Atractus discovery
Atractus discovery is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species can be found in Ecuador.
Taxonomy
The species was described as Atractus discovery and placed within the genus Atractus following the diagnostic framework established by Jay Savage. Phylogenetic analyses support its assignment to the genus. The species exhibits the typical morphological traits of Atractus, including smooth dorsal scales and a fossorial body form.The specific epithet discovery is used as a noun in apposition and commemorates The Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grants initiative, which supported the fieldwork that led to the species’ discovery.
Description
The holotype is an adult male measuring in SVL and in tail length. It has a slightly distinct head, smooth dorsal scales arranged in 17 rows, and 168 ventral and 27 paired subcaudal scales. The species has eight supralabial scales, seven infralabials, and a single postocular. The loreal scale is notably elongated, and the anal plate is single. Females are slightly larger, ranging from SVL with tails between. In terms of scale counts, males have 168 ventral and 27 subcaudal scales, while females have 170 to 172 ventrals and 17 to 18 subcaudals. The dorsal color is light brown with faint darker speckling, while the belly is bright yellow with a distinct dark brown stripe running lengthwise.Atractus discovery is compared with several other small, brownish Atractus species inhabiting the Amazonian slopes of the Andes. It differs from A. avernus, A. duboisi, A. occipitoalbus, and A. orcesi by having 17 dorsal scale rows rather than 15. From A. ecuadorensis, A. zgap, and A. resplendens, it is distinguished by its yellow belly with a dark stripe and by having only one postocular scale instead of two.
Distribution and habitat
Atractus discovery is known from two nearby localities on opposite sides of the Paute River in southern Ecuador: Arenales and Amaluza, at elevations between 2002 and 2057 metres above sea level. The area lies on the Amazonian slope of the Andes and features a mix of montane and cloud forest.Specimens have been found in disturbed habitats near forest edges, including pastures and cemetery clearings. One individual was observed at night crossing cement stairs, while others were found during the day buried in soft soil at depths of. These records suggest a primarily fossorial lifestyle with occasional surface activity, possibly influenced by habitat disturbance or seasonal conditions.