Hi Shvar,

This is a beautiful example of where keepers and scientists share what they know; Sobeks is a beautiful example of not only where, but how two subspecies 'naturally' coexist. It shows that 'subspecies' are very closely related, and then the degree of variety sets the questions to come - Yes, descriptions of V.a. microstictus are written down, but not readily available in your local reptiles magazine.



V.a. microstictus: described by Dr. John Anderson, M.D. in 1898; although formally described in 1893, and first mentioned in 1843.



V.a. angolensis. Formally described by Karl P. Schmidt in 1934. It is basically a melanistic albigularis.



V.a. iondiesi: Formally described by Dr. Raymond Laurent in 1964. Breviora 199:1-8 PL.



V.a. albigularis: Black Throat. Formally described by Francois Daudin in 1802.



V.a. albogularis. white throat. Formally described by Frnacois Daudin in 1803.



V. ocellatus. Ocellated monitor. Sometimes related to V. albigularis, other times with V. exanthematicus. Known to Sudan, Ethiopia, and N. Kenya, but reported South into central Tanzania. Formally described by Heyden in 1827.



I am working on a paper on just the very thing you want to see; who is whom and why...and it is damn complicated when you look at ALL the old/new materials....but that is half the fun!

cheers,

markb

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