‘Secretive’ creature found slithering in mountains at night is undiscovered species

Researchers recently spotted two “metallic” creatures rustling in the underbrush in the mountains of China.

The creatures, found in a forest in the southern province of Hunan, appeared to be a familiar kind of snake, according to a study published on June 13 in the journal ZooKeys.

Based on its slender body and keeled scales, in addition to other characteristics, they were determined to be members of the Achalinus genus, a group of harmless Asian snakes.

But a more in-depth analysis, including DNA sequencing, revealed that the specimens in fact belonged to a previously unidentified species in the genus.

The new species, named Achalinus hunanensis — after the Hunan province — is distinguished by subtle distinctions in its length, facial features and its “slightly metallic” coloration.

Its range appears limited to the southern region of the Yangtze River, which runs through Hunan.

Much else remains unknown about the foot-long creature, which, like many cryptic species, has a “secretive life history,” researchers said.

Its discovery has led researchers to conclude that the “the diversity of this genus is underestimated and further research is required.”

There are around 3,000 known species of snakes in the world, and about one-fifth of them are venomous, according to National Geographic.

This story was originally published June 14, 2023 at 3:03 PM with the headline "‘Secretive’ creature found slithering in mountains at night is undiscovered species."