taxonID	type	description	language	source
03CB8788EB23FFF6FF0479F4FE2C3908.taxon	description	Specimens examined. Males (n = 18). Lectotype (designated herein): Sri Lanka. BMNH 54.3. 21.22 from “ Ceylon ”. Paralectotypes: BMNH 46.12. 2, BMNH 53.12. 24.29, BMNH 1946.1. 4.79 all from Ceylon. Additional specimens: Sri Lanka. BMNH 1955.1.9.83 – 86 Tonaconibe Estate; USNM 267760 Kandy; USNM 254753 Sabarugamuwa; SMF 19676 Ceylon; SMF 32595 Colombo; ZMB 8058 Ceylon; NMW 20225 Deniyaya; ZMB 7302 Paradenia; UPZMR 007 and UPZMR 010 b both from Peradeniya, Kandy; FMNH 121533 Ceylon; FMNH 120919 Ceylon, Uva: Namunukula, 4000 ’; FMNH 179248 Namunukula, Tonacombe Estate, 3900 ’; FMNH 167006 Central Prov: Meda-Maha Nuwara. Females (n = 19). Paralectotype: Sri Lanka. BMNH 19.3. 29.10 Ceylon. Additional specimens: BMNH 97.10. 20.3 Neboda; BMNH 1933.12. 6.16 Diyatalaura, Uva province; BMNH 1915.5. 3.8 Anuradhapura; FMNH 142403 Uva: Moneragala, Moneragala Estate, 3000 ’; FMNH 131380 North Central Prov: Manampitiya; FMNH 167008 Central Prov: Meda-Maha Nuwara; FMNH 167007 Central Prov: Meda-Maha Nuwara; FMNH 165053 South Prov: Bundala; UPZMR 010 a Peradeniya, Kandy; UPZMR 010 c Peradeniya, Kandy; RMNH 1027, ZFMK 31782, ZFMK 36841, ZFMK 20352, NMW 25352: 3, SMF 19677, NMW 25470 all from Ceylon without exact locality. Taxonomic history. Günther (1858) described this species as Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis based on a series of seven syntypes (re-registered as BMNH 54.3. 21.22, BMNH 46.12. 2, BMNH 53.12. 24.29, BMNH 1946.1. 4.79, BMNH 19.3.29.10) comprising adults and juveniles as well as male and female specimens all hailing from Ceylon [now Sri Lanka]. Boulenger (1890) transferred it to the genus Dipsas. Wall (1909) split this complex into five species. Smith (1943) transferred them to the genus Boiga and, following Annandale (1909), synonymised all of these taxa back again with B. ceylonensis with some reservations. Deraniyagala (1955) split B. ceylonensis from Sri Lanka and from Western Ghats and named them as subspecies Boiga ceylonensis ceylonensis, as the nominotypical form from Sri Lanka, and Boiga ceylonensis dakhunensis as a new subspecies from Indian peninsula (see B. nuchalis account below). This subspecific arrangement was not followed by later authors (Whitaker & Captain, 2004; Somaweera, 2006; Wallach et al., 2014). with obscure dark wash) The type series of Dipsadomoprhus ceylonensis is a mixture of species, with BMNH 1946.1.4.75 belonging to the species B. beddomei sensu lato. Thus we here refine the diagnosis and definition of Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis, by designating a lectotype. Hence, in accordance with Art. 74.7 of the Code (ICZN, 1999), we here designate a well preserved adult male specimen BMNH 54.3.21.22 from “ Ceylon ” as the lectotype of Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB23FFF6FF0479F4FE2C3908.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Toponym, for ‘ an inhabitant of Ceylon’, now Sri Lanka.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB23FFF6FF0479F4FE2C3908.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis (redefined herein). A species of Boiga endemic to Sri Lanka, defined by the following combination of characters: 19 midbody scale rows (vs. 21 – 23 in B. nuchalis, B. dightoni, B. andamanensis); predominantly brownish dorsum (vs. greenish in B. flaviviridis; variable in B. andamanensis); vertebral scales strongly enlarged (vs. feebly enlarged in B. barnesii); crown patterned with distinct black blotches (vs. crown unpatterned in B. beddomei, B. andamanensis); subcaudals <110 (vs.> 110 in B. beddomei); ventrolateral region devoid of large adjacent white and black blotches (vs. blotches present in B. barnesii, B. thackerayi), but with a series of spots on both the ends of each ventral scale (vs. venter unpatterned in B. andamanensis, B. flaviviridis).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB23FFF6FF0479F4FE2C3908.taxon	description	Description of the lectotype. A medium-sized specimen (total length 972 mm), snout vent length 740 mm, tail length 232 mm; long tail (relative tail length 23.9 %); with slender habitus, thin neck, wide head; 19 – 19 – 15 scale rows; rostral visible from above; preocular 1, subequal to loreal; postoculars 2; loreal 1; supralabials 8, 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th ones touching eye; infralabials 11 / 10, with 1 – 4 touching chin shields; temporals 10; preventrals 1; ventrals 234, angulate laterally; cloacal 1; subcaudals 108 pairs. Dorsal colour drab brownish-grey, with darker brown to blackish-brown crossbars; crossbars covering 2 – 4 scales in size, extending either sides up to 3 – 4 scale rows across, about 61 bars on body, 17 on tail; interspaces often with sparse dark dots; a distinct postocular stripe up to the jaw angle; distinct circular markings on top of head; labials, chin and venter ashy brown; venter finely spotted with darker shade, each ventral scale with two dark dots at both ends, giving a dotted line-like appearance along ventrolateral region. Variation. Our material agrees with the lectotype in most aspects, with the following variation: snout-vent length 502 – 764 mm, tail length 155 – 215 mm, relative tail length 21.8 – 23.9 %; midbody scale rows 19 (21 in 1 out of 37 cases); supralabials 8 (very rarely 7, i. e. 3 out of 74 cases), 3 rd to 5 th touching eye (very rarely 3 rd and 4 th only); infralabials 10 – 12, with 1 – 4 touching chin shields; temporals 9 – 16; preventrals 1 – 2; ventrals 217 – 237; subcaudals 95 – 109 pairs; dorsum with about 52 – 76 cross bars on body and 16 – 36 on tail.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB23FFF6FF0479F4FE2C3908.taxon	distribution	Distribution and natural history. This species in endemic to Sri Lanka and occurs in the wet forested parts of the island (Wall, 1921; Samarawickrama et al. 2005; Somaweera 2006) (Fig. 13). One specimen was found by us in Kanneliya Rain Forest Reserve (Galle, Sri Lanka) around midnight lying on a bush at about 1 m above the ground, obviously ambushing for prey. It was not moving while being photographed and was not aggressive. Another adult female was found close to Hunasgiriya range near Kandy. It was sighted on a tree branch at 1.5 m height at 21: 50 hrs, near tea gardens.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB20FFF8FF047EB3FDE9396C.taxon	description	Boiga beddomei — Whitaker & Captain, 2004 part Specimens examined. Females (n = 4). Lectotype (designated herein): India. Maharashtra. BMNH 69.8. 28.123, from “ Matheran ”; collected by Dr. Leith, probably Andrew Henderson Leith (1848 - 1919). Other specimens: BNHS 1854 and 1854 Matheran; BNHS 1896 Khandala. Taxonomic History. Boiga beddomei was described by Wall (1909) as Dipsadomorphus beddomei during his revision of the B. ceylonensis group. The description was based on a series of specimens from India and Sri Lanka (Vogel & Ganesh 2013; Wallach et al. 2014). Annandale (1909) and Smith (1943) synonymized it with B. ceylonensis. However later authors (Taylor, 1950) considered it to be valid. Manamendra-Arachchi et al. (2007) was misled that its types were lost and synonymised Boiga ranawanei (see Samarawickrama et al. 2005) with it (Vogel & Ganesh 2013). As the type series of Dipsadomorphus beddomei Wall, 1909 is a mixture of several populations (Wall, 1909) and as it is part of a species complex (Vogel & Ganesh, 2013), it is necessary to designate a lectotype to clarify the taxonomic status. Thus, as per Art. 74.7 of the Code (ICZN, 1999), we hereby designate an adult specimen BMNH 69.8.28.123 from a precisely named Indian locality “ Matheran ” as the lectotype of Dipsadomorphus beddomei. The chosen lectotype, is the only specimen of the type series originating from India.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB20FFF8FF047EB3FDE9396C.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Patronym named in genitive singular case honouring Col. Richard Henry Beddome (1830 – 1911), one of the most prominent herpetologists of South Asia.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB20FFF8FF047EB3FDE9396C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis (redefined herein). A species of Boiga inhabiting the Western Ghats, defined by the following combination of characters: 19 midbody scale rows (vs. 21 – 23 in B. nuchalis, B. dightoni, B. andamanensis); predominantly yellowish-brown dorsum (vs. greenish in B. flaviviridis; variable in B. andamanensis); vertebrals strongly enlarged (vs. mildly enlarged in B. barnesii); crown unpatterned (vs. with blackish-brown blotches in B. thackerayi, brownish blotches in B. ceylonensis); subcaudals> 110 (vs. <110 in B. ceylonensis, B. thackerayi); venter densely speckled with dark brown (vs. uniform in B. flaviviridis); ventrolateral region devoid of large white and black blotches (vs. present in B. thackerayi, B. barnesii), but has a series of spots on both tips of each ventral scale (vs. venter unpatterned in B. andamanensis, B. flaviviridis).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB20FFF8FF047EB3FDE9396C.taxon	description	Description of the lectotype. A medium-sized snake reaching 809 mm total length, snout-vent length: 624 mm, tail length: 185 mm, long tail (relative tail length 22.9 %); slender habitus, thin neck, wide head; 19 – 19 – 15 scale rows; rostral visible from above; preocular 1, subequal to loreal; postoculars 2; loreal 1; supralabials 8 / 9, with 3 rd – 5 th ones touching eye; infralabials 11 / 12, with 1 – 5 touching chin shields; temporals 10 / 8; preventral 1; ventrals 247, angulate laterally; cloacal 1; subcaudals 117 pairs. Dorsal colour brownish grey, with 109 (81 on body, 28 on tail) blackish crossbars; crossbars covering 2 – 3 scales in size, extending either sides up to 2 – 3 scale rows across; interspaces often with sparse dark dots; crown without any markings on top; a thin postocular stripe up to the jaw angle; labials, chin and venter creamy white, finely spotted with darker hue; venter off-white, with a consequent series of brown spots resembling dotted lines, along the ventrolateral edges on both the sides. Variation. Other specimens agreeing with the lectotype in most respects and showing the following intraspecific variations: snout-vent length 756 – 822 mm; tail length 187 – 219 (incomplete); (18) 19 – 19 – 15 (14) scale rows; ventrals 238 – 252; subcaudals 84 – 87 +? (incomplete); temporals 10 in all specimens on both sides; supralabials 8 – 9, rarely with 4 th – 6 th touching eye; infralabials 10 – 11; dorsal bands on body 76 – 81, on tail 31 – 33.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB20FFF8FF047EB3FDE9396C.taxon	distribution	Distribution and natural history. This species occurs only in the hills of northern Western Ghats, north of Goa Gap up to Surat Dangs, where it inhabits deciduous and semi-evergreen forests (Chikane & Bosle 2012; Whitaker & Captain 2004 part) (Fig. 13). The status of the population from Sri Lanka (see Taylor 1950; Das & De Silva 2005; Samarawickrama et al. 2005; Somaweera 2006; Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda 2007) warrants further studies (see below).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB20FFF8FF047EB3FDE9396C.taxon	discussion	Comments. Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda (2007) considered B. ranawanei to be synonymous with B. beddomei as they conceived this species. They created an objective synonymy between these two taxa by designating the holotype of B. ranawanei as the neotype of B. beddomei. As we located without ambiguity the original type series of B. beddomei (see also Vogel & Ganesh 2013), the neotype designation done by Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda (2007) becomes automatically invalid (fide, Art. 75.8 ICZN 1999). The type series of B. beddomei is a mixture of two populations, both from India and Sri Lanka. We have here designated the only Indian syntype as the lectotype of B. beddomei. The status of the remaining, Sri Lankan specimens, i. e. the paralectotypes of ‘ B. beddomei ’ sensu lato in BMNH holdings (BMNH 46.12.2 Ceylon, BMNH 93.10.6.3 _ 4, BMNH 93.10.6.3 and BMNH 93.10.6.4, all from “ Trincomalu ” (now Trincomalee or Tirukonamalai, in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.) as well as the nominal Sri Lankan species B. rananwanei await further taxonomic works, pending better resolution of this group and is deferred to future works.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2EFFF8FF047E98FBEA3DCF.taxon	description	Other specimen: NMW 25360, a male also from Ceylon.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2EFFF8FF047E98FBEA3DCF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Patronym named after Richard Hawkswoth Barnes who collected the holotype in Ceylon.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2EFFF8FF047E98FBEA3DCF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Boiga endemic to Sri Lanka, having 19 midbody scale rows (vs. 21 – 23 in B. nuchalis, B. dightoni, B. andamanensis); preoculars 3 on each side of head (vs. preocular 1 in all South Asian congeners); 3 rd supraocular not touching the eye (vs. touching the eye in all other South Asian congeners); vertebral scale row feebly enlarged (vs. strongly enlarged in B. andamanensis, B. ceylonensis, B. beddomei, B. thackerayi); series of large oblong blotched pattern dorsally (vs. cross bars dorsally in B. ceylonensis); ventrolateral region with distinct white and black adjacent blotches (vs. such pattern absent in all South Asian congeners except B. thackerayi).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2EFFF8FF047E98FBEA3DCF.taxon	description	Redescription of the holotype. A small-sized snake reaching 572 mm total length, with slender habitus, thin neck, wide head; long tail (relative tail length 22.6 %); 19 – 19 – 14 dorsal scale rows; rostral visible from above; preoculars 3 on each side of head; postoculars 2; loreal 1; supralabials 8, with 4 th, 5 th touching eye; infralabials 10 / 9, with 1 – 4 touching chin shields; temporals 10; preventral 2; ventrals 217, angulate laterally; cloacal 1; subcaudals 96 pairs. Dorsum dark greyish-brown, with 47 (32 on body, 15 on tail) blackish-brown, oblong blotches; interspaces often with sparse dark dots; a large dark wash covering the entire top aspect of head from rostrum to occiput; very broad postocular stripe up to jaw angle; labials, chin and venter ashy white, getting darker posteriorly; underside finely spotted with darker hue; venter edged along both sides with a series of large adjacent white and black blotches, alternating at an interval of every 3 – 4 ventrals. Variation. Other specimens agreeing with holotype in most aspects; our second male examined show the following variation: snout to vent length 444 mm; tail length 123 mm; relative tail length 22.9 %; posterior scale rows 13; temporals 19; ventrals 218; subcaudals 100 pairs; number of cross bars 66 on body.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2EFFF8FF047E98FBEA3DCF.taxon	distribution	Distribution and natural history. This species is endemic to Sri Lanka (Das & De Silva 2005) (Fig. 13). It is restricted to the wet forest zones in the hilly, central and southwestern provinces of the island (Somaweera 2006). Definite records of this species are from near Kandy (Samarawickrama et al. 2005).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2DFFFCFF047BE6FF4938FC.taxon	description	Syntypes. Males: India. BMNH 74.4. 29.935, BMNH 74.4. 29.933, 36; Females: BMNH 74.4. 29.934, 37 and BMNH 74.4. 29.967, all collected by R. H. Beddome from the “ West Coast Forests ” [of India]. Additional Specimens: India. Tamil Nadu. MNHN 1946.69 and MNHN 1948.301 both Yercaud, Salem; BNHS 1891 Benhope, Nilgiris. Kerala. FMNH 217700 Trivandrum; BNHS 1842 Palagapandy, Palghat; BNHS 1890 Travancore; BNHS 1887 Kartikolam, Mananthavadi, Waynad District. Females (n = 8). India. Tamil Nadu. CAS 17248 Anama Kays [Anaimalais] Madras [Presidency]. BNHS 1893 Anamallai hills, 3000 ft. Kerala. BMNH 1924.10.13.19 Kattayam [Kottayam], Travancore; BNHS 1843 Nilambur; BNHS 1845 Nelliampathy, Palghat. Taxonomic history. Boiga nuchalis was described by Günther (1875), as Dipsas nuchalis, from the “ the forests of the West Coast [of India] ”. It was later synonymised with Boiga ceylonensis by Boulenger (1890). Wall (1909) recognized it again as a valid species after having revised the Boiga ceylonensis - group and described two more species, B. beddomei and B. andamanensis. Smith (1943) once again synonymised B. nuchalis with B. ceylonensis. Inger et al. (1984) considered B. nuchalis as a valid species and this view was followed by most of the recent authors (Das 2002; Ganesh & Arumugam 2016; Ganesh et al. 2018). Nomenclatural notes. Deraniyagala (1955) misunderstood the fact that Wall (1909; 1911) had wrongly attributed the authorship of the taxon Dipsas nuchalis Günther to Beddome. It should be noted that this authorship credited to Beddome is purely a lapsus as we could not trace any mention of Dipsas nuchalis by this latter author. Nevertheless, believing B. nuchalis Beddome sensu Wall was a distinct, valid taxon on its own, Deraniyagala created an unnecessary new taxon, with the status of a nomen novum, Boiga ceylonensis dakhunensis Deraniyagala, 1955. But Wall’s cursorial mistake in attributing B. nuchalis to Beddome cannot be considered to be the description of an available taxon on its own and therefore it does not enter into homonymy. There cannot be any doubt that the authorship and date of the nomen Dipsas nuchalis is Günther, 1875 (also see Vogel & Ganesh 2013; Wallach et al. 2014; Aengals et al. 2018). Günther (1875) only mentioned Beddome as the collector of the types (see Günther 1875: 233). Deraniyagala stated, erroneously, that “ Günther’s name nuchalis cannot be utilized for the latter [south Indian population], since it was employed by Beddome for another species (see Wall 1909: 153). The name dakhunensis is proposed for the Indian subspecies of B. ceylonensis. ” He was expressly intending to create this as a nomen novum (or replacement name) for Indian populations (see Art. 13.1.3 ICZN 1999). Deraniyagala was obviously erroneous in this interpretation as, whatever may have been written by Wall (1909), Dipsas nuchalis Günther, 1875 would have had priority over any “ Boiga nuchalis Beddome ”. So Deraniyagala should have had considered this “ Dipsas nuchalis Beddome ” to be a primary homonym of Günther’s taxon, and thus permanently invalid. Deraniyagala (1955) embraced an obsolete concept of B. ceylonensis in Indian Peninsula that included supposedly synonymous taxa like B. beddomei, B. nuchalis and B. andamanensis. As he wrote, his replacement name at the subspecific level was correctly based on the types of Dipsias nuchalis (sic, for Dipsas nuchalis). This is in accordance with Art. 72.7 of ICZN (1999). Because Deraniyagala mentioned characters diagnosing (Recommendation 13 A, ICZN, 1999) the taxa of the Boiga ceylonensis group between Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, and because he included Dipsas nuchalis in the synonymy of his Boiga ceylonensis account, this is an available name. Deraniyagala was in error in mentioning a single type, as Günther’s original description was based on five syntypes (Günther 1875; Wallach et al. 2014). Therefore, by virtue of Deraniyagala’s typification and of the definition of a nomen novum, Boiga ceylonensis dakhuensis Deraniyagala, 1955 is deemed to be an objective junior synonym of Dipsas nuchalis Günther, 1875 as per Art. 72.7 of ICZN (1999). Contrary to Deraniyagala’s misconception (also see Sharma 2004; Wallach et al. 2014) Deraniyagala’s nomen is not a subspecies of Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis Günther, 1858.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2DFFFCFF047BE6FF4938FC.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after its typical collar band on the nuchal region.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2DFFFCFF047BE6FF4938FC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis (redefined herein). A species of Boiga endemic to southwestern India, characterised by the following combination of characters: 21 – 23 midbody scale rows (vs. 19 in B. ceylonensis, B. thackerayi, B. beddomei, B. flaviviridis); vertebral scales strongly enlarged (vs. mildly enlarged in B. barnesii); venter brownish-grey and not yellowish in life (vs. yellowish-brown in B. thackerayi, B. flaviviridis; variable in B. andamanensis; dorsum predominantly brown (vs. green in B. flaviviridis; variable in B. andamanensis); bars brown or reddish-brown (vs. bars black in B. thackerayi, B. beddomei); ventrolateral pattern with a series of spots on both tips of each ventral scale (vs. with alternate white and black blotches in B. barnesii, B. thackerayi; without any pattern in B. andamanensis, B. flaviviridis); temporal larger than coastal body scale (vs. subequal to coastal body scale in B. dightoni).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2DFFFCFF047BE6FF4938FC.taxon	description	Redescription of an adult male syntype (BMNH 74.4.29.935). A medium-sized specimen reaching 900 mm total length, with slender habitus, thin neck, wide head; long tail (relative tail length 22 %); dorsal scale rows 21: 21: 15; rostral visible from above; preocular 1, subequal in size to loreal; postoculars 2; loreal 1; supralabials 8, with 3 rd – 5 th / 4 th – 6 th ones touching eye; infralabials 11, with 1 – 5 touching chin shields; temporals 13 / 14; preventral 1; ventrals 242, angulate laterally; cloacal 1; 105 subcaudals pairs. Dorsal colour brownish-grey, with 66 brownish crossbars on body; crossbars covering 2 – 4 scales in size, extending either sides up to 3 – 4 scale rows across; interspaces often with sparse dark dots; crown without any markings on top (rarely some dark shades present); a distinct postocular stripe up to the jaw angle; labials, chin and venter ashy brown, finely spotted with darker shade; venter bordered by a series of brown spots, covering both the terminal ends of every ventral scale. Variation shown by other syntypes and referred material. Other specimens agreeing with the above syn- type in most aspects; showing the following intraspecific variations: snout to vent length 408 – 904 mm (excluding juveniles); tail length 94 – 257 mm; relative tail length: 18.7 – 22.5 %; (18) 21 / 23 – 21 / 23 – 15 (14) scale rows; temporals 10 – 15; ventrals 228 – 255; subcaudals 94 – 109 pairs; number of cross bars 45 – 89 on body, 7 – 36 on tail.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2DFFFCFF047BE6FF4938FC.taxon	distribution	Distribution and natural history. This is perhaps the most common species of the genus Boiga in the wet forests of southwestern India. Often regarded as a rare and little-known species (Das 2002), it occurs at quite a widespread and sometimes disjunct range in southwestern India. This species has been recorded throughout the Western Ghats (Wall 1919; Inger et al. 1984; Hutton & David 2009 part; Chandramouli & Ganesh 2010; Ganesh et al. 2013) and even in Southern Eastern Ghats (Ganesh & Arumugam 2016; Ganesh et al. 2018). It has been precisely reported from Agasthyamalai (Inger et al. 1984; Chandramouli & Ganesh 2010), Meghamalai and Anaiamalai (Hutton & David 2009 part), Nilgiri-Wayanad (Wall 1919), Malnad and Canara hills (Ganesh et al. 2013) in the Western Ghats. In the Eastern Ghats, this species has been recorded from Shevaroys, Bilgiri, Melagiri, Kolli and Sirumalai hills (Ganesh & Arumugam 2016; Ganesh et al. 2018). We have observed it in Ponmudi, Karian Shola and Agumbe in Western Ghats and in Bilgiri, Melagiri, Shevaroys, Kolli and Sirumalai in the Eastern Ghats (Fig. 13). However, we refute its purported (historical) distribution in Himalayan foothills and parts of Northern Eastern Ghats (Wallach et al. 2014). We suggest that this species is absent from North India (also see Mohapatra et al. 2010; Das et al. 2010).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2AFFFFFF047E1FFB4A3BB8.taxon	description	Other specimens: FMNH 217699 Ponmundi, Trivandrum; BNHS 1839 and BNHS 2813 from Peermade, Travancore State. Taxonomic history. Boiga dightoni was described as Dipsas dightoni by Boulenger (1894), based on a specimen presented by H. S. Ferguson from “ Pirmeed ” in Travancore. Since then this species has not been collected despite several surveys, until Inger et al. (1984) reported it from the Ponmudi Hills further south. Though recognized by subsequent workers, almost nothing is known about this species (Das 2002; Whitaker & Captain 2004; Wallach et al. 2014).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2AFFFFFF047E1FFB4A3BB8.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Patronym, named in genitive singular case, after S. M. Dighton, the collector of the type specimen; he was a tea planter who worked in the Ghats (Boulenger 1894).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2AFFFFFF047E1FFB4A3BB8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis (redefined herein). A species of Boiga endemic to the Southern Western Ghats of India, characterised by the following combination of characters: 21 – 23 midbody scale rows (vs. 19 in B. ceylonensis, B. thackerayi, B. beddomei, B. flaviviridis); vertebral scales strongly enlarged (vs. mildly enlarged in B. barnesii); venter with salmon pink spots in life (vs. yellowish in B. thackerayi, B. flaviviridis; variable in B. andamanensis; dorsum predominantly uniform brown (vs. green in B. flaviviridis; variable in B. andamanensis); ventrolateral pattern with salmon pinkish markings (vs. with alternate white and black blotches in B. barnesii, B. thackerayi; without any pattern in B. andamanensis, B. flaviviridis); temporal subequal to coastal body scale (vs. larger than coastal body scale in B. nuchalis).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2AFFFFFF047E1FFB4A3BB8.taxon	description	Redescription of the holotype. A medium-sized snake reaching 1,083 mm total length, snout-vent length: 858 mm, tail length: 225 mm; with fairly slender habitus, narrower neck, wider head; long tail (relative tail length 20.8 %); 23 – 23 – 15 scale rows; rostral scarcely visible from above; preocular 1, larger than loreal; postoculars 2; loreal 1; supralabials 8, with 3 rd – 5 th touching eye; infralabials 13 / 14, with 1 – 5 touching chin shields; temporals 18 / 17; preventrals 2; ventrals 242, angulate laterally; cloacal 1; subcaudals 99 pairs. Dorsal colour brownish-grey, with traces of obscure transverse markings across; no markings on top of head; head with a few minute dark dots on labia, loreal and near parietals; labials, chin and venter ashy brown, finely spotted with darker shade along both sides. Variation. Other specimens agreeing with holotype in most aspects and showing the following variation: snout to vent length 352 – 908 mm; tail length 194 (incomplete in other specimens); anterior scale rows 21 – 21 – 15 (16) scale rows; temporals 17 – 19; infralabials 11 – 12; ventrals 235 – 248; subcaudals 102 – 112 pairs (incomplete in the rest); number of cross bars 0 – 66 on body.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB2AFFFFFF047E1FFB4A3BB8.taxon	distribution	Distribution and natural history. This species has rarely, if ever, been collected and properly identified. Apart from the original description the only known subsequent collection and description of this species is from Ponmudi Hills (Inger et al. 1984) (Fig. 13). Animals were seen actively foraging at night on plants and bushes and one was recorded having eaten a Calotes. There have been a few reports of this species from the Anaimalais, but these lack morphological or taxonomical data (Vijayakumar et al. 2001) to permit unambiguous verification.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB28FFE0FF047DA7FEB23E68.taxon	description	Boiga andamanensis — Smith 1943 Taxonomic history. This species was originally described as Dipsadomorphus andamanensis based on a series of six syntypes, originating from the Andaman Islands, deposited at the Indian Museum, Calcutta, Bengal (now, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata). As in the case of B. beddomei, Wall (1909) described this species whilst revising the B. ceylonensis group. However, this species has not been a subject of taxonomic confusion ever since (but see Deraniyagala, 1955), probably because of its allopatric distribution. Specimens examined. India. Andaman Islands. Syntypes: ZSI 15189 (an adult male), ZSI 7928 – 7930, ZSI 8641, ZSI 15142 (unsexed juveniles) all from the Andamans. Other specimens: Male (n = 1) ANFD unreg. Female (n = 1) CIARI unreg. from Andaman Islands, India.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB28FFE0FF047DA7FEB23E68.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Toponym, named after its distribution in the Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB28FFE0FF047DA7FEB23E68.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Boiga endemic to the Andaman Islands of the Bay of Bengal, India, characterized by: 21 scale rows at midbody (vs. 19 in B. ceylonensis, B. thackerayi, B. barnesii, B. beddomei and B. flaviviridis; up to 23 in B. nuchalis, B. dightoni); reddish / brownish to pale greenish dorsum (vs. yellowish-brown in B. thackerayi; always brownish in B. beddomei, B. ceylonensis, B. dightoni, B. nuchalis and B. barnesii; always greenish in B. flaviviridis); preocular 1 (vs. 3 in B. barnesii); ventral and ventro-lateral region completely lacking pattern (vs. with white and black adjacent blotches in B. barnesii, B. thackerayi; spotted in B. beddomei, B. ceylonensis, B. nuchalis, B. dightoni).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB28FFE0FF047DA7FEB23E68.taxon	description	Redescription of the largest syntype (ZSI 15189). An adult male measuring 1028 mm total length, with an SVL of 795 mm and tail length of 233 mm. Overall habitus slender, mandible slightly damaged on both the sides; a small lateral compression and loss of tissues at midbody. Head large and considerably wider than the thin neck; Scalerows 21: 21: 17; vertebrals relatively enlarged; rostral not visible from above; internasals shorter than preforntals; parietals much broader and longer than other cephalic scales; supraoculars and preoculars elongate; preoculars mildly visible from above; loreal single; much smaller than preoculars and nasals. Nostril in the middle of an elongate nasal; postoculars 2, small; 8 supralabials (3 rd to 5 th entering orbit), the last one largest; 10 – 11 infralabials (the first six in contact with genials); temporals 3 + 2 / 3 + 2 / 3; preventral single; ventrals 268; subcaudals 133 pairs. Colouration in preservative completely faded and bleached, uniform pale creamy white both dorsally and ventrally, without any pattern; body with brownish borders along some scales; eye of a similar colour, pupil barely discernale; tail slightly darker. Variation shown by other syntypes and referred material. Agreeing with the lectotype in most aspects and showing the following intrasepcific variations: scalerows: 21: 21: 15 - 17; SVL 1060 – 1340 mm; tail 295 – 375 mm; juveniles: SVL 245 – 382 mm; tail: 92 – 117 mm; ventrals 255 – 267; subcaudals 102 – 127. Dorsal colouration variable from bright coral red to brown or olive green, with or without black crossbars across the body and tail. Head unpatterned dorsally; ventrals usually a paler hue than the dorsal colour, completely lacking pattern.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB28FFE0FF047DA7FEB23E68.taxon	distribution	Distribution and natural history. Restricted to islands of the Andaman Archipelago, in the Bay of Bengal. Not found in the Nicobar Islands or elsewhere (Fig. 13). Boiga andamanensis is nocturnal and is often seen after dusk, along low lying bushes and shrubs, foraging for lizards (especially of the genus Coryphophylax) and frogs (pers. obs.).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB36FFE0FF047999FDDA3DCD.taxon	description	Specimens examined. none	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB36FFE0FF047999FDDA3DCD.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Eponym honouring Mr. Tejas Thackeray for his taxonomical works in the Western Ghats.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB36FFE0FF047999FDDA3DCD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis (after Giri et al. 2019). A species of Boiga endemic to Western Ghats, characterised by the following combination of characters: 17 – 19 midbody scale rows (vs. 21 – 23 in B. nuchalis, B. dightoni, B. andamanensis); vertebral scales strongly enlarged (vs. mildly enlarged in B. barnesii); the presence of 1 preocular (vs. 3 in B. barnesii); body anteriorly yellowish and posteriorly pale pibnkish (vs. body light brownish, throughout in B. ceylonensis, body light greenish in B. flaviviridis); ventrolateral region with distinct white and black adjacent blotches (vs. with a series of spots on both tips of each ventral scale in B. ceylonensis); subcaudals <110 (vs.> 110 in B. beddomei, B. flaviviridis).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB36FFE0FF047999FDDA3DCD.taxon	description	Description of the holotype. See Giri et al. (2019).	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
03CB8788EB36FFE0FF047999FDDA3DCD.taxon	distribution	Distribution and natural history. The specimens were collected from near Humbarli, in Koyna Hills of northern Western Ghats. The snakes were reported close to a perennial stream in a semievergreen patch of forest. All individuals were observed on trees, close to forest streams, and were seen to be active during the night. One specimen fed on frogs and frog eggs in captivity (Giri et al. 2019). Taxonomic comments. Snakes with superficially smilar morphology (see Appendix, as Boiga cf. thackerayi) to the recently described B. thackerayi were studied both in life and as preserved samples from the Western Ghats south and north of the Palghat Gap. These are provisionally represented here as Boiga cf. thackerayi. The taxonomic status of these individuals is currently under investigation. Molecular studies are underway to evaluate their taxonomic status with respect to B. thackerayi.	en	Ganesh, S. R., Achyuthan, N. S., Chandramouli, S. R., Vogel, Gernot (2020): Taxonomic revision of the Boiga ceylonensis group (Serpentes: Colubridae): reexamination of type specimens, redefinition of nominate taxa and an updated key. Zootaxa 4779 (3): 301-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.1
