New records of Leptophis ahaetulla ahaetulla (Serpentes, Colubridae) for Venezuela, Colombia and the placement of L. a. copei into the synonymy of L. a. ahaetulla

Novos registros de Leptophis ahaetulla ahaetulla (Serpentes, Colubridae) para Venezuela, Colômbia e a colocação de L. a. copei na sinonímia de L. a. ahaetulla

The taxonomic validity of Leptophis ahaetulla copei is assessed. This subspecies is distinct from the nominal subspecies on the basis of differences in the number of ventral scales, maxillary teeth and dorsal coloration. However, comparison of its type specimens with specimens of L. a. ahaetulla revealed that L. a. copei is a junior synonym of the latter. In addition, the distribution of L. a. ahaetulla is expanded from Brazil to southwestern Venezuela and southern Colombia.

Leptophis ahaetulla; taxonomy; distribution; South America