Observations on the oviposition of Blythia reticulata (Blyth, 1854) with new distributional records from Mizoram State, NE India

By

Biakzuala, Lal
Lalremsanga, Hmar Tlawmte
Laltlanchhuaha, Hrahsel
Barman, Binoy Kumar

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020-5-7

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

33

Pages

53--57

Subjects

Blyth’s Reticulate Snake , Colubridae , Eggs , fecundity , oviparous , Reproduction , semi-fossorial

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e49768

 

Abstract

The poorly known semi-fossorial snake Blythia reticulata is a small, oviparous, worm-eating species found in northeastern India and neighboring countries. Here we report on multiple new distribution localities that extend the known geographic range of the species. In addition, we provide new information on the reproductive biology of the species based on egg-laying behavior data from a captive gravid B. reticulata from Mizoram. The simultaneous presence of a second clutch of eight eggs in the oviduct of the female indicates the capacity of the species to exhibit multiple matings and egg clutches during a single reproductive season.