye are dark grey, but the upper lip has a series of 3-5 small but well-defined white triangles, with

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 46 Australasian Journal of Herpetology base of each on the lip and point facing up. These small https://www.flickr.com/photos/tontantravel/15765143819/ triangles do not go anywhere near reaching the eye. The upper A photo of K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. in life can be found in Hei surface of the head and snout are black, other than for some (2008) in Fig. 16 (page 4 bottom). brown blotches on the upper surface, these having ill defined A photo of K. danielmannixi sp. nov. in life can be found in black boundaries. and white in Yang and Rao (2008). The IBB on the last supralabial is absent and this scale is A photo of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) in life can be found in merely strongly peppered with grey. Hauser (2017) on page 30 at top. K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) (sensu lato) as defined by macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., Hauser (2017) is formally split three ways in this paper. K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the The relevant species are K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) following character suite: Similar to K. macularius as described restricted to Thailand generally north of Phuket and Nakhon Si above, but separated from it by having a dark iris, versus light Thammarat (8 degrees north) as well as Laos, South Vietnam orangeish to red in K. macularius. The upper lip is bounded by a and south east Myanmar., K. bobbottomi sp. nov., restricted to distinctive thick white line (sometimes yellowish) and if barring is the Malay Peninsula south of about 8 degrees north and present it is usually incomplete and/or indistinct. potentially nearby Sumatra, Indonesia and K. evanwhittoni sp. The dorsum is greyish with a slight orangeish tinge. Snout is nov. from Hong Kong, nearby parts of China and adjacent parts yellowish with grey peppering. of north Vietnam. The belly of K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is heavily speckled with Distribution: K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. from Hainan, China are peppering and also with dark blotches, versus not so in K. known only from hilly parts of Hainan, China (mainly the macularius. southern parts of the island), where it is believed to be common K. daranini sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. and easily found. It is one of a number of endemic species from macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., this area. K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the Etymology: Named in honour of Tongzhou Ji, (AKA Josie) following suite of characters: The dorsal side, with rows of originally from northern China, but now living in Sunbury, keeled scales, is nearly completely black and shows no cross- Victoria, Australia in recognition of her work in animal welfare, bands of bicolored spots as seen in the other five species. A working with Snakebusters and the Victorian Dog Training speckled, W-shaped nuchal collar typical of the other five Academy, doing Snake Avoidance training for dogs. species cannot be distinguished. On the belly there are rows of This training saves lives of both snakes and dogs and besides squarish, black blotches. The seventh (last) supralabial does not the animal welfare benefits, also has positive outcomes for show a distinct IBB, but is heavily mottled with black or wildlife conservation in that snakes do not get killed!. alternatively is completely black. KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA) K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. DANIELMANNIXI SP. NOV. macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:CB0625EC-A1BF-4F88-AC81- K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. daranini sp. nov. by possessing a A3DF1B70D7F7 distinctive W-shaped collar with two distinctive ‘tails’ extending backwards. The W-shaped collar configuration is not seen in Holotype: A preserved specimen at Yinbin University, China, any of the other species. Otherwise K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is Cuiping District, Yibin, China, specimen number: YBU17062, similar in most other respects to K. macularius. collected from Jingdong, Yunnan, China. This facility allows access to its holdings. The putative species K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935) from northern Vietnam and nearby southern China is herein treated Paratype: A preserved specimen at Yinbin University, China, as valid and is most like K. rodneykingi sp. nov. as described Cuiping District, Yibin, China, specimen number: YBU17078, herein (separating it from the other species as well), but K. collected from Jingdong, Yunnan, China. tamdaoensis is separated from that species by having reduced Diagnosis: Katrinahoserserpenea (Katrinahoserserpenea) white on the upper lip (as compared to K. rodneykingi sp. nov.) macularius (Theobold, 1868) has until now been treated as a and a very prominent IBB on the last supralabial. wide-ranging species with a distribution encompassing All the preceding species and K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) potentially India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, West Bengal) (those (sensu lato) as defined by Hauser (2017) are separated from all records being doubted by Hauser 2017), Bangladesh, Myanmar other species within Katrinahoserserpenea as defined by Hoser (= Burma): Kachin, Mandalay, Mon, Shan, Tanintharyi, Yangon, (2012b) by having a uniform brown, yellowish brown or blue gray Thailand (Chiang Mai), Laos (Xiangkhouang), Vietnam (Bac above with a pattern including single dark (near black) scales Kan, Cao Bang, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Nghe An, forming cross-bands, broken cross bands or spotting, the single Quang Binh, Vinh Phuc), Northern West Malaysia, South China dark scales usually having a white tip at the anterior, which is (Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou). exposed when the snake turns to face the surface outwards to However previous studies including the molecular evidence, of stretch that surface. Venter brownish white, spotted or peppered Wang et al. (2020) and Deepak et al. (2020), as well as the with brown and sometimes with spots or squares. Rostral a little morphological evidence of Hauser (2017) have confirmed that a broader than deep; internasals about half the length of the number of species have been lumped within this putative taxon. prefrontals; latter entering the eye; frontal a little longer than Five relevant species are formally named in this paper. broad, longer than its distance from the end of the snout, a little The nominate form of K. macularius is from hilly parts of shorter than the parietals; supraocular moderate, nearly half the southern Myanmar and nearby western Thailand. width of the frontal; a small loreal; one preocular, one postocular The newly described species are K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. from and three or more suboculars, excluding the labials from the Hainan, China, K. danielmannixi sp. nov. from Yunnan, China, K. eye; temporals much elongate, 2+2; seven upper labials, rodneykingi sp. nov. from Vietnam south of the delta region of seventh very large; three pairs of large chin-shields. 15 midbody Hanoi and K. daranini sp. nov. from Western and northern rows, dorsals may be weakly keeled, anal entire. Myanmar and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. from the Isthmus of Kra, A photo of the type form of K. macularius in life can be found in in southern Thailand. Hauser (2017) on page 31 at top or online at: All six preceding species are separated from the morphologically https://www.flickr.com/photos/herpguide/4094975909/ similar species K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) by the following and: suite of characters: Dorsal scales forming the median 7-13 rows https://www.flickr.com/photos/rushen/15360955943/ are weakly keeled; nuchal region often with a butterfly or W- and: Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47

shaped collar with moderate or dense speckling; intensely black K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the blotch (IBB) usually present on the seventh (and last) supralabial following suite of characters: The dorsal side, with rows of (rarely absent except in K. danielmannixi sp. nov.); ventral keeled scales, is nearly completely black and shows no cross- shields usually more than 148; belly speckling usually dense, bands of bicolored spots as seen in the other five species. A often large blotches are present, but the prevalence of this last speckled, W-shaped nuchal collar typical of the other five character is also somewhat species dependent (see below). species cannot be distinguished. On the belly there are rows of By contrast K. margaritophorus (sensu lato) as defined by squarish, black blotches. The seventh (last) supralabial does not Hauser (2017) is diagnosed and separated from the preceding show a distinct IBB, but is heavily mottled with black or species as follows: Dorsal scales are entirely smooth (no keels); alternatively is completely black. nuchal region usually with pink, cream or yellow, entire or K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. tripartite collar or spot without fine brown speckling; IBB usually macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., absent on the seventh supralabial (very rarely present); ventral K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. daranini sp. nov. by possessing a shields usually fewer than 158; belly speckling usually sparse, in distinctive W-shaped collar with two distinctive ‘tails’ extending particular anteriorly (adapted from Hauser 2017). backwards. The W-shaped collar configuration is not seen in The type form of K. macularius is readily separated from K. any of the other species. Otherwise K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi similar in most other respects to K. macularius. sp. nov., K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by The putative species K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935) from the following suite of characters: dorsum is mainly light brown northern Vietnam and nearby southern China is herein treated with a very slight orange tinge; scattered dark brownish-black as valid and is most like K. rodneykingi sp. nov. as described scales are arranged into indistinct cross bands or similar and herein (separating it from the other species as well), but K. with obvious white tips at the anterior end, therefore being only tamdaoensis is separated from that species by having reduced visible on the outward curved side of the snake, with the white white on the upper lip (as compared to K. rodneykingi sp. nov.) being hidden under a scale on the inward curved side of the and a very prominent IBB on the last supralabial. snake. Where bands form across the body, they are more-or- All the preceding species and K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) less continuous, with most scales in a given row being dark and (sensu lato) as defined by Hauser (2017) are separated from all few if any lighter gap scales are present. The top of the head is other species within Katrinahoserserpenea as defined by Hoser greyish brown and peppered all over. Labials have white on (2012b) by having a uniform brown, yellowish brown or blue gray them near the lip and if the white is prominent it is always well above with a pattern including single dark (near black) scales barred with dark brown. forming cross-bands, broken cross bands or spotting, the single K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. dark scales usually having a white tip at the anterior, which is macularius, K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. exposed when the snake turns to face the surface outwards to daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by having the stretch that surface. Venter brownish white, spotted or peppered following unique combination of characters: Dorsum is a dark with brown and sometimes with spots or squares. Rostral a little olive brown and the dark blackish-brown scales scattered on the broader than deep; internasals about half the length of the dorsum are clustered to form a distinctive series of spots all over prefrontals; latter entering the eye; frontal a little longer than the dorsal surface, as opposed to cross bands. The spots are broad, longer than its distance from the end of the snout, a little irregularly spaced. The anterior upper surface of the head is shorter than the parietals; supraocular moderate, nearly half the uniformly grey. width of the frontal; a small loreal; one preocular, one postocular K. danielmannixi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. and three or more suboculars, excluding the labials from the macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. eye; temporals much elongate, 2+2; seven upper labials, daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by being seventh very large; three pairs of large chin-shields. 15 midbody generally dark brown dorsally, with dark near black scales being rows, dorsals may be weakly keeled, anal entire. generally arranged in cross-bands, but these are well spaced A photo of the type form of K. macularius in life can be found in with more lighter coloured scales between the dark ones, Hauser (2017) on page 31 at top or online at: making the banding indistinct on the fore-body, becoming absent https://www.flickr.com/photos/herpguide/4094975909/ on the posterior end of the body and tail. The side of the head and: and snout, anterior to the eye are dark grey, but the upper lip https://www.flickr.com/photos/rushen/15360955943/ has a series of 3-5 small but well-defined white triangles, with and: base of each on the lip and point facing up. These small https://www.flickr.com/photos/tontantravel/15765143819/ triangles do not go anywhere near reaching the eye. The upper A photo of K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. in life can be found in Hei surface of the head and snout are black, other than for some (2008) in Fig. 16 (page 4 bottom). brown blotches on the upper surface, these having ill defined A photo of K. danielmannixi sp. nov. in life can be found in black boundaries. and white in Yang and Rao (2008). The IBB on the last supralabial is absent and this scale is A photo of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) in life can be found in merely strongly peppered with grey. Hauser (2017) on page 30 at top. K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) (sensu lato) as defined by macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., Hauser (2017) is formally split three ways in this paper. K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the following character suite: Similar to K. macularius as described The relevant species are K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) above, but separated from it by having a dark iris, versus light restricted to Thailand generally north of Phuket and Nakhon Si orangeish to red in K. macularius. The upper lip is bounded by a Thammarat (8 degrees north) as well as Laos, South Vietnam distinctive thick white line (sometimes yellowish) and if barring is and south east Myanmar., K. bobbottomi sp. nov., restricted to present it is usually incomplete and/or indistinct. the Malay Peninsula south of about 8 degrees north and potentially nearby Sumatra, Indonesia and K. evanwhittoni sp. The dorsum is greyish with a slight orangeish tinge. Snout is nov. from Hong Kong, nearby parts of China and adjacent parts yellowish with grey peppering. of north Vietnam. The belly of K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is heavily speckled with Distribution: K. danielmannixi sp. nov. from Hainan, China are peppering and also with dark blotches, versus not so in K. known to occur in Yunnan, China. macularius. Etymology: Named in honour of Daniel Mannix, of Sunbury, K. daranini sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. Victoria, Australia, formerly of Sunshine Victoria, owner of the macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., Victorian Dog Training Academy (VDTA) in recognition of his Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 48 Australasian Journal of Herpetology work in animal welfare, working with Snakebusters and the few if any lighter gap scales are present. The top of the head is Victorian Dog Training Academy, doing Snake Avoidance greyish brown and peppered all over. Labials have white on training for dogs. This training saves lives of both snakes and them near the lip and if the white is prominent it is always well dogs and besides the animal welfare benefits, also has positive barred with dark brown. outcomes for wildlife conservation. K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA) macularius, K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. RODNEYKINGI SP. NOV. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by having the LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B757D4F3-7D17-4965-AF1C- following unique combination of characters: Dorsum is a dark 6F480517FD72 olive brown and the dark blackish-brown scales scattered on the Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Zoologisches dorsum are clustered to form a distinctive series of spots all over Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany, the dorsal surface, as opposed to cross bands. The spots are specimen number ZFMK 86446 collected from Quang Binh, irregularly spaced. The anterior upper surface of the head is Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. This facility allows uniformly grey. access to its holdings. K. danielmannixi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Zoologisches macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany, daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by being specimen number ZFMK 82925 collected from Nghe An, generally dark brown dorsally, with dark near black scales being Vietnam. generally arranged in cross-bands, but these are well spaced Diagnosis: Katrinahoserserpenea (Katrinahoserserpenea) with more lighter coloured scales between the dark ones, macularius (Theobold, 1868) has until now been treated as a making the banding indistinct on the fore-body, becoming absent wide-ranging species with a distribution encompassing on the posterior end of the body and tail. The side of the head potentially India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, West Bengal) (those and snout, anterior to the eye are dark grey, but the upper lip records being doubted by Hauser 2017), Bangladesh, Myanmar has a series of 3-5 small but well-defined white triangles, with (= Burma): Kachin, Mandalay, Mon, Shan, Tanintharyi, Yangon, base of each on the lip and point facing up. These small Thailand (Chiang Mai), Laos (Xiangkhouang), Vietnam (Bac triangles do not go anywhere near reaching the eye. The upper Kan, Cao Bang, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Nghe An, surface of the head and snout are black, other than for some Quang Binh, Vinh Phuc), Northern West Malaysia, South China brown blotches on the upper surface, these having ill defined (Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou). boundaries. However previous studies including the molecular evidence, of The IBB on the last supralabial is absent and this scale is Wang et al. (2020) and Deepak et al. (2020), as well as the merely strongly peppered with grey. morphological evidence of Hauser (2017) have confirmed that a K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. number of species have been lumped within this putative taxon. macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., Five relevant species are formally named in this paper. K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the following character suite: Similar to K. macularius as described The nominate form of K. macularius is from hilly parts of above, but separated from it by having a dark iris, versus light southern Myanmar and nearby western Thailand. orangeish to red in K. macularius. The upper lip is bounded by a The newly described species are K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. from distinctive thick white line (sometimes yellowish) and if barring is Hainan, China, K. danielmannixi sp. nov. from Yunnan, China, K. present it is usually incomplete and/or indistinct. rodneykingi sp. nov. from Vietnam south of the delta region of The dorsum is greyish with a slight orangeish tinge. Snout is Hanoi and K. daranini sp. nov. from Western and northern yellowish with grey peppering. Myanmar and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. from the Isthmus of Kra, in southern Thailand. The belly of K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is heavily speckled with peppering and also with dark blotches, versus not so in K. All six preceding species are separated from the morphologically macularius. similar species K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) by the following suite of characters: Dorsal scales forming the median 7-13 rows K. daranini sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. are weakly keeled; nuchal region often with a butterfly or W- macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., shaped collar with moderate or dense speckling; intensely black K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the blotch (IBB) usually present on the seventh (and last) supralabial following suite of characters: The dorsal side, with rows of (rarely absent except in K. danielmannixi sp. nov.); ventral keeled scales, is nearly completely black and shows no cross- shields usually more than 148; belly speckling usually dense, bands of bicolored spots as seen in the other five species. A often large blotches are present, but the prevalence of this last speckled, W-shaped nuchal collar typical of the other five character is also somewhat species dependent (see below). species cannot be distinguished. On the belly there are rows of squarish, black blotches. The seventh (last) supralabial does not By contrast K. margaritophorus (sensu lato) as defined by show a distinct IBB, but is heavily mottled with black or Hauser (2017) is diagnosed and separated from the preceding alternatively is completely black. species as follows: Dorsal scales are entirely smooth (no keels); nuchal region usually with pink, cream or yellow, entire or K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. tripartite collar or spot without fine brown speckling; IBB usually macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., absent on the seventh supralabial (very rarely present); ventral K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. daranini sp. nov. by possessing a shields usually fewer than 158; belly speckling usually sparse, in distinctive W-shaped collar with two distinctive ‘tails’ extending particular anteriorly (adapted from Hauser 2017). backwards. The W-shaped collar configuration is not seen in any of the other species. Otherwise K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is The type form of K. macularius is readily separated from K. similar in most other respects to K. macularius. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by The putative species K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935) from the following suite of characters: dorsum is mainly light brown northern Vietnam and nearby southern China is herein treated with a very slight orange tinge; scattered dark brownish-black as valid and is most like K. rodneykingi sp. nov. as described scales are arranged into indistinct cross bands or similar and herein (separating it from the other species as well), but K. with obvious white tips at the anterior end, therefore being only tamdaoensis is separated from that species by having reduced visible on the outward curved side of the snake, with the white white on the upper lip (as compared to K. rodneykingi sp. nov.) being hidden under a scale on the inward curved side of the and a very prominent IBB on the last supralabial. snake. Where bands form across the body, they are more-or- All the preceding species and K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) less continuous, with most scales in a given row being dark and (sensu lato) as defined by Hauser (2017) are separated from all Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 49

other species within Katrinahoserserpenea as defined by Hoser described how he had knelt, spread his hands out, and slowly (2012b) by having a uniform brown, yellowish brown or blue gray tried to move so as not to make any ‘stupid move,’ being hit above with a pattern including single dark (near black) scales across the face by a billy club and shocked. forming cross-bands, broken cross bands or spotting, the single King said he was scared for his life as the police drew down on dark scales usually having a white tip at the anterior, which is him. exposed when the snake turns to face the surface outwards to Dallas chief of police William Rathburn ordered that all police stretch that surface. Venter brownish white, spotted or peppered watch the video as an instructional tape on how not to behave. with brown and sometimes with spots or squares. Rostral a little Four officers were eventually tried on charges of use of broader than deep; internasals about half the length of the excessive force. Of these, three were acquitted, and the jury prefrontals; latter entering the eye; frontal a little longer than failed to reach a verdict on one charge for the fourth. broad, longer than its distance from the end of the snout, a little Within hours of the acquittals, the 1992 Los Angeles shorter than the parietals; supraocular moderate, nearly half the demonstrations started. width of the frontal; a small loreal; one preocular, one postocular and three or more suboculars, excluding the labials from the These were sparked by outrage among racial minorities over the eye; temporals much elongate, 2+2; seven upper labials, trial’s verdict and related, longstanding issues of endemic police seventh very large; three pairs of large chin-shields. 15 midbody corruption. rows, dorsals may be weakly keeled, anal entire. Aggressive police attacks on the peaceful protesters led to riots A photo of the type form of K. macularius in life can be found in and the rioting ultimately lasted six days. Hauser (2017) on page 31 at top or online at: The end result was 63 people dead and another 2,383 injured. https://www.flickr.com/photos/herpguide/4094975909/ The demonstrations and riots ended only after the California and: Army National Guard, the United States Army and the United https://www.flickr.com/photos/rushen/15360955943/ States Marine Corps provided heavily armed reinforcements to re-establish control. and: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tontantravel/15765143819/ As a result of the protests, the USA Federal government prosecuted a separate civil rights case, obtaining grand jury A photo of K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. in life can be found in Hei indictments of the four officers for violations of King’s civil rights. (2008) in Fig. 16 (page 4 bottom). Their trial in a Federal district court ended on April 16, 1993, with A photo of K. danielmannixi sp. nov. in life can be found in black two of the officers being found guilty and sentenced to serve and white in Yang and Rao (2008). prison terms. The other two were acquitted of the charges. In a A photo of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) in life can be found in separate civil lawsuit in 1994, the city of Los Angeles reluctantly Hauser (2017) on page 30 at top. awarded King $3.8 million in damages. K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) (sensu lato) as defined by In 2012, King was found dead in his swimming pool, just two Hauser (2017) is formally split three ways in this paper. months after publishing his memoirs. Officially at least, there The relevant species are K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) was no foul play involving his untimely death. restricted to Thailand generally north of Phuket and Nakhon Si KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA) Thammarat (8 degrees north) as well as Laos, South Vietnam DARANINI SP. NOV. and south east Myanmar., K. bobbottomi sp. nov., restricted to LSIDURN:LSID:ZOOBANK.ORG:ACT:ABBF4766-7B29-4474- the Malay Peninsula south of about 8 degrees north and 9405-4A107153DD7A potentially nearby Sumatra, Indonesia and K. evanwhittoni sp. Holotype: A preserved specimen in the California Academy of nov. from Hong Kong, nearby parts of China and adjacent parts Sciences, San Francisco, California, 94118, USA, specimen of north Vietnam. number CAS 235218, collected at an elevation of 4296 ft from Distribution: K. rodneykingi sp. nov. occurs in hilly parts of Ke Har stream, Kanpetlet town, Mindat District, Chin State, Vietnam south of the delta region of Hanoi. Western Myanmar. Latitude 21.1220 N,, Longitude 94.0301 E. Etymology: Named in recognition of Rodney Glen King. He was This facility allows access to its holdings. born on 2 April, 1965 at Sacramento, California, USA and died Paratypes: Three preserved specimens in the California on 17 June, 2012 (aged 47) at Rialto, California, USA allegedly Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California, 94118, USA, from drowning. His name is synonymous with unlawful acts of specimen numbers CAS 245296, 245377, 255359, collected police violence, brutality and corruption and the public exposure from the same part of Western Myanmar as the holotype. of it. Diagnosis: Katrinahoserserpenea (Katrinahoserserpenea) On 3 March 1991, King, at the time a construction worker was macularius (Theobold, 1868) has until now been treated as a beaten by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers after wide-ranging species with a distribution encompassing a high-speed chase during his arrest for allegedly drunk driving potentially India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, West Bengal) (those on I-210. An unconnected civilian, George Holliday, filmed the records being doubted by Hauser 2017), Bangladesh, Myanmar incident from his nearby balcony and sent the footage to local (= Burma): Kachin, Mandalay, Mon, Shan, Tanintharyi, Yangon, news station KTLA. Thailand (Chiang Mai), Laos (Xiangkhouang), Vietnam (Bac The footage showed an unarmed King on the ground being Kan, Cao Bang, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Nghe An, brutally bashed by the police officers. The incident was covered Quang Binh, Vinh Phuc), Northern West Malaysia, South China by news media around the world and caused a massive outrage (Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou). among others who had been similarly bashed by police behind However previous studies including the molecular evidence, of closed doors. Wang et al. (2020) and Deepak et al. (2020), as well as the At a press conference, announcing the fourteen officers involved morphological evidence of Hauser (2017) have confirmed that a would be disciplined, and three would face criminal charges, Los number of species have been lumped within this putative taxon. Angeles police chief Daryl Gates said: Five relevant species are formally named in this paper. “We believe the officers used excessive force taking him into The nominate form of K. macularius is from hilly parts of custody. In our review, we find that officers struck him with southern Myanmar and nearby western Thailand. batons between fifty-three and fifty-six times.” The newly described species are K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. from No charges were filed against the then 25-year-old King. On his Hainan, China, K. danielmannixi sp. nov. from Yunnan, China, K. release, he spoke to reporters from his wheelchair, with his rodneykingi sp. nov. from Vietnam south of the delta region of injuries evident: a broken right leg in a cast, his face badly cut Hanoi and K. daranini sp. nov. from Western and northern and swollen, bruises on his body, and a burn area to his chest Myanmar and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. from the Isthmus of Kra,

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. where he had been jolted with a 50,000-volt stun gun. He Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 50 Australasian Journal of Herpetology in southern Thailand. yellowish with grey peppering. All six preceding species are separated from the morphologically The belly of K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is heavily speckled with similar species K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) (sensu lato) as peppering and also with dark blotches, versus not so in K. defined by Hauser (2017) by the following suite of characters: macularius. Dorsal scales forming the median 7-13 rows are weakly keeled; K. daranini sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. nuchal region often with a butterfly or W-shaped collar with macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., moderate or dense speckling; intensely black blotch (IBB) K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the usually present on the seventh (and last) supralabial (rarely following suite of characters: The dorsal side, with rows of absent except in K. danielmannixi sp. nov.); ventral shields keeled scales, is nearly completely black and shows no cross- usually more than 148; belly speckling usually dense, often large bands of bicolored spots as seen in the other five species. A blotches are present, but the prevalence of this last character is speckled, W-shaped nuchal collar typical of the other five also somewhat species dependent (see below). species cannot be distinguished. On the belly there are rows of By contrast K. margaritophorus is diagnosed and separated from squarish, black blotches. The seventh (last) supralabial does not the preceding species as follows: Dorsal scales are entirely show a distinct IBB, but is heavily mottled with black or smooth (no keels); nuchal region usually with pink, cream or alternatively is completely black. yellow, entire or tripartite collar or spot without fine brown K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. speckling; IBB usually absent on the seventh supralabial (very macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., rarely present); ventral shields usually fewer than 158; belly K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. daranini sp. nov. by possessing a speckling usually sparse, in particular anteriorly (adapted from distinctive W-shaped collar with two distinctive ‘tails’ extending Hauser 2017). backwards. The W-shaped collar configuration is not seen in The type form of K. macularius is readily separated from K. any of the other species. Otherwise K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi similar in most other respects to K. macularius. sp. nov., K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by The putative species K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935) from the following suite of characters: dorsum is mainly light brown northern Vietnam and nearby southern China is herein treated with a very slight orange tinge; scattered dark brownish-black as valid and is most like K. rodneykingi sp. nov. as described scales are arranged into indistinct cross bands or similar and herein (separating it from the other species as well), but K. with obvious white tips at the anterior end, therefore being only tamdaoensis is separated from that species by having reduced visible on the outward curved side of the snake, with the white white on the upper lip (as compared to K. rodneykingi sp. nov.) being hidden under a scale on the inward curved side of the and a very prominent IBB on the last supralabial. snake. Where bands form across the body, they are more-or- All the preceding species and K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) less continuous, with most scales in a given row being dark and (sensu lato) as defined by Hauser (2017) are separated from all few if any lighter gap scales are present. The top of the head is other species within Katrinahoserserpenea as defined by Hoser greyish brown and peppered all over. Labials have white on (2012b) by having a uniform brown, yellowish brown or blue gray them near the lip and if the white is prominent it is always well above with a pattern including single dark (near black) scales barred with dark brown. forming cross-bands, broken cross bands or spotting, the single K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. dark scales usually having a white tip at the anterior, which is macularius, K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. exposed when the snake turns to face the surface outwards to daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by having the stretch that surface. Venter brownish white, spotted or peppered following unique combination of characters: Dorsum is a dark with brown and sometimes with spots or squares. Rostral a little olive brown and the dark blackish-brown scales scattered on the broader than deep; internasals about half the length of the dorsum are clustered to form a distinctive series of spots all over prefrontals; latter entering the eye; frontal a little longer than the dorsal surface, as opposed to cross bands. The spots are broad, longer than its distance from the end of the snout, a little irregularly spaced. The anterior upper surface of the head is shorter than the parietals; supraocular moderate, nearly half the uniformly grey. width of the frontal; a small loreal; one preocular, one postocular K. danielmannixi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. and three or more suboculars, excluding the labials from the macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. eye; temporals much elongate, 2+2; seven upper labials, daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by being seventh very large; three pairs of large chin-shields. 15 midbody generally dark brown dorsally, with dark near black scales being rows, dorsals may be weakly keeled, anal entire. generally arranged in cross-bands, but these are well spaced A photo of the type form of K. macularius in life can be found in with more lighter coloured scales between the dark ones, Hauser (2017) on page 31 at top or online at: making the banding indistinct on the fore-body, becoming absent https://www.flickr.com/photos/herpguide/4094975909/ on the posterior end of the body and tail. The side of the head and: and snout, anterior to the eye are dark grey, but the upper lip https://www.flickr.com/photos/rushen/15360955943/ has a series of 3-5 small but well-defined white triangles, with and: base of each on the lip and point facing up. These small https://www.flickr.com/photos/tontantravel/15765143819/ triangles do not go anywhere near reaching the eye. The upper A photo of K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. in life can be found in Hei surface of the head and snout are black, other than for some (2008) in Fig. 16 (page 4 bottom). brown blotches on the upper surface, these having ill defined boundaries. A photo of K. danielmannixi sp. nov. in life can be found in black and white in Yang and Rao (2008). The IBB on the last supralabial is absent and this scale is merely strongly peppered with grey. A photo of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) in life can be found in Hauser (2017) on page 30 at top. K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) (sensu lato) as defined by K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the Hauser (2017) is formally split three ways in this paper. following character suite: Similar to K. macularius as described The relevant species are K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) above, but separated from it by having a dark iris, versus light restricted to Thailand generally north of Phuket and Nakhon Si orangeish to red in K. macularius. The upper lip is bounded by a Thammarat (8 degrees north) as well as Laos, South Vietnam distinctive thick white line (sometimes yellowish) and if barring is and south east Myanmar., K. bobbottomi sp. nov., restricted to present it is usually incomplete and/or indistinct. the Malay Peninsula south of about 8 degrees north and The dorsum is greyish with a slight orangeish tinge. Snout is potentially nearby Sumatra, Indonesia and K. evanwhittoni sp.

nov. from Hong Kong, nearby parts of China and adjacent parts less continuous, with most scales in a given row being dark and of north Vietnam. few if any lighter gap scales are present. The top of the head is Distribution: K. daranini sp. nov. occurs in hilly western parts of greyish brown and peppered all over. Labials have white on Myanmar, generally near the type locality region. them near the lip and if the white is prominent it is always well Etymology: K. daranini sp. nov. is named in honour of Dara Nin, barred with dark brown. of Ringwood, Victoria, Australia, who for more than a decade K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. has worked with Snakebusters, Reptile Parties and Reptile macularius, K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. Shows to educate thousands of people about wildlife and daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by having the conservation as well as other important wildlife research and following unique combination of characters: Dorsum is a dark conservation work. olive brown and the dark blackish-brown scales scattered on the KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA) dorsum are clustered to form a distinctive series of spots all over MCCONNACHIEI SP. NOV. the dorsal surface, as opposed to cross bands. The spots are LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:BC507D5A-FE66-4AD3-B998- irregularly spaced. The anterior upper surface of the head is 3D8D00EB0BC6 uniformly grey. Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Queen Saovabha K. danielmannixi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. Memorial Institute (QSMI) in Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. Bangkok 10330, Thailand, specimen number QSMI-0234, daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by being collected at Thung Song, Thailand, Latitude 8.1587 N., generally dark brown dorsally, with dark near black scales being Longitude 99.6740 E. This facility allows access to its holdings. generally arranged in cross-bands, but these are well spaced with more lighter coloured scales between the dark ones, Diagnosis: Katrinahoserserpenea (Katrinahoserserpenea) making the banding indistinct on the fore-body, becoming absent macularius (Theobold, 1868) has until now been treated as a on the posterior end of the body and tail. The side of the head wide-ranging species with a distribution encompassing and snout, anterior to the eye are dark grey, but the upper lip potentially India (Darjeeling, Sikkim, West Bengal) (those has a series of 3-5 small but well-defined white triangles, with records being doubted by Hauser 2017), Bangladesh, Myanmar base of each on the lip and point facing up. These small (= Burma): Kachin, Mandalay, Mon, Shan, Tanintharyi, Yangon, triangles do not go anywhere near reaching the eye. The upper Thailand (Chiang Mai), Laos (Xiangkhouang), Vietnam (Bac surface of the head and snout are black, other than for some Kan, Cao Bang, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Nghe An, brown blotches on the upper surface, these having ill defined Quang Binh, Vinh Phuc), Northern West Malaysia, South China boundaries. (Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou). The IBB on the last supralabial is absent and this scale is However previous studies including the molecular evidence, of merely strongly peppered with grey. Wang et al. (2020) and Deepak et al. (2020), as well as the morphological evidence of Hauser (2017) have confirmed that a K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. number of species have been lumped within this putative taxon. macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the Five relevant species are formally named in this paper. following character suite: Similar to K. macularius as described The nominate form of K. macularius is from hilly parts of above, but separated from it by having a dark iris, versus light southern Myanmar and nearby western Thailand. orangeish to red in K. macularius. The upper lip is bounded by a The newly described species are K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. from distinctive thick white line (sometimes yellowish) and if barring is Hainan, China, K. danielmannixi sp. nov. from Yunnan, China, K. present it is usually incomplete and/or indistinct. rodneykingi sp. nov. from Vietnam south of the delta region of The dorsum is greyish with a slight orangeish tinge. Snout is Hanoi and K. daranini sp. nov. from Western and northern yellowish with grey peppering. Myanmar and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. from the Isthmus of Kra, The belly of K. rodneykingi sp. nov. is heavily speckled with in southern Thailand. peppering and also with dark blotches, versus not so in K. All six preceding species are separated from the morphologically macularius. similar species K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) by the following K. daranini sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. suite of characters: Dorsal scales forming the median 7-13 rows macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., are weakly keeled; nuchal region often with a butterfly or W- K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by the shaped collar with moderate or dense speckling; intensely black following suite of characters: The dorsal side, with rows of blotch (IBB) usually present on the seventh (and last) supralabial keeled scales, is nearly completely black and shows no cross- (rarely absent except in K. danielmannixi sp. nov.); ventral bands of bicolored spots as seen in the other five species. A shields usually more than 148; belly speckling usually dense, speckled, W-shaped nuchal collar typical of the other five often large blotches are present, but the prevalence of this last species cannot be distinguished. On the belly there are rows of character is also somewhat species dependent (see below). squarish, black blotches. The seventh (last) supralabial does not By contrast K. margaritophorus (sensu lato) as defined by show a distinct IBB, but is heavily mottled with black or Hauser (2017) is diagnosed and separated from the preceding alternatively is completely black. species as follows: Dorsal scales are entirely smooth (no keels); K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is readily separated from all of K. nuchal region usually with pink, cream or yellow, entire or macularius, K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., tripartite collar or spot without fine brown speckling; IBB usually K. rodneykingi sp. nov. and K. daranini sp. nov. by possessing a absent on the seventh supralabial (very rarely present); ventral distinctive W-shaped collar with two distinctive ‘tails’ extending shields usually fewer than 158; belly speckling usually sparse, in backwards. The W-shaped collar configuration is not seen in particular anteriorly (adapted from Hauser 2017). any of the other species. Otherwise K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is The type form of K. macularius is readily separated from K. similar in most other respects to K. macularius. tongzhoujiae sp. nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi The putative species K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935) from sp. nov., K. daranini sp. nov. and K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. by northern Vietnam and nearby southern China is herein treated the following suite of characters: dorsum is mainly light brown as valid and is most like K. rodneykingi sp. nov. as described with a very slight orange tinge; scattered dark brownish-black herein (separating it from the other species as well), but K. scales are arranged into indistinct cross bands or similar and tamdaoensis is separated from that species by having reduced with obvious white tips at the anterior end, therefore being only white on the upper lip (as compared to K. rodneykingi sp. nov.) visible on the outward curved side of the snake, with the white and a very prominent IBB on the last supralabial. being hidden under a scale on the inward curved side of the snake. Where bands form across the body, they are more-or- All the preceding species and K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 52 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

(sensu lato) as defined by Hauser (2017) are separated from all Island, Singapore (since moved to the Lee Kong Chian Natural other species within Katrinahoserserpenea as defined by Hoser History Museum in 2014). The holotype is also depicted in (2012b) by having a uniform brown, yellowish brown or blue gray colour Tan and Lim (2013). above with a pattern including single dark (near black) scales Diagnosis: Until now Katrinahoserserpenae bobbottomi sp. nov. forming cross-bands, broken cross bands or spotting, the single of Peninsula Malaysia has been treated as a southern dark scales usually having a white tip at the anterior, which is population of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) (sensu lato) as exposed when the snake turns to face the surface outwards to defined by Hauser (2017). stretch that surface. Venter brownish white, spotted or peppered K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is from Hong Kong, nearby parts of with brown and sometimes with spots or squares. Rostral a little China and adjacent parts of north Vietnam and has also been broader than deep; internasals about half the length of the treated as putative K. margaritophorus. prefrontals; latter entering the eye; frontal a little longer than K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) is restricted to Thailand broad, longer than its distance from the end of the snout, a little generally north of Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat (8 degrees shorter than the parietals; supraocular moderate, nearly half the north) as well as Laos, South Vietnam and south east Myanmar. width of the frontal; a small loreal; one preocular, one postocular K. bobbottomi sp. nov. is restricted to the Malay Peninsula south and three or more suboculars, excluding the labials from the of about 8 degrees north and potentially nearby Sumatra, eye; temporals much elongate, 2+2; seven upper labials, Indonesia based on nine images published on the internet at: seventh very large; three pairs of large chin-shields. 15 midbody rows, dorsals may be weakly keeled, anal entire. www.flickr.com, posted “Kurt (Orionmystery) G. See for example image at: A photo of the type form of K. macularius in life can be found in http://www.flickr.com/photos/orionmystery/43307992385/ Hauser (2017) on page 31 at top or online at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/herpguide/4094975909/ taken on 9 July 2018. K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is known from Hong Kong, nearby parts and: of China and adjacent parts of north Vietnam. https://www.flickr.com/photos/rushen/15360955943/ All three species are most readily separated from one another and: on the basis of colouration. https://www.flickr.com/photos/tontantravel/15765143819/ K. bobbottomi sp. nov. (adults) are readily separated from both A photo of K. tongzhoujiae sp. nov. in life can be found in Hei other species by the presence of a continuous broad orange (2008) in Fig. 16 (page 4 bottom). band of at least two scales width across the back of the nape A photo of K. danielmannixi sp. nov. in life can be found in black and significant white peppering of the rear upper labials. While and white in Yang and Rao (2008). some (aberrant) specimens of K. margaritophorus from Thailand A photo of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) in life can be found in may also have orange or pink across the rear of the nape it is Hauser (2017) on page 30 at top. not as brilliant as seen in K. bobbottomi sp. nov., is invariably K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) (sensu lato) as defined by broken, or fails to go fully across the neck and the rear upper Hauser (2017) is formally split three ways in this paper. labials are not peppered with white, but are instead either grey The relevant species are K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) or white, the white forming well a well defined bar or rectangle restricted to Thailand generally north of Phuket and Nakhon Si on the upper lip. Thammarat (8 degrees north) as well as Laos, South Vietnam Most K. margaritophorus have irregularly shaped yellow or white and south east Myanmar., K. bobbottomi sp. nov., restricted to blotches or markings across the rear of the nape. the Malay Peninsula south of about 8 degrees north and K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is separated from the preceding two potentially nearby Sumatra, Indonesia and K. evanwhittoni sp. species by having a distinctively grey head and nape, with grey nov. from Hong Kong, nearby parts of China and adjacent parts upper labials to the lower point of the lip with only slight white of north Vietnam. peppering and no white on the upper lip. The spotted scales are Distribution: K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. occurs on the Isthmus of distinctively black, versus very dark brown in the other two Kra, in southern Thailand and potentially nearby parts of species. Any marking or bar across the rear of the nape is either northern Peninsula Malaysia. absent or grey in colour, and therefore indistinct. Etymology: K. mcconnachiei sp. nov. is named in honour of Female K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. have over 50 subcaudals, Scott McConnachie, of Reservoir, Victoria, Australia of the versus less than 50 in the other two species. Victorian Dog Academy and Reservoir Dogs. Scott has worked K. macularius, K. mcconnachiei sp. nov., K. tongzhoujiae sp. with Daniel Mannix and Tongzhou Ji, (AKA Josie) originally from nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. northern China, but both now living in Sunbury, Victoria, daranini sp. nov., K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935), K. Australia at the Victorian Dog Training Academy (VDTA) (see margaritophorus (Jan, 1866), K. bobbottomi sp. nov. and K. elsewhere in this paper). evanwhittoni sp. nov. are separated from all other species within Scott McConnachie is recognized for his contributions to animal Katrinahoserserpenea as defined by Hoser (2012b) by having a welfare and wildlife conservation, through his work with this uniform brown, yellowish brown or blue gray above with a author with Daniel Mannix and Tongzhou Ji doing Snake pattern including single dark (near black) scales forming cross- Avoidance training for dogs. This training saves lives of both bands, broken cross bands or spotting, the single dark scales snakes and dogs and besides the animal welfare benefits, also usually having a white tip at the anterior, which is exposed when has positive outcomes for wildlife conservation in that dogs do the snake turns to face the surface outwards to stretch that not unnecessarily kill snakes. surface. Venter brownish white, spotted or peppered with brown KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA) and sometimes with spots or squares. Rostral a little broader BOBBOTTOMI SP. NOV. than deep; internasals about half the length of the prefrontals; LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:DB43742B-D3F6-4F92-A372- latter entering the eye; frontal a little longer than broad, longer 18D26CB3D96A than its distance from the end of the snout, a little shorter than Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Zoologisches the parietals; supraocular moderate, nearly half the width of the Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany, frontal; a small loreal; one preocular, one postocular and three or specimen number ZFMK 70584 collected from north of Kuala more suboculars, excluding the labials from the eye; temporals Lumpur, Malaysia. much elongate, 2+2; seven upper labials, seventh very large ; Paratype: A preserved female specimen of about 30 cm in total three pairs of large chin-shields. 15 midbody rows, dorsals may length, at the Zoological Reference Collection at the Raffles be weakly keeled, anal entire. Museum of Biodiversity Research at the National University of The holotype of K. bobbottomi sp. nov. is also depicted in colour Tan and Lim (2013). Singapore specimen number ZRC 2.7018, collected at Punggol Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 53

A photo of the type form of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) in life K. macularius, K. mcconnachiei sp. nov., K. tongzhoujiae sp. (conforming with the original species description) can be found nov., K. danielmannixi sp. nov., K. rodneykingi sp. nov., K. in Hauser (2017) on page 30 at top. daranini sp. nov., K. tamdaoensis (Bourret, 1935), K. A photo of K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. in life can be found online at: margaritophorus (Jan, 1866), K. bobbottomi sp. nov. and K. https://www.biosch.hku.hk/ecolofy/hkreptiles/snake/ evanwhittoni sp. nov. are separated from all other species within Pareas_margaritophorus.html Katrinahoserserpenea as defined by Hoser (2012b) by having a Distribution: K. bobbottomi sp. nov. is known to occur on the uniform brown, yellowish brown or blue gray above with a Malay Peninsula south of 8 Degree North, southwards to pattern including single dark (near black) scales forming cross- Singapore (where it is probably introduced) and probably also on bands, broken cross bands or spotting, the single dark scales Sumatra. usually having a white tip at the anterior, which is exposed when the snake turns to face the surface outwards to stretch that Etymology: Named in honour of investigative journalist Bob surface. Venter brownish white, spotted or peppered with brown (Robert) Bottom, formerly of New South Wales, Australia, but and sometimes with spots or squares. Rostral a little broader more recently of Queensland, Australia, in recognition of a than deep; internasals about half the length of the prefrontals; stellar career exposing organised crime and political corruption latter entering the eye; frontal a little longer than broad, longer in Australia, including through several best-selling books. than its distance from the end of the snout, a little shorter than KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA (KATRINAHOSERSERPENEA) the parietals; supraocular moderate, nearly half the width of the EVANWHITTONI SP. NOV. frontal; a small loreal; one preocular, one postocular and three or LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:5D023578-0437-43E5-8130- more suboculars, excluding the labials from the eye; temporals D27B38F551FA much elongate, 2+2; seven upper labials, seventh very large ; Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Field Museum of three pairs of large chin-shields. 15 midbody rows, dorsals may Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA, specimen number FMNH be weakly keeled, anal entire. 256973 collected at Hong Kong (China). This facility allows The holotype of K. bobbottomi sp. nov. is also depicted in colour access to its holdings. Tan and Lim (2013). A photo of the type form of K. Paratypes: Two preserved specimens at the Natur-Museum und margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) in life (conforming with the original Forschungs-Institut Senckenberg, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, species description) is in Hauser (2017) on page 30 at top. specimen numbers SMF 20791 and SMF 20792 collected from A photo of K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. in life can be found online at: Hong Kong (China). https://www.biosch.hku.hk/ecolofy/hkreptiles/snake/ Diagnosis: Until now Katrinahoserserpenae bobbottomi sp. nov. Pareas_margaritophorus.html of Peninsula Malaysia has been treated as a southern Distribution: K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is restricted to Hong Kong population of K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866). and southern China and adjacent parts of north-east Vietnam. K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is from Hong Kong, nearby parts of Etymology: K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is named in honour of China and adjacent parts of north Vietnam and has also been Sydney-based Australian investigative journalist Evan Whitton, treated as putative K. margaritophorus. who wrote numerous best-selling books on judicial corruption. K. margaritophorus (Jan, 1866) is restricted to Thailand ZILONEAR GEN. NOV. generally north of Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat (8 degrees LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:0E81DC7B-D13E-4C90-A4C9- north) as well as Laos, South Vietnam and south east Myanmar. 8AF5D907B829 K. bobbottomi sp. nov. is restricted to the Malay Peninsula south Type species: Platypteryx perroteti Duméril, Bibron and of about 8 degrees north and potentially nearby Sumatra, Duméril, 1854 Indonesia based on nine images published on the internet at: Diagnosis: Until now snakes within the genus Zilonear gen. nov. www.flickr.com, posted “Kurt (Orionmystery) G. have been treated as species within the genus Xylophis See for example image at: Beddome, 1878, with a type species of Geophis stenorhynchus http://www.flickr.com/photos/orionmystery/43307992385/ Günther, 1875. taken on 9 July 2018. Xylophis Beddome, 1878, is also the type species of the K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is known from Hong Kong, nearby parts subfamily, Xylophiinae Deepak et al. (2019). of China and adjacent parts of north Vietnam. Recognition of a new family by Deepak et al. (2019) and a new All three species are most readily separated from one another species closely related to the most divergent species within the on the basis of colouration. genus Xylophis as recognized as of 2020, by Deepak et al. K. bobbottomi sp. nov. (adults) are readily separated from both (2020) led to this review of the genus-level classification and other species by the presence of a continuous broad orange found sufficient divergence both genetically and morphologically band of at least two scales width across the back of the nape to warrant genus-level division as done herein. and significant white peppering of the rear upper labials. While Zilonear gen. nov. species have until now been treated as some (aberrant) specimens of K. margaritophorus from Thailand Xylophis and would until now be diagnosed as being of this may also have orange or pink across the rear of the nape it is genus and in turn the entirety of the subfamily Xylophiinae. not as brilliant as seen in K. bobbottomi sp. nov., is invariably Zilonear gen. nov. species are readily separated from Xylophis broken, or fails to go fully across the neck and the rear upper by having dorsal scales in 13 rows at midbody; supraocular labials are not peppered with white, but are instead either grey notably larger than postocular; six or more infralabials. or white, the white forming well a well defined bar or rectangle on the upper lip. By comparison Xylophis species have dorsal scales in 15 rows at midbody; supraocular and postocular shields subequal in size; Most K. margaritophorus have irregularly shaped yellow or white five infralabials. Deepak et al. (2019), found a divergence of the blotches or markings across the rear of the nape. two preceding genera of over 30 MYA. K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. is separated from the preceding two Both genera are separated from all other snakes by the following species by having a distinctively grey head and nape, with grey unique suite of characters: Maxillary teeth 20 to 25, small and of upper labials to the lower point of the lip with only slight white equal size; mandibular teeth equal. Head not distinct from neck; peppering and no white on the upper lip. The spotted scales are eye small, with round pupil; nostril pierced between two small distinctively black, versus very dark brown in the other two nasals; internasals small; no preocular, species. Any marking or bar across the rear of the nape is either absent or grey in colour, and therefore indistinct. loreal and prefrontal entering the eye. Body cylindrical: scales smooth in 13 or 15 rows, without apical pits; ventrals rounded. Female K. evanwhittoni sp. nov. have over 50 subcaudals, Tail short, subcaudals in two rows. Hypapophyses developed versus less than 50 in the other two species. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 54 Australasian Journal of Herpetology throughout the vertebral column. As a result of the preceding, Cogger, H. G. 2014. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia the genus Xylophis comprises just two recognized species, (Seventh Edition). CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, namely Xylophis stenorhynchus (Günther, 1875) (type for genus) Australia:1033 pp. and X. captaini Gower and Winkler, 2007. Das, A., Uttam Saikia, B. H. C. K., Murthy, S. D. and Dutta, S. K. Distribution: South-west India. 2009. A herpetofaunal inventory of Barail Wildlife Sanctuary and Eytmology: The name Zilonear is wholly made up. It is a hybrid adjacent regions, Assam, north-eastern India. 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Guo, Y. H., Wu, Y. K., He, S. P., Shi, H. T. and Zhao, E. M. 2011. conservation status and long-term survival prospects of some Systematics and molecular phylogenetics of Asian snail-eating newly named taxa. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 39:23- snakes (Pareatidae). Zootaxa (Online) (PRINO) 3001(1):57-64. 52. Hauser, S. 2017. On the validity of Pareas macularius Theobald, Hoser, R. T. 2019b. Richard Shine et al. (1987), Hinrich Kaiser et 1868 (Squamata: Pareidae) as a species distinct from Pareas al. (2013), Jane Melville et al. (2018 and 2019): Australian margaritophorus (Jan in Bocourt, 1866). Tropical Natural Agamids and how rule breakers, liars, thieves, taxonomic History 17(1):25-52. vandals and law breaking copyright infringers are causing reptile Hei, S. Y. 2008. Herping in Hainan. 6 page document posted species to become extinct. Australasian Journal of Herpetology online at: https://www.biosch.hku.hk/ecology/fpimages/ monthly/ 39:53-63. Hainan/herping%20in%20Hainan_27Aug08.pdf Hoso, M. 2017. Asymmetry of mandibular dentition is associated Hoser, R. T. 1989. Australian Reptiles and Frogs. Pierson and with dietary specialization in snail-eating snakes. PeerJ 5: Co., Sydney, NSW, Australia:238 pp. e3011. Hoser, R. T. 1991. Endangered Animals of Australia. Pierson Hoso, M, and Hori, M. 2008. Divergent shell shape as an and Co., Mosman, NSW, 240 pp. antipredator adaptation in tropical land Hoser, R. T. 1993. Smuggled: The Underground Trade in snails. American Naturalist 172(5):726-732. Australia’s Wildlife. Apollo Publishing, Moss Vale, NSW. 160 pp. Hoso, M., Kameda. Y., Wu, S. P., Asami, T., Kato, M. and Hor, Hoser, R. T. 1996. Smuggled-2: Wildlife Trafficking, Crime and M. 2010. A speciation gene for left-right reversal in snails results Corruption in Australia. Kotabi Publishing, Doncaster, Victoria, in anti-predator adaptation. Nature Communications 1:133. 3108, Australia:280 pp. Huang, Q. Y. 2004. Pareas macularius Theobald, 1868 should Hoser, R. T. 2009. Creationism and contrived science: A review be a junior synonym of Pareas margaritophorus Jan, 1866. of recent python systematics papers and the resolution of issues Sichuan Journal of Zoology, 23:207-208 [In Chinese]. of taxonomy and nomenclature. Australasian Journal of Iesa, I. 2018. A white spotted snake at Hillview Avenue. Herpetology 2:1-34. (3 February). Singapore Biodiversity Records 2018:41. Hoser, R. T. 2012a. Exposing a fraud! Afronaja Wallach, Wüster Inger, R. F., Bradley Shaffer, H., Koshy, M. and Bakde, R. 1984. and Broadley 2009, is a junior synonym of Spracklandus Hoser A report on a collection of amphibians and reptiles from the 2009! Australasian Journal of Herpetology 9 (3 April 2012):1-64. Ponmudi, Kerala, South India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Hoser, R. T. 2012b. A new genus of Asian snail-eating snake 81(3):551-570. (Serpentes: Pareatidae). Australasian Journal of Herpetology Jan, G. 1866. In Bocourt, F., Notes sur les reptiles, les 12:12-15. batraciens et les poissons recueillis pendant un voyage dans le Hoser, R. T. 2012c. Robust taxonomy and nomenclature based royaume de Siam. Nouvelles Archives Muséum Naturale on good science escapes harsh fact-based criticism, but Histoire, 2(2):4-20. remains unable to escape an attack of lies and deception. Jerdon, T. C. 1865. Remarks on observations contained in Dr. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 14:37-64. Günther’s work on the reptiles of British India. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hoser, R. T. 2013. The science of herpetology is built on Hist. (3)15:416-418. evidence, ethics, quality publications and strict compliance with Jiang, Y. M. 2004. Pareas chinensis (Babour, 1912) should be a the rules of nomenclature. Australasian Journal of Herpetology junior synonym of Pareas formosensis (Van Denburgh, 1909). 18:2-79. Sichuan Journal of Zoology, 23:209-210 [In Chinese]. Hoser, R. T. 2015a. Dealing with the “truth haters” ... a Kaiser, H. 2012a. SPAM email sent out to numerous recipients summary! Introduction to Issues 25 and 26 of on 5 June 2012. Australasian Journal of Herpetology. Including “A timeline of Kaiser, H. 2012b. Point of view. Hate article sent as attachment relevant key publishing and other events relevant to Wolfgang with SPAM email sent out on 5 June 2012 (actually written by Wüster and his gang of thieves.” and a “Synonyms list”. Wolfgang Wüster according to a later email from Hinrich Kaiser). Australasian Journal of Herpetology 25:3-13. Kaiser, H. 2013. The Taxon Filter, a novel mechanism designed Hoser, R. T. 2015b. The Wüster gang and their proposed “Taxon to facilitate the relationship between taxonomy and Filter”: How they are knowinglypublishing false information, nomenclature, vis-à-vis the utility of the Code’s Article 81 (the recklessly engaging in taxonomic vandalism and directly Commission’s plenary power). Bulletin of Zoological attacking the rules and stability of zoological nomenclature. Nomenclature 70(4) December 2013:293-302. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 25:14-38. Kaiser, H. 2014a. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 Hoser, R. T. 2015c. Best Practices in herpetology: Hinrich (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the Kaiser’s claims are unsubstantiated.Australasian Journal of availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural Herpetology 25:39-52. validation of the journal in which it was published. Bulletin of Hoser, R. T. 2015d. PRINO (Peer reviewed in name only) Zoological Nomenclature, 71(1):30-35. journals: When quality control in scientific publication fails. Kaiser H. 2014b. Best Practices in Herpetological Taxonomy: Australasian Journal of Herpetology 26:3-64. Errata and Addenda. Herpetological Review, 45(2):257-268. Hoser, R. T. 2015e. Rhodin et al. 2015, Yet more lies, Kaiser, H., Crother, B. L., Kelly, C. M. R., Luiselli, L., O’Shea, M., misrepresentations and falsehoods by a band of thieves intent Ota, H., Passos, P., Schleip, W. D. and Wüster, W. 2013. Best on stealing credit for the scientific works of others. Australasian practices: In the 21st Century, Taxonomic Decisions in Journal of Herpetology 27:3-36. Herpetology are Acceptable Only When supported by a body of Hoser, R. T, 2015f. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 Evidence and Published via Peer-Review. Herpetological (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the Review 44(1):8-23. availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural Kelly, C. M., Barker, N. P. and Villet, M. H. 2003. Phylogenetics validation of the journal in which it was published (Case 3601; of advanced snakes (Caenophidia) based on four mitochondrial see BZN 70: 234-237; comments BZN 71:30-38, 133-135). genes. Systematic Biology 52(4):439-459. (unedited version) Australasian Journal of Herpetology 27:37-42. Kraus, F. and Brown, W. M. 1998. Phylogenetic relationships of Hoser, R. T. 2016. Not a monotypic genus! Aplopeltura boa colubroid snakes based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. (Boie, 1828) divided! Australasian J. of Herpetology 33:42-51. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 122:455-487. Hoser, R. T. 2019a. 11 new species, 4 new subspecies and a Lalbiakzuala and Lalremsanga, H. T. 2019. Geographic subgenus of Australian Dragon Lizard in the genus Distribution: Pareas margaritophorus (White-spotted Slug-eating Snake) India: Mizoram: Lunglei District. Herp. Review 50(2):332. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Tympanocryptis Peters, 1863, with a warning on the Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 56 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

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Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:42-56. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 57 Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Published 9 July 2020. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online)

Four new species of frog in the genus Assa from eastern Australia.

LSIDURN:LSID:ZOOBANK.ORG:PUB:6A3BBABD-1FEC-47E8-B8DE-F1C370ED0FFD

RAYMOND T. HOSER LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:author:F9D74EB5-CFB5-49A0-8C7C-9F993B8504AE

488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: snakeman (at) snakeman.com.au Received 10 October 2018, Accepted 28 February 2020, Published 9 July 2020.

ABSTRACT The Australian frog genus Assa Tyler, 1972 has been treated by all publishing authors since 1972 as monotypic for the type species A. darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933), originally described as Crinia darlingtoni. However an audit of the known populations in New South Wales and Queensland found them to be deeply divergent morphologically and separated by well defined biogeographic barriers of antiquity. Therefore four new species are formally identified and named according to the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999) as amended online since. Due to the limited distributions of each, all are vulnerable to extinction and increased measures to ensure the survival of each should be implemented as a matter of urgency. Keywords: Taxonomy; amphibia; nomenclature; frog; Australia; Myobatrachidae; Queensland; New South Wales; Gautam Mukherji; Brian Champion; James Bond; Robert Ekstein, Assa; darlingtoni; new species; guatammukherjii; brianchampioni; jamesbondi; roberteksteini.

INTRODUCTION unnamed) were examined both live in the wild and via museum The Australian frog genus Assa Tyler, 1972 has been treated by collections and their records, including all State and Territory all publishing authors since 1972 as monotypic for the type Museums on mainland Australia. Furthermore photos and data species A. darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933), originally described as with accurate locality data was also assessed, as was all Crinia darlingtoni. relevant previously published scientific literature and the so- This is a divergent genus characterised by the presence of an called grey literature in the form of popular mass-market books, inguinal pouch on either side in males. internet web domains, blogs, photo-sharing sites and the like. During summer, larvae in various stages, including The final results of this audit found that the species originally metamorphosing individuals are found in them, as they develop described as Crinia darlingtoni Loveridge, 1933, more recently from egg to small frog in these pouches (Anstis 2013). transferred to the monotypic genus Assa by Tyler in 1972 is in Known populations tend to be strongly associated with Antarctic fact at least five. Beech Nothofagus moorei (Mueller, 1866) forests or similar With no names available for any of the unnamed populations, moist high altitude rainforests. four new species are formally identified and named for the first An audit of the known populations in New South Wales and time in accordance with the rules of the International Code of Queensland completed during a field trip to New South Wales Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999) as amended online and Queensland in 2019 found these populations to be deeply since. divergent morphologically and separated by well defined An illegal armed raid and theft of materials on 17 Aug 2011 biogeographic barriers of antiquity. effectively stopped the publication of a variant of this paper Therefore four new species are formally identified and named being published back then and a significant amount of materials according to the rules of the International Code of Zoological taken in that raid was not returned. This was in spite of court Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999) as amended online since. orders telling the relevant State Wildlife officers to do so (Court Due to the limited distributions of each, all are vulnerable to of Appeal 2014, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal extinction and increased measures to ensure the survival of 2015). each should be implemented as a matter of urgency. In saying Rather than run the risk of species becoming threatened or the preceding, merely outlawing private ownership of the said extinct due to non-recognition of them as shown in Hoser species as is presently the case, will not on its own ensure their (2019a, 2019b), I have instead opted to publish this paper in its survival. current form, even though a significant amount of further data MATERIALS, METHODS AND RESULTS was intended to be published and is not. These are inferred in both the abstract as well as the Naming of taxa is perhaps the most important step in their introduction and self evident in the descriptions that follow. ultimate preservation and it is with this in mind (protection of Live specimens of all relevant species (named and until now biodiversity) as to why I have chosen to publish this paper. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 58 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE FORMAL DESCRIPTIONS ASSA GUATAMMUKHERJII SP. NOV. THAT FOLLOW LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:69BBEF53-CAA8-4410-8686- There is no conflict of interest in terms of this paper or the E1087935E6EC conclusions arrived at herein. Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, Several people including anonymous peer reviewers who Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number revised the manuscript prior to publication are also thanked, as R.96797, collected at the Cedar Valley Walking Track, Cedar are relevant staff at museums who made specimens and Creek, Gibraltar Range National Park, New South Wales, records available in line with international obligations. Australia, Latitude -29.4750 S., Longitude 152.333 E. In terms of the following formal descriptions, spellings should This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. not be altered in any way for any purpose unless expressly and Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, exclusively called for by the rules governing Zoological Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number Nomenclature as administered by the International Commission R.96912 collected at the West Fork of Oorowin Rd, 4.0 km north of Zoological Nomenclature. of The Sugarloaf in Washpool State Forest, New South Wales, In the unlikely event two newly named taxa are deemed Australia, -29.3958 S., Longitude 152.3722 E. conspecific by a first reviser, then the name to be used and Diagnosis: All species of the genus Assa Tyler, 1972 are retained is that which first appears in this paper by way of page separated from all other Australian frogs by way of the diagnosis priority and as listed in the abstract keywords. presented by Tyler (1972) or alternatively Cogger (2014) in an Some material in descriptions for taxa may be repeated for other abridged form at page 73. taxa in this paper and this is necessary to ensure each fully Where each species live, they are found in high numbers and complies with the provisions of the International Code of easily located by lifting surface ground cover, under which they Zoological Nomenclature (Fourth edition) (Ride et al. 1999) as hide, enabling specimens of both sexes to be found. amended online since. The five relevant species are all geographically allopatric and Material downloaded from the internet and cited anywhere in this the three southern-most species seem to be associated almost paper was downloaded and checked most recently as of 5 exclusively with Antarctic Beech Nothofagus moorei (Mueller, January 2020, unless otherwise stated and was accurate in 1866) forests. terms of the context cited herein as of that date. The two northern species seem to be associated with wet Unless otherwise stated explicitly, colour descriptions apply to sclerophyll forest at (usually) high altitude, although the species living adult specimens of generally good health and not under from the Conondale Range does extend to as low as 300 metres any form of stress by means such as excessive cool, heat, above sea level, versus more than 600 metres for all others. dehydration or abnormal skin reaction to chemical or other input. The five relevant species are all variable in colour between While numerous texts and references were consulted prior to individuals and even the relative state of the specimen in terms publication of this paper, the criteria used to separate the of day versus night, or hot versus cold, but in spite of this, they relevant species has already been spelt out and/or is done so are readily distinguished from one another by colouration in within each formal description and does not rely on material males (as defined below). within publications not explicitly cited herein. Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) from the border ranges area Each newly named species is readily and consistently separable of New South Wales and Queensland, (Australia) including the from their nearest congener and that which until now it has been McPherson Range, Main Range National Park and Mount previously treated as. Warning is readily separated from the other four species by the Delays in recognition of these species could jeopardise the long- following suite of characters: There is a dark bar under the eye term survival of these taxa as outlined by Hoser (2019a, 2019b) to the lip bounded by white, markings on the back are semi- and sources cited therein. distinct, however there is well defined boundary on the mid Therefore attempts by taxonomic vandals like the Wolfgang upper back where pigment lightens to form a well defined whitish Wüster gang via Kaiser (2012a, 2012b, 2013, 2014a, 2014b) line which indents anteriorly in the mid back, leaving a dark and Kaiser et al. (2013) (as frequently amended) to unlawfully brown “mountain shape” on the back posterior to this; there are suppress the recognition of these taxa on the basis they have a well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper back legs; personal dislike for the person who formally named it/them there is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral line, but should be resisted (Dubois et al. 2019). instead one or more broken areas of black peppering or irregular Claims by the Wüster gang against this paper and the spotting. descriptions herein will no doubt be no different to those the Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. is the taxon from the Gibralter gang have made previously, all of which were discredited long Range in New South Wales, Australia and is separated from the ago as outlined by Dubois et al. (2019), Hoser, (2007, 2009, other four species by the following suite of characters: There are 2012a, 2012b, 2013a, 2015a-f, 2019a, 2019b) and sources cited very prominent markings on the back, including two blackish therein. chevrons across the back, with light brown between them. There Published references of relevance to the genus Assa Tyler, 1972 is also a distinct unbroken line of black on the dorso-lateral line. as currently understood and relevant to the taxonomic and There are well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper nomenclatural decisions within this paper include the following: back legs. There is a well defined black (as opposed to any Anstis (2013), Barker et al. (1995), Cogger (2014), Cogger et al. other colour) line running from below the eye, down to the lip. (1983), Dubois et al. (2019), Ehmann and Swan (1985), Eipper Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. from the Dorrigo Plateau area of and Rowland (2018), Hines et al. (1999), Loveridge (1933), New South Wales, Australia is separated from the other four Parker (1940), Ride et al. (1999), Roberts and Maxon (1986), species by the following suite of characters: Indistinct markings Schäuble et al. (2000), Tyler (1972), Vanderduys (2012), Wells on body and the dark bar under the eye is absent or indistinct; and Wellington (1985) and sources cited therein. white spots or marks on upper and lower labial area are prominent. There are orange spots on dorsal surface of the upper hind legs. Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. from the Conondale Range, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland, Australia is readily separated from the other four species by the following suite of characters: Indistinct dorsal markings, including an indistinct dark bar under the eye and obvious orange spotting around the Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 59

lips and on front limbs; there are no obvious markings on the including dealing with anti-conservation-minded criminals, reptile dorsum of the upper back legs, save for scattered orange spots thieves and trademark infringing thieves in court proceedings. and obvious orange blotches on the dorsal surface of the lower These police-protected criminals have sought to undermine the hind limbs. There is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral valuable conservation work of the Snakebusters and Reptile line. Flanks are brownish-greyish-black with a somewhat broken Party teams purely for their own financial self-gratification. ridge of lighter brown on the margin between the flank and the Members of the cohort also have criminal track records including dorsum. crimes such as theft, sex offences, child sex offences, (all of Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. from the D’Aguilar Range north which they have been convicted of), vexatious litigation, west of the Brisbane City centre, including Mount Glorious, in copyright fraud, trademark infringement, misleading and Queensland, Australia, is similar in most respects to Assa deceptive conduct in business (a serious criminal offence) and jamesbondi; sp. nov. but with semidistinct markings on middle of other activities that have caused untold destruction and damage back and no orange spots on forelimbs. Brown upper flanks to the wildlife conservation cause and society in general. At have no black on the margin with dorsum and there is little times in his role as barrister in legal proceedings, Gautam markings of any sort delineating the boundary between the Mukherji has been one of the main objects holding back and lateral and dorsal surfaces. There is prominent white spotting on preventing yet more damage being caused by some of these evil the lips. There are indistinct dark or light markings on the upper individuals. surfaces of the upper hind legs. ASSA BRIANCHAMPIONI SP. NOV. Females of each species (above) are similar in that the LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:4B2808EB-5E3B-4101-A358- demarcation between upper flank and dorsal surface is bounded 94215422ECA3 by a well-defined dark line, which on the lower serface fades into Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, the lighter colour of the venter, either suddenly and well defined, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number or alternatively by way of streaking, spotting or otherwise fading. R.145797, collected about 2 km west of Never Never Picnic Patterning in adult females varies significantly and may include Area, on Dome Road in Dorrigo National Park, New South similar markings to the males or alternatively a pattern generally Wales, Australia, Latitude -30.3561 S., Longitude 152.7867 E. including a dark mid-dorsal area and light on the sides of the This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. back, often bold in nature. Paratype: A preserved specimen at the Australian Museum, Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) in life is depicted in Cogger Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, specimen number (2014) on page 73 (two images), Vanderduys (2012) on page R.145771, collected about 2 km west of Never Never Picnic 133 and Anstis (2013) on pages 527 (except far right), 528, 529 Area, on Dome Road in Dorrigo National Park, New South and 531 (left). Wales, Australia, Latitude -30.3561 S., Longitude 152.7867 E. Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. in life is depicted at: Diagnosis: All species of the genus Assa Tyler, 1972 are https://www.flickr.com/photos separated from all other Australian frogs by way of the diagnosis /23031163@N03/38440057655/in/ presented by Tyler (1972) or alternatively Cogger (2014) in an photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX abridged form at page 73. and Where each species occurs, they are found in high numbers and https://www.flickr.com/photos/ easily located by lifting surface ground cover, under which they reptileshots/45868003902/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX/ hide, enabling specimens of both sexes to be found. and The five relevant species are all geographically allopatric and the three southern-most species seem to be associated almost https://www.flickr.com/photos/ exclusively with Antarctic Beech Nothofagus moorei (Mueller, stephenmahony/5344230197/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu- 1866) forests. 99fzrX/ The two northern species seem to be associated with wet Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. in life is depicted in Anstis (2013) sclerophyll forest at (usually) high altitude, although the species on page 526 (far right) and online at: from the Conondale Range does extend to as low as 300 metres https://www.flickr.com/photos/ above sea level, versus more than 600 metres for all others. ryanfrancis/24546774504/in/photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF The five relevant species are all variable in colour between and individuals and even the relative state of the specimen in terms https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrancis/25084209441/in/ of day versus night, or hot versus cold, but in spite of this, they photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF/ are readily distinguished from one another by colouration in Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: males (as defined below). https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/38477704112/in/ Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) from the border ranges area photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z of New South Wales and Queensland, (Australia) including the McPherson Range, Main Range National Park and Mount and: Warning is readily separated from the other four species by the https://www.flickr.com/photos/44269129@N05/ following suite of characters: There is a dark bar under the eye 31499349141/in/photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z/ to the lip bounded by white, markings on the back are semi- Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: distinct, however there is well defined boundary on the mid https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/ upper back where pigment lightens to form a well defined whitish 29857633724/in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu line which indents anteriorly in the mid back, leaving a dark brown “mountain shape” on the back posterior to this; there are and: well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper back legs; https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/ there is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral line, but 30189944790/in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu/ instead one or more broken areas of black peppering or irregular Distribution: Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. is only known from spotting. the Gibralter Range in New South Wales, Australia, where it is Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. is the taxon from the Gibralter usually found within Antarctic Beech Nothofagus moorei Range in New South Wales, Australia and is separated from the (Mueller, 1866) forests. other four species by the following suite of characters: There are Etymology: Named in honour of Gautam Mukherji a Melbourne, very prominent markings on the back, including two blackish Australia based barrister for services to wildlife conservation, chevrons across the back, with light brown between them. There Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 60 Australasian Journal of Herpetology is also a distinct unbroken line of black on the dorso-lateral line. 31499349141/in/photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z/ There are well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: back legs. There is a well defined black (as opposed to any https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/ other colour) line running from below the eye, down to the lip. 29857633724/in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. from the Dorrigo Plateau area of and New South Wales, Australia is separated from the other four https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/ species by the following suite of characters: Indistinct markings on body and the dark bar under the eye is absent or indistinct; 30189944790/in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu/ white spots or marks on upper and lower labial area are Distribution: Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. is only known from prominent. There are orange spots on dorsal surface of the the Dorrigo Plateau area, in New South Wales, Australia where it upper hind legs. is strongly associated with Antarctic Beech Nothofagus moorei Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. from the Conondale Range, in the (Mueller, 1866) forests. Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland, Australia is readily Etymology: Named in honour of Brian Champion of near separated from the other four species by the following suite of Parramatta, (Sydney), New South Wales, Australia in characters: Indistinct dorsal markings, including an indistinct recognition of his contributions to herpetology in Australia dark bar under the eye and obvious orange spotting around the spanning some decades, including through captive breeding lips and on front limbs; there are no obvious markings on the various species such as Green Pythons Chondropython viridis. dorsum of the upper back legs, save for scattered orange spots ASSA JAMESBONDI SP. NOV. and obvious orange blotches on the dorsal surface of the lower LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A8D1156E-6121-48D4-9247- hind limbs. There is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral 4E7C2751ACDF line. Flanks are brownish-greyish-black with a somewhat broken Holotype: A preserved male specimen at the Queensland ridge of lighter brown on the margin between the flank and the Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen number dorsum. J86637, collected at Bundaroo Creek, Conondale National Park, Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. from the D’Aguilar Range north Queensland, Australia, Latitude -26.6958 S., Longitude west of the Brisbane City centre, including Mount Glorious, in 152.6119 E. Queensland, Australia, is similar in most respects to Assa This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings. jamesbondi; sp. nov. but with semidistinct markings on middle of back and no orange spots on forelimbs. Brown upper flanks Paratypes: 1/ A preserved male specimen at the Queensland have no black on the margin with dorsum and there is little Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen number markings of any sort delineating the boundary between the J86635, collected at South Booloumba Creek, Conondale Forest lateral and dorsal surfaces. There is prominent white spotting on Reserve, Queensland, Australia, Latitude -26.7122 S., Longitude the lips. There are indistinct dark or light markings on the upper 152.6189 E. surfaces of the upper hind legs. 2 and 3/ Two preserved specimens at the Queensland Museum, Females of each species (above) are similar in that the Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen numbers J34334 demarcation between upper flank and dorsal surface is bounded and J34335 collected from Kondalilla, Queensland, Australia, by a well-defined dark line, which on the lower serface fades into Latitude Latitude -26.7 S., Longitude 152.9 E. the lighter colour of the venter, either suddenly and well defined, Diagnosis: All species of the genus Assa Tyler, 1972 are or alternatively by way of streaking, spotting or otherwise fading. separated from all other Australian frogs by way of the diagnosis Patterning in adult females varies significantly and may include presented by Tyler (1972) or alternatively Cogger (2014) in an similar markings to the males or alternatively a pattern generally abridged form at page 73. including a dark mid-dorsal area and light on the sides of the Where each species occurs, they are found in high numbers and back, often bold in nature. easily located by lifting surface ground cover, under which they Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) in life is depicted in Cogger hide, enabling specimens of both sexes to be found. (2014) on page 73 (two images), Vanderduys (2012) on page The five relevant species are all geographically allopatric and 133 and Anstis (2013) on pages 527 (except far right), 528, 529 the three southern-most species seem to be associated almost and 531 (left). exclusively with Antarctic Beech Nothofagus moorei (Mueller, Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: 1866) forests. https://www.flickr.com/photos/23031163@N03/ The two northern species seem to be associated with wet 38440057655/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX sclerophyll forest at (usually) high altitude, although the species from the Conondale Range does extend to as low as 300 metres and above sea level, versus more than 600 metres for all others. https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/ The five relevant species are all variable in colour between 45868003902/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX/ individuals and even the relative state of the specimen in terms and of day versus night, or hot versus cold, but in spite of this, they https://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenmahony/ are readily distinguished from one another by colouration in 5344230197/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX/ males (as defined below). Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. in life is depicted in Anstis (2013) Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) from the border ranges area on page 526 (far right) and online at: of New South Wales and Queensland, (Australia) including the McPherson Range, Main Range National Park and Mount https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrancis/ Warning is readily separated from the other four species by the 24546774504/in/photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF following suite of characters: There is a dark bar under the eye and to the lip bounded by white, markings on the back are semi- https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrancis/ distinct, however there is well defined boundary on the mid 25084209441/in/photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF/ upper back where pigment lightens to form a well defined whitish Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: line which indents anteriorly in the mid back, leaving a dark brown “mountain shape” on the back posterior to this; there are https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/ well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper back legs; 38477704112/in/photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z there is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral line, but and instead one or more broken areas of black peppering or irregular https://www.flickr.com/photos/44269129@N05/ spotting. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 61

Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. is the taxon from the Gibralter https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/38477704112/in/ Range in New South Wales, Australia and is separated from the photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z other four species by the following suite of characters: There are and very prominent markings on the back, including two blackish https://www.flickr.com/photos/44269129@N05/31499349141/in/ chevrons across the back, with light brown between them. There photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z/ is also a distinct unbroken line of black on the dorso-lateral line. Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: There are well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/29857633724/ back legs. There is a well defined black (as opposed to any in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu other colour) line running from below the eye, down to the lip. and Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. from the Dorrigo Plateau area of New South Wales, Australia is separated from the other four https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/30189944790/ species by the following suite of characters: Indistinct markings in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu/ on body and the dark bar under the eye is absent or indistinct; Distribution: Assa jamesbondi sp. nov. is only known from the white spots or marks on upper and lower labial area are Conondale Range and nearby areas west of the Sunshine Coast prominent. There are orange spots on dorsal surface of the urban areas in south-east Queensland, Australia. upper hind legs. Etymology: Named in honour of James Bond of Park Road in Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. from the Conondale Range, in the Park Orchards, Victoria, Australia where he has lived for Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland, Australia is readily decades in recognition of the huge amount of logistical work he separated from the other four species by the following suite of has done over many years to assist the wildlife research, characters: Indistinct dorsal markings, including an indistinct education and conservation work of the team at Snakebusters: dark bar under the eye and obvious orange spotting around the Australia’s best reptile shows. lips and on front limbs; there are no obvious markings on the ASSA ROBERTEKSTEINI SP. NOV. dorsum of the upper back legs, save for scattered orange spots LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E6D1869A-5186-41BB-8558- and obvious orange blotches on the dorsal surface of the lower CF759AE430D4 hind limbs. There is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Queensland Museum, line. Flanks are brownish-greyish-black with a somewhat broken Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, specimen number J51584, ridge of lighter brown on the margin between the flank and the collected at 1 km south of the junction of Tennison Woods dorsum. Mountain Road and Wivenhoe Highway, in the D’Aguilar Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. from the D’Aguilar Range north National Park, Queensland, Australia, Latitude -26.6958 S., west of the Brisbane City centre, including Mount Glorious, in Longitude 152.6119 E. This government-owned facility allows Queensland, Australia, is similar in most respects to Assa access to its holdings. jamesbondi; sp. nov. but with semidistinct markings on middle of Diagnosis: All species of the genus Assa Tyler, 1972 are back and no orange spots on forelimbs. Brown upper flanks separated from all other Australian frogs by way of the diagnosis have no black on the margin with dorsum and there is little presented by Tyler (1972) or alternatively Cogger (2014) in an markings of any sort delineating the boundary between the abridged form at page 73. lateral and dorsal surfaces. There is prominent white spotting on the lips. There are indistinct dark or light markings on the upper Where each species lives, they are found in high numbers and surfaces of the upper hind legs. easily located by lifting surface ground cover, under which they hide, enabling specimens of both sexes to be found. Females of each species (above) are similar in that the demarcation between upper flank and dorsal surface is bounded The five relevant species are all geographically allopatric and by a well-defined dark line, which on the lower serface fades into the three southern-most species seem to be associated almost the lighter colour of the venter, either suddenly and well defined, exclusively with Antarctic Beech Nothofagus moorei (Mueller, or alternatively by way of streaking, spotting or otherwise fading. 1866) forests. Patterning in adult females varies significantly and may include The two northern species seem to be associated with wet similar markings to the males or alternatively a pattern generally sclerophyll forest at (usually) high altitude, although the species including a dark mid-dorsal area and light on the sides of the from the Conondale Range does extend to as low as 300 metres back, often bold in nature. above sea level, versus more than 600 metres for all others. Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) in life is depicted in Cogger The five relevant species are all variable in colour between (2014) on page 73 (two images), Vanderduys (2012) on page individuals and even the relative state of the specimen in terms 133 and Anstis (2013) on pages 527 (except far right), 528, 529 of day versus night, or hot versus cold, but in spite of this, they and 531 (left). are readily distinguished from one another by colouration in Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: https:/ males (as defined below). /www.flickr.com/photos/23031163@N03/38440057655/in/ Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) from the border ranges area photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX of New South Wales and Queensland, (Australia) including the and McPherson Range, Main Range National Park and Mount Warning is readily separated from the other four species by the https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/45868003902/in/ following suite of characters: There is a dark bar under the eye photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX/ to the lip bounded by white, markings on the back are semi- and distinct, however there is well defined boundary on the mid https://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenmahony/5344230197/in/ upper back where pigment lightens to form a well defined whitish photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX/ line which indents anteriorly in the mid back, leaving a dark Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. in life is depicted in Anstis (2013) brown “mountain shape” on the back posterior to this; there are on page 526 (far right) and online at: well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper back legs; https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrancis/24546774504/in/ there is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral line, but photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF instead one or more broken areas of black peppering or irregular spotting. and Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. is the taxon from the Gibralter https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrancis/25084209441/in/ Range in New South Wales, Australia and is separated from the photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF/ other four species by the following suite of characters: There are Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: very prominent markings on the back, including two blackish

Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 62 Australasian Journal of Herpetology chevrons across the back, with light brown between them. There https://www.flickr.com/photos/44269129@N05/ is also a distinct unbroken line of black on the dorso-lateral line. 31499349141/in/photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z/ There are well defined bands on the dorsal surface of the upper Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: back legs. There is a well defined black (as opposed to any https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/ other colour) line running from below the eye, down to the lip. 29857633724/in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. from the Dorrigo Plateau area of and New South Wales, Australia is separated from the other four species by the following suite of characters: Indistinct markings https://www.flickr.com/photos/129794304@N02/ on body and the dark bar under the eye is absent or indistinct; 30189944790/in/photolist-Muqbhm-MZMmMu/ white spots or marks on upper and lower labial area are Distribution: Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. is only known from prominent. There are orange spots on dorsal surface of the the D’Aguilar Range, including Mount Glorious in south-east upper hind legs. Queensland, Australia. Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. from the Conondale Range, in the Etymology: Named in honour of Robert Ekstein of Forestville Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland, Australia is readily (Sydney) in New South Wales, Australia for numerous services separated from the other four species by the following suite of to assist this author and the team at Snakebusters: Australia’s characters: Indistinct dorsal markings, including an indistinct best reptile shows to aid the wildlife conservation, education and dark bar under the eye and obvious orange spotting around the research activities undertaken. lips and on front limbs; there are no obvious markings on the ASSA SPECIES CONSERVATION. dorsum of the upper back legs, save for scattered orange spots While all five species in the genus Assa Tyler, 1972 are found in and obvious orange blotches on the dorsal surface of the lower wildlife conservation areas and do not appear to have declined hind limbs. There is no distinct line of black on the dorso-lateral in number since European settlement of Australia, more than line. Flanks are brownish-greyish-black with a somewhat broken 200 years ago, none can be described as being particularly ridge of lighter brown on the margin between the flank and the secure into the future. dorsum. If the Australian government persists with its “Big Australia Assa roberteksteini sp. nov. from the D’Aguilar Range north Policy”, (see for example Saunders 2019), that being a long- west of the Brisbane City centre, including Mount Glorious, in term aim to increase the human population in Australia to over Queensland, Australia, is similar in most respects to Assa 100 million people by year 2150 (from the present 25 million as jamesbondi; sp. nov. but with semidistinct markings on middle of of 2019), all sorts of unforseen threats to the survival of these back and no orange spots on forelimbs. Brown upper flanks species may emerge. have no black on the margin with dorsum and there is little markings of any sort delineating the boundary between the Due to unforseen potential threats I recommend further research lateral and dorsal surfaces. There is prominent white spotting on on the relevant species and including means to identify likely the lips. There are indistinct dark or light markings on the upper potential threats. surfaces of the upper hind legs. These may include direct human activities (e.g. land clearing for Females of each species (above) are similar in that the homes, agriculture, etc), as well as potential threats caused by demarcation between upper flank and dorsal surface is bounded changed vegetation regimes, fires and fire management, by a well-defined dark line, which on the lower serface fades into introduced pests and potential pathogens, including those the lighter colour of the venter, either suddenly and well defined, introduced via the legal importation of foreign reptiles and or alternatively by way of streaking, spotting or otherwise fading. amphibians by government-owned zoos and associated entities. Patterning in adult females varies significantly and may include Added to the preceding are global issues such as global similar markings to the males or alternatively a pattern generally warming, caused principally by global overpopulation of humans including a dark mid-dorsal area and light on the sides of the as detailed in Hoser (1991), which if it occurs as predicted in the back, often bold in nature. taboid media, may also reduce habitat for the relevant species as available habitat becomes hotter and potentially drier and Assa darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1933) in life is depicted in Cogger wholly unsuitable for all five species. (2014) on page 73 (two images), Vanderduys (2012) on page This is not an abstract concept in this case as historically, the 133 and Anstis (2013) on pages 527 (except far right), 528, 529 genus must have had a continuous distribution through its and 531 (left). current range, which has receded at least in the interglacial Assa guatammukherjii sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: period at lower altitude areas simply because they are too warm https://www.flickr.com/photos/23031163@N03/ and dry for them. 38440057655/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX Due to the risk of unforseen calamity, like the manner Chytrid and fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) decimated populations of frogs in the 1970’s to 1990’s in Australia (Greshko 2018), it https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/ would be prudent for captive populations of all five species in the 45868003902/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX/ genus to be established and maintained by government-finded and zoos and any other interested parties willing to put time, money https://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenmahony/ and effort into such a project. 5344230197/in/photolist-21yPkUK-2cTcvxu-99fzrX/ REFERENCES CITED Assa brianchampioni sp. nov. in life is depicted in Anstis (2013) Anstis, M. 2013. Tadpoles and frogs of Australia. Reed / New on page 526 (far right) and online at: Holland, Sydney, Australia:829 pp. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrancis/ Barker, J., Grigg, G. C. and Tyler, M. J. 1995. A Field Guide to 24546774504/in/photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty and Sons, New South Wales. and Cogger, H. G. 2014. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanfrancis/ (Seventh Edition). CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia:1033 pp. 25084209441/in/photolist-Dp7CS5-EdB8xF/ Cogger, H. G., Cameron, E. E. and Cogger, H. M. 1983. Assa jamesbondi; sp. nov. in life is depicted online at: Zoological Catalogue of Australia (1) Amphibia and Reptilia, https://www.flickr.com/photos/reptileshots/ Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, ACT, 38477704112/in/photolist-21C9hTA-PZup5z Australia:319 pp. and Court of Appeal Victoria. 2014. Hoser v Department of Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 63

Sustainability and Environment [2014] VSCA 206 (5 Sep. 2014). subgenus of Australian Dragon Lizard in the genus Dubois, A., Bauer, A. M., Ceriaco, L. M. P., Dusoulier, F., Fretey, Tympanocryptis Peters, 1863, with a warning on the T., Lobl, I., Lorvelec, O., Ohler, A., Stopiglia, R. and Aescht, E. conservation status and long-term survival prospects of some 2019. The Linz Zoocode project: a set of new proposals newly named taxa. Australasian Journ. of Herpetology 39:23-52. regarding the terminology, the Principles and Rules of zoological Hoser, R. T. 2019b. Richard Shine et al. (1987), Hinrich Kaiser et nomenclature.First report of activities (2014-2019). Bionomina al. (2013), Jane Melville et al. (2018 and 2019): Australian (online), 17:1-111. Agamids and how rule breakers, liars, thieves, taxonomic Ehmann, H. and Swan, G. 1985. ‘Reproduction and vandals and law breaking copyright infringers are causing reptile development in the marsupial frog, Assa darlingtoni species to become extinct. Australasian Jour. of Herp. 39:53-63. (Myobatrachidae, Anura).’ Biology of Australasian Frogs and Kaiser, H. 2012a. SPAM email sent out to numerous recipients Reptiles. Grigg, G., Shine, R. and Ehmann, H. (eds.), Royal on 5 June 2012. Zoological Society New South Wales, Australia:279-285. Kaiser, H. 2012b. Point of view. Hate article sent as attachment Eipper, S. and Rowland, P. 2018. A Naturalist’s Guide to the with SPAM email sent out on 5 June 2012. Frogs of Australia. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, UK:176 pp. Kaiser, H. 2013. The Taxon Filter, a novel mechanism designed Greshko, M. 2018 Ground Zero of Amphibian ‘Apocalypse’ to facilitate the relationship between taxonomy and Finally Found. National Geographic, online at: nomenclature, vis-à-vis the utility of the Code’s Article 81 (the https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/05/ Commission’s plenary power). Bulletin of Zoological amphibians-decline-frogs-chytrid-fungi-bd-animals-science/ Nomenclature 70(4) December 2013:293-302. Hines, H., Mahony, M. and McDonald, K. 1999. An assessment Kaiser, H. 2014a. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 of frog declines in wet subtropical Australia. in Declines and (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the Disappearances of Australian Frogs. Campbell, A. (ed.), availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural Environment Australia, Canberra:44-63. validation of the journal in which it was published. Bulletin of Hoser, R. T. 1989. Australian Reptiles and Frogs. Pierson and Zoological Nomenclature, 71(1):30-35. Co., Sydney, NSW, Australia:238 pp. Kaiser H. 2014b. Best Practices in Herpetological Taxonomy: Hoser, R. T. 2007. Wells and Wellington - It’s time to bury the Errata and Addenda. Herpetological Review, 45(2):257-268. hatchet. Calodema Supplementary Paper 1:1-9. Kaiser, H., Crother, B. L., Kelly, C. M. R., Luiselli, L., O’Shea, M., Hoser, R. T. 2009. Creationism and contrived science: A review Ota, H., Passos, P., Schleip, W. D. and Wüster, W. 2013. Best of recent python systematics papers and the resolution of issues practices: In the 21st Century, Taxonomic Decisions in of taxonomy and nomenclature. Australasian Journal of Herpetology are Acceptable Only When supported by a body of Herpetology 2:1-34. (3 February). Evidence and Published via Peer-Review. Herpetological Hoser, R. T. 2012a. Exposing a fraud! Afronaja Wallach, Wüster Review 44(1):8-23. and Broadley 2009, is a junior synonym of Spracklandus Hoser Loveridge, Á. 1933. Four new crinine frogs from Australia. 2009! Australasian Journal of Herpetology 9 (3 April 2012):1-64. Occasional papers of the Boston Society of Natural History 8:55- Hoser, R. T. 2012b. Robust taxonomy and nomenclature based 60. on good science escapes harsh fact-based criticism, but Mueller, F. J. H. von 1866. Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae. remains unable to escape an attack of lies and deception. 5:109. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 14:37-64. Parker, H. W. 1940. The Australasian frogs of the family Hoser, R. T. 2013. The science of herpetology is built on Leptodactylidae. Novit. Zool., 42(1) :1-106. evidence, ethics, quality publications and strict compliance with Ride, W. D. L. (ed.) et al. (on behalf of the International the rules of nomenclature. Australasian Jour. of Herp. 18:2-79. Commission on Zoological Nomenclature) 1999. International Hoser, R. T. 2015a. Dealing with the “truth haters” ... a code of Zoological Nomenclature. The Natural History Museum - summary! Introduction to Issues 25 and 26 of Australasian Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. Journal of Herpetology. Including “A timeline of relevant key Roberts, J. D. and Maxson, L. R. 1986. Phylogenetic- publishing and other events relevant to Wolfgang Wüster and Relationships in the Genus Limnodynastes (Anura, his gang of thieves.” and a “Synonyms list”. Australasian Journal Myobatrachidae) - a Molecular Perspective. Australian Journal of of Herpetology 25:3-13. Zoology, 34(4):561-573. Hoser, R. T. 2015b. The Wüster gang and their proposed “Taxon Saunders, S. 2019. Morrison and Shorten’s Big Australia: The Filter”: How they are knowingly publishing false information, overpopulation problem. News article published 17 April 2019 recklessly engaging in taxonomic vandalism and directly and downloaded from: attacking the rules and stability of zoological nomenclature. https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/morrison Australasian Journal of Herpetology 25:14-38. -and-shortens-big-australia-the-overpopulation-problem,12584 Hoser, R. T. 2015c. Best Practices in herpetology: Hinrich Schäuble, C. S., Moritz, C. and Slade, R. W. 2000. A Molecular Kaiser’s claims are unsubstantiated. Australasian Journal of Phylogeny for the Frog Genus Limnodynastes (Anura: Herpetology 25:39-64. Myobatrachidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Hoser, R. T. 2015d. PRINO (Peer reviewed in name only) 16(3):379-391. journals: When quality control in scientific publications fails. Tyler, M. J. 1972. A new genus for the Australian Leptodactylid Australasian Journal of Herpetology 26:3-64. frog Crinia Darlingtoni. Zool. Mededelingen 47(15):194-201. Hoser, R. T. 2015e. Rhodin et al. 2015, Yet more lies, Vanderduys, E. 2012. Field guide to the frogs of Queensland. misrepresentations and falsehoods by a band of thieves intent CSIRO, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia:192 pp. on stealing credit for the scientific works of others. Australasian Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). 2015. Hoser Journal of Herpetology 27:3-36. v Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (Review Hoser, R. T, 2015f. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, 2009 and Regulation) [2015] VCAT 1147 (30 July 2015, judgment and (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for confirmation of the transcript). availability of the generic name and for the nomenclatural Wells, R. W. and Wellington, C. R. 1985. A classification of the validation of the journal in which it was published (Case 3601; Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of see BZN 70: 234-237; comments BZN 71:30-38, 133-135). Herpetology, Supplementary Series, (1):1-61. Australasian Journal of Herpetology 27:37-54. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Hoser, R. T. 2019a. 11 new species, 4 new subspecies and a None. Hoser 2020 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 47:57-63. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved AustralasianAustralasian JournalJournal ofof HerpetologyHerpetology

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ISSUE 47, PUBLISHED 9 JULY 2020