Revision of the small tropical whipsnakes previously referred to Demansia olivacea (Gray, 1842) and Demansia torquata (Günther, 1862) (Squamata: Elapidae)
Abstract
Demansia olivacea and Demansia torquata, as used by recent authors, are composite. Nine species are recognized based on coloration and morphology, with evidence of sympatry between several pairs of species. Demansia olivacea is restricted to the northern Kimberley and the Top End of the Northern Territory and D. torquata to eastern coastal Queensland. Demansia calodera Storr, 1978 and Demansia rufescens Storr, 1978, originally described as subspecies of D. olivacea, are raised to full species. Demansia angusticeps (Macleay, 1888), previously regarded as a synonym of D. olivacea, is resurrected for populations in the southern Kimberley, and D. flagellatio Wells & Wellington, 1985 is validated as a species restricted to northwest Queensland. Three new species are described.
