See Three Newly Discovered Species of Cryptozoic Snakes

A research expedition of scientists headed up by Alejandro Arteaga, Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grantee and Khamai Foundation researcher, discovered a group of snakes belonging to the genus Atractus hidden under the graveyards and churches of remote Andean towns in Ecuador. See photos of these rarely seen reptiles taken by Arteaga and his team.

September 16, 2022

By: Discovery and The Explorers Club

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Photo By: Alejandro Arteaga

Photo By: Amanda Quezada

Photo By: Alejandro Arteaga

Atractus discovery was found hidden in the graveyard of the Andean town Amaluza, Azuay province, Ecuador.

Atractus michaelsabini was found hidden beside a church in the Andean town Guanazán, El Oro province, Ecuador.

Atractus zgap was found in an orchard of small school in the Andean town El Chaco, Napo province, Ecuador.

Closeup of an atractus zgap.

Alejandro Arteaga holds a slithering specimen.

Atractus zgap is known only from five localities along the valley of the Río Quijos, Napo province, in the Amazonian slopes of the Andes in northeastern Ecuador.

Biologist Alejandro Arteaga examines the holotype of Atractus discovery. He had to examine hundreds of museum specimens before confirming the new species as such.