About Hypnale zara (Gray, 1849)
Hypnale zara, first described in 1849 by Gray, has 10 to 19 minute scales growing from wart-like protuberances at the tip of its snout. In the region stretching from the internasal to prefrontal scales, there are 18 to 39 heterogeneous small scales. This species has six scales surrounding the eye, and seven to eight supralabial scales. Its costal scales are keeled, with 134 to 157 ventral scales. Subcaudal scales count ranges from 34 to 51. The dorsum color of Hypnale zara varies from yellowish brown to dark brown, and is sometimes deep red. Two rows of distinct sub-oval or sub-triangular blotches meet along the vertebral region. A dark stripe runs across the eye and cheek. The venter is lighter in color than the dorsum, and is sometimes a light ash-gray. Hypnale zara reproduces as an ovoviviparous species.
