Lycodon irwini:
Researchers recently confirmed the discovery of Lycodon irwini, a glossy black wolf snake, on Great Nicobar Island.
- Lycodon irwini is a new species of snake.
- It was discovered on the remote Great Nicobar Island at the southern tip of the Nicobar Islands.
- The snake, which is a member of the Lycodon subcinctus group, was named in honour of the late Australian conservationist and television personality, Stephen Robert Irwin.
- It is a striking glossy-black wolf snake that had remained unidentified for years because it closely resembles another widespread species.
- The new research finally confirms that the Great Nicobar population represents a distinct species currently known only from the island.
- One of the most notable features of Lycodon irwini is its uniform glossy black colour, unlike close relatives that typically have white bands or patches.
- The snake is slender, nocturnal, and can grow close to 1.2 metres in length.
- The researchers also documented a higher number of belly and tail scales compared to similar species.
