Newly Discovered Snake Species Has Bulging, Pitch Black Eyes

A new snake species has been discovered by scientists. The species, which has pitch black eyes, was found hidden in the forests of the Andes.

The new species has been named Synophis zaheri, and measures less than 40 cm in length, or between 351 and 372 mm. Contrasting to its slim body and distinct neck, separating the head from the body, its eyes are large and bulging, making up for more than a third of its head.

Because the eyes are black in color, it's difficult to tell the pupil and iris apart. While the upper part of the snake's body is grayish-brown with an iridescent sheen, the abdominal side stands out with its yellowish-white coloration.

The newly discovered snake accounts for unclear species-boundaries as well as a myriad of undescribed species. Diversity of these snakes is still underestimated in the Andes, and this newly discovered species proves it. It's likely that new species will continue to be discovered in the future.

The findings are published in the journal ZooKeys.

Related Articles

Salamander May Reveal How Animals First Evolved to Walk on Land

New Fossil May Help Solve How Snakes Lost Their Legs

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).