Systematics of the Indonesian Snake Genus Elapoidis Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Colubridae)

Examination of specimens originating from several populations currently identified as Elapoidis fusca Boie in Boie, 1827 showed that the Sumatran population differs in several characters from the Javan population. These differences bear on the coloration and pattern, the number of ventrals in males and females, and on the relative tail length of males and females. These differences support the recognition of Sumatran populations as a distinct species for which the name Elaphis sumatranus Bleeker, 1860 is available and here revalidated in the genus Elapoidis. A neotype is selected and described for this latter species as its holotype is lost by all evidence. Beside these two species, one specimen from Sumatra was identified as belonging to another undescribed species but not yet named. Furthermore, the population from Borneo shows differences in the number of postoculars, but due to lack of material, its status is not defined here.