Cryptic diversity, & a unique reproductive mode in a Neotropical water snake from Trinidad

A recent published study by Murphy and colleagues (2020) suggest that the number of water snakes in the genus Helicops has increased from 19 to 20 species based on morphology. Trinidad has one species (currently) in that genus - Helicops angulatus, known commonly as the brown-banded water snake, or to some locals as the "water mapepire" (seen in the photograph above by Renoir Auguste), because of its superficial resemblance to the Bothrops viper "Mapepire Balsain". This snake though, is not just another snake. It is believed to have a unique reproductive mode whereby females presumably lay eggs, like many other reptiles, but also gives birth to live young! This is sometimes referred to as facultative (viviparous) reproduction as they are able to do both. It is not certain as to what brings about the different choice (or lack thereof) in reproductive mode. Perhaps it is environmental related. However, the importance of conserving this unusual snake population, and its habitat is of paramount importance as we may be able to learn more about the evolution of this species, Squamates: lizards and snakes, and the potential benefits they may have to improving our knowledge of biodiversity conservation. Citation: Murphy JC, Muñoz-Mérida A, Auguste RJ, Lasso-Alcalá O, Rivas GA, Jowers MJ. 2020. Evidence for cryptic diversity in the Neotropical water snake, Helicops angulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Dipsadidae, Hydropsini), with comments on its ecology, facultative reproductive mode, and conservation. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 14(3) [Taxonomy Section]: 138–155 (e261). Link to paper here: pdf