New Record of Myriopholis macrorhyncha (Jan, 1860) (Squamata: Leptotyphlopidae) from Isfahan Province, Central Iran

Introduction and Objectives: Snakes are among the reptiles reported from different regions of Iran. Given the importance of regional identification of snakes, reports on their distribution have attracted interest. The aim of this study was to identify a new record of snake species collected from Isfahan province, central Iran. Materials and Methods: In the present research, two snake specimens collected from Meshkat-Ravand in Kashan county in central Iran and were studied during May-June, 2019-2020. They were identified using their morphological and habitat characteristics compared with photographs and other data. Results: Each specimen had a rounded  snout and  eyes as two black spots on its head. The body scales (except for the head scales) were of the same size and shape, but the top of the head scales were modified into large shields. Each snake had a short tail and  with a spine at the tip. The dorsal surface of the body was light red and the ventral surface a little lighter. In this study, the length of the hook-snouted worm snake, Myriopholis macrorhyncha specimens were 31 cm and 28 cm. Conclusions: Myriopholis macrorhyncha had not been reported from Isfahan Province before and this is the first time it is captured and identified in Kashan County located in Isfahan Province.

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