?On the validity of Hebius sauteri maximus (Malnate, 1962) (Squamata, Natricidae), with the redescription of H. maximus comb. nov. and H. sauteri (Boulenger, 1909)

Hebius sauteri (Boulenger, 1909) has been long recognized as a widely distributed species with three subspecies, namely from Taiwan Island and southeastern China, bourreti (Malnate, 1962) northern Vietnam, maximus Sichuan, southwestern China. However, the validity of these subspecies H. complex not evaluated. In current study, we re-evaluate taxonomic status s. based on morphological molecular evidence. Molecular phylogenetic results indicate that is distantly diverged clade respect to , morphologically distinguishable nominative subspecies. Therefore, our support elevate it full status, comb. nov. The distribution range revised according proposed change. Furthermore, detailed redescription, natural history, coloration both comments are also provided.