Chromatic variation in populations of Xenodon merremi (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Paraguay

Abstract

Xenodon merremi is a polychromatic species distributed in South America. Among its wide range of color patterns, the most common pattern resembles a pitviper of the genus Bothrops. In this work is recorded the different patterns found in Paraguayan populations of X. merremi. Four patterns can be observed: marked pattern, slightly marked pattern, smooth, and banded pattern. The marked pattern is the most common pattern (mimetic with pitvipers), and all juveniles bear this coloration. Only adults show variation in their coloration.