Journal ArticleThe status of the anomalepidid snake <scp><i>Liotyphlops albirostris</i></scp> and the revalidation of three taxa based on morphology and ecological niche modelsLinares‐Vargas, Camilo A; Bolívar‐García, Wilmar; Herrera‐Martínez, Alexandra; Osorio‐Domínguez, Daniel; Ospina, Oscar E; Thomas, Richard; Daza, Juan D<title>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Liotyphlops</italic>is a genus of blindsnakes distributed in Central and South America. We reviewed specimens of<italic>Liotyphlops albirostris</italic>along its current distribution range and, based on morphological data and ecological niche modeling analyses, we restrict the geographical range of<italic>L. albirostris</italic>and validate three previously described species. In this revision, we describe the morphological variation in the populations from Panamá, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, and propose a new taxonomic arrangement. We revalidate three previous synonyms of<italic>L. albirostris</italic>to full species status, while dividing the populations from Colombia in two subspecies―one attributed to a previously recognized species from the Caribbean region, and a new one from the Andean region. The new species differs from<italic>L. albirostris</italic>from Panamá in cephalic scale arrangements that effectively reduces the previously reported variability of these scales in<italic>L. albirostris</italic>. We also explore some osteological differences that are congruent with the variation observed. We hope that the recognition of these new species better represents the diversity within<italic>Liotyphlops</italic>, helping to bring these new species out of their cryptic status so that they will be considered in future conservation efforts.</p>Wiley2021-10-0110555491The Anatomical Record304102264 to 22781932-8486https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.247301902242National Science Foundation