New Snake Species Found – Named After a Harry Potter Character!

Scientists in Arunachal Pradesh, India, have discovered five new reptiles over the past year, and the latest has been given quite a unique name, inspired by the Harry Potter character Salazar Slytherin.

According to The Hindu, the scientists have dubbed the snake Trimeresurus salazar, or Salazar’s pit viper. This makes the uniquely-named snake part of a small, elite club of animals who hold names related to the Harry Potter franchise.

Researchers describe Trimeresurus snakes as “charismatic, venomous serpents”. While it’s often very tough to tell them apart, Salazar’s pit viper seems to be a rare exception, thanks to the males flaunting an orange-reddish stripe on the sides of their heads.