Atractus michaelsabini

Atractus michaelsabini is a species of fossorial snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Ecuador.^[1]

Atractus michaelsabini
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Atractus
Species:	A. michaelsabini
Binomial name
Atractus michaelsabini Arteaga, Quezada, Vieira, & Guayasamin, 2022

Taxonomy

The species was described as Atractus michaelsabini and placed within the genus Atractus following the diagnostic framework established by Jay M. Savage (1960). Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA (CYTB gene) and morphological evidence support its placement in the genus.^[2]

The specific epithet michaelsabini honors Michael Sabin, a young conservation advocate and grandson of American philanthropist Andrew Sabin. The Sabin family has contributed significantly to habitat protection and supports herpetological conservation work.^[2]

Description

Atractus michaelsabini is a small, slender snake with smooth dorsal scales arranged in 15 rows. It has a slightly distinct head, one postocular scale, and a long loreal scale. The species shows a 1+2 temporal scale arrangement and has five or six supralabials (typically the third and fourth contacting the eye) and five or six infralabials (first three usually contacting the chin shields). Males have 143–144 ventral and 24–31 subcaudal scales, while females have 144–153 ventrals and 17–19 subcaudals. The anal scale is single.^[2]

Dorsal coloration ranges from golden yellow to dark brown, with each scale outlined in black, creating a net-like pattern. The underside is yellowish with varying degrees of brown speckling. Adult males reach up to 321 mm in snout–vent length, and females up to 392 mm.^[2]

It most closely resembles A. carrioni and A. roulei.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

Atractus michaelsabini is endemic to southwestern Ecuador, with an estimated range of approximately 2,530 km². It occurs on the Pacific slopes of the Andes, including the xeric inter-Andean valley of the Jubones River and the Cordillera de Chilla, across the provinces of Azuay, El Oro, and Loja, at elevations between 927 and 2,922 metres above sea level.^[2]

It has been found buried in soft soil, under rocks, and in mats of decaying vegetation within pastures and maize fields near remnant forest. At night, it may cross forest trails.^[2]

Ecology and behavior

The species is fossorial and primarily diurnal. Activity appears to increase during the rainy season (February to May).^[2]

Reproduction

Reproduction is oviparous. Clutches of three or four eggs have been observed at the type locality.^[2]

Conservation

Its extent of occurrence is under 5,000 km², and its habitat is fragmented and declining due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. Although the species is found in two protected areas (Reserva Buenaventura and Reserva Yunguilla), nine of the 14 known localities occur in heavily altered landscapes. Approximately 70% of the forest cover across its potential range has been lost.^[2]