A review of Whyte's Water‐snake, Lycodonomorphus whytii (Serpentes: Colubridae: Lamprophiinae)

Abstract

Lycodonomorphus whytii from Malawi and Tanzania is only known from three specimens. Additional potential records from the area in question are carefully discussed and four recently obtained specimens have been examined in respect to lepidosis, dentition, size, internal morphology and colouration. Based on the limited published information and dissection of the alimentary canal, L. whytii appears to be associated with upland streams and preys on anuran larvae and adults. Intra‐ and interspecific variation is discussed and the current taxonomy is supported.