On the Identity and Taxonomic Status of Coluber nuthalli Theobald, 1868, with Redescription of the Type Specimens of Coluber nuthalli and Elaphis yunnanensis Anderson, 1879(Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae)

The taxaColuber nuthalli Theobald, 1868 andElaphis yunnanensis Anderson, 1879 are compared and re-described, based on the examination of their type material. The morphological similarities of these two taxa revealed them as conspeciifc.Elaphis yunnanensis Anderson is thus declared as a protected name （nomen conservandum） with priority overC. nuthalli Theobald （nomen oblitum）. A lectotype forElaphis yunnanensis is designated and described. The validity ofyunnanensis as subspecies name in combination withOrthriophis taeniurus （Cope） will be discussed. A key to the subspecies ofO. taeniurus is provided.