Studies on the Fauna of Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire and the Venezuelan Islands: No. 8
Snakes from the Leeward Group,
Venezuela and eastern Colombia
by
Dr. L.D. Brongersma
(Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden)
P. Dr. Wagenaar Hummelinck entrusted me with the study of the snakes, which he collected during his trips to the islands off the north coast of Venezuela, to the Venezuelan main-
and Colombia. In land, to eastern the present paper the species
Dr. collected by Hummelinck are listed with data on scale
counts, coloration and with notes on nomenclature. In a few cases
specimens from other collections were used for comparison, and
for these the provenance is indicated in the lists of specimens.
Dr. Hummelinck made notes on the names given to the
different species of snakes by the inhabitants, and by his kind
these included the These permission notes are in present paper.
local names form an addition to those published by Roca (1932,
pp. 387—388).
Unless otherwise stated the specimens are in the collections of
the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden. The numbers
for the numbers cited different specimens, Oph. 1—60, are the
used by the collector; they are mentioned in parentheses, the first
of each list of specimens with the indication Oph., the following
without this indication.
The localities in which the collections were made are the
following. Dutch Leeward Islands. Aruba: Oranjestad;
Prins; front Fontein Rooi Tamboe, near in of the cave. Curagao:
St. Kruis; Seroe Djerimi, Knip; Savonet; Dokterstuin; Hato cave;
Groot St. Joris. Bonaire: Kralendijk; Lima. V enezuelan
Islands. Margarita: Macanao; Guatamare, near El Valle;
Porlamar. Los Testigos: Morro de la Iguana; Tamarindo. Vene- 116
Fig. 15. Venezuelan islands, between Trinidad and Bonaire.
zuelan mainland. Puerto Santo, near Carupano; Blandin,
of frontier. Caracas; El Guayabo, state Zulia, near the Colombian
Colombia. Rio Hacha, near the Goajira peninsula.
Most of the localities are mentioned in the lists given by Hummelinck
32—37; 1940b, and are indicated on the (1940a, pp. pp. 22—42), maps published by that author (1933, 1940a). For some specimens the number of the collecting station, Stat. 185, these numbers in the lists and the e.g., is given; occur on maps published by Hummelinck (1940a).
In the the indicated present paper sexes are by m. (male), fem. or f. (female).
Helminthophis albirostris (Ptrs.)
Monatsber. Ak. Rhinotyphlops albirostris Peters, Berl., 1857, p. 402.
Helminthophis albirostris, Boulenger, Cat. Sn. Brit. Mus., vol. 1, 1893, p. 6; Arch. Abt. A, H. 7, 270; Amaral, Werner, Natg., Jahrg. 87, 1921, p.
New Zool. vol. Mem. Inst. Proc. Engl. Cl„ 9, 1924, p. 26; Amaral,
But., vol. 4, 1929, pp. 7, 135.
natf. Fr. Liotyphlops albirostris, Peters, Sitz.Ber. Ges. Berl., 1881, p. 69;
Biol. 175. Dunn, Proc. Soc. Wash., vol. 45, 1932, p.
Typhlops (Idiotyphlops) emunctus Garman, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool.,
vol. 3. 8, no. 3, 1883, p. Bull. 32, 1887, 91; Helminthophis emunctus. Cope, U.S. Nat. Mus., no. p. Amaral, Amaral, Proc. New Engl. Zool. CI., vol. 9, 1924, p. 27;
Mem. vol. Inst. But., 4, 1929, pp. 8, 135.
Helminthophis canellei Mocquard, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, vol. 9, Abt. A, H. 7, 1903, p. 202; Werner, Arch. Natg., Jahrg. 87, 1921,
New Zool. Cl„ vol. 9, 1924, 27; p. 270; Amaral, Proc. Engl. p.
Mem. Inst. Amaral, But., vol. 4, 1929, pp. 8, 135,
Mem. vol. Helminthophis bondensis Griffin, Carnegie Mus., 7, 1916, p. 165; Werner, Arch. 87, 1921, Abt. A, H. 7, Amaral, Natg., Jahrg. p. 271;
New 9. Inst. Proc. Engl. Zool. CI., vol. 1924, p. 28; Amaral, Mem.
vol. But., 4, 1929, pp. 8, 135. 117
CURASAO, 1 specimen, received by Dr. Hummelinck from the Museum of the St. Thomas College, Curasao.
has shown Dunn (1932, pp. 174.—175) that Helminthophis emunctus (Gar- man), H. canellei Mocquard, and H. bondensis Griffin are synonyms of H. albi-
evidence indeed the that rostris (Peters). The given by Dunn points to fact the differences, which were used to separate these forms are individual varia- tions However, I follow Dunn in in only. cannot placing albirostris a separate genus Liotyphlops Peters.
fur- Helminthophis albirostris had not yet been recorded from Curasao, and ther evidence that this inhabitant of is necessary to prove species really is an the island. Its known distribution was: Panama, Ecuador, and Colombia. The record be doubted other records from the may as same source, e.g., Liophis cobella (L.) labelled "Curacao", are certainly incorrect. However, it is not
that the in have been there, impossible species occurs Curasao; it may imported like Helminthophis flavoterminatus (Ptrs.) has been imported in Mauritius
the the have (Boulenger, 1893, p. 5). For present it is best to let specimen the benefit of the doubt.
The specimen, which is in a rather bad condition (body broken) has 24 scale rows on the anterior part of the body, and 22 rows on the posterior part. The prefrontal is separated from the labials by the nasal and the lower preocular.
Four first second with the second and third upper labials; and in contact nasal;
with the lower third labial in contact preocular; upper narrowly in contact
Two with the ocular, which is separated from the fourth labial by a subocular.
the in with the frontal, lower preoculars; upper contact prefrontal, preocular, ocular, and supraocular. Lower preocular in contact with the prefontal, nasal, second and third and The is visible labials, ocular, upper preocular. eye through the shields; it is situated partly under the preoculars and partly under the ocular, at the point, where the posterior borders of the preoculars meet. One large
frontal, The frontal is followed five scales, about 3J/2 times as wide as long. by
each and three viz., a supraocular on side, postfrontals.
Leptotyphlops albifrons (Wagl.)
Brit. vol. Glauconia albifrons, Boulenger, Cat. Sn. Mus., 1, 1893, p. 63;
Werner, Mitt. Zool. Mus. Hamb., vol. 34 (2. Beih. Jahrb. Hamb. wiss.
vol. Zeitschr. Anst., 34), 1917, p. 203; Werner, wiss. Zool., vol. 125,
1925, pp. 542, 546.
Glauconia (Leptotyphlops) albifrons, Werner, Zeitschr. wiss. Zool., vol. 125,
1925, p. 540.
albifrons, Amaral, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, 138; Leptotyphlops p.
Hummelinck, Studies Fauna vol. XIII Curasao, 1, 1940, p. 114, pi. lower figure.
BONAIRE, Kralendijk, 19.IX.1930 (Oph. 36); Kralendijk, 30.X.1930 (37), both captured in house; Lima, 14.XI.1936, Stat. 185 (38).
Nom. ind.: Culebra di plata (= silversnake). 118
Boa enydris cookii (Gray)
Corallus Cat. Sn. vol. IV cookii, Boulenger, Brit. Mus., 1, 1893, p. 99, pi. 3; VV Arch. fig. erner, Natg., Jahrg. 87, 1921, Abt. A, H. 7, p. 246.
Boa A Mem. Inst. vol. hortulana cookii, m a r a 1, But., 4, 1929, p. 143.
Boa enydris cookii, S t u 11, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 40, no. 8, 1935,
p. 398.
TESTIGOS, Tamarindo, 16.VI.1936 (Oph. 17, male).
Nom. ind.: Guaima pina.
Sq. 45, v. 261, a. 1, sc. 113. Nasals separated by the prefrontals
Constrictor constrictor constrictor (L.)
Cat. Sn. Boa constrictor, Boulenger, Brit. Mus., vol. 1, 1893, p. 117;
Arch. H. Werner, Natg., Jahrg. 87, 1921, Abt. A, 7, p. 252.
constrictor A Constrictor constrictor, m a r a 1, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929,
141; Stull, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 403. p. 40, no. 8, 1935, p.
GOAJIRA, Rio Hacha, 20.1.1937 (Oph. 10, male juv.). MARGARITA, 1936 (11, skin); Macanao, 1936 (12, skin).
Nom. ind.: Alfombra (= carpet) (R. Hacha); macaurel (Marg.).
Oph. 10, sq. 83, v. 244, a. 1, sc. 56.
Ninia atrata (Hall.)
atrata Ninia atrata, Amaral, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, p. 151.
Ninia atrata, Dunn, Proc. Nat Ac. Sci. Wash., vol. 21, 1935, 11 p.
CARACAS, Blandin, 1935 (female; don.)
153, 1/1, 51/51 7 labials, third and Sq. 19, 19, 19, v. a. sc. + 1; upper
fourth bordering the orbit; four lower labials in contact with the anterior chin- shields; temporals 1+2.
Coluber L.
With Stejneger & Barbour (1933, p. 93), and Mertens (1936,
I that Coluber and Baird & Girard cannot be p. 190) agree L. Masticophis
The remarks Stuart who separated as distinct genera. by (1934, pp. 2—30),
these in offer evidence that accepts genera as distinct, my opinion convincing
be fused. connected to each other the genera must They are by a species (Coluber ortenburgeri Stuart), which has the hemipenial characters of Coluber,
while the scale rows are reduced posteriorly as in Masticophis. The differences in the structure of the hemipenis, and in the reduction of the number of scale
the of these not sufficient to warrant their rows are (in case "genera") separation. 119
Coluber mentovarius (Dum., Bibr. & Dum.)
C(oryphodon) Mento-varius Dumeril, Bibron & Dumeril, Erp. gen.,
vol. 7, pt. 1, 1854, p. 187. Ofidi, 64. C(oryphodon) mentovarius, Jan, Elenco sistem. 1863, p.
Zamenis mentovarius, Boulenger, Cat. Sn. Brit. Mus., vol. 1, 1893, p. 389;
Meek, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Publ. 148, Zool. Ser., vol. 7, no. 12, 1910,
415. p.
Zool. vol. 73. Z(amenis) mentovarius, Werner, Jahrb., Syst., 57, 1929, p. Masticophis mentovarius, Ortenburger, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ.
Mich. Mich., nr. 139, 1923, p. 2; Ortenburger, Univ. Studies, Mem.
Mich. vol. XXV 28 Mus., 1, 1928, p. 138, pi. figs. 1, 2, textfig. (map);
Dunn, 214. Copeia, 1933, nr. 4, p.
GOAJIRA, Rio Hacha, 23.1.1937 (Oph. 7, male). MARGARITA, Por-
1936 and lamar, 26.V.1936 (19, female); Porlamar, 31.V. (20—21, m. fem.);
Porlamar, 8.VI. 1936 (22, fem.).
it Nom. ind.: Conejerera (because feeds on young "rabbits"; conejo rabbit).
Four snakes from and from Rio Margarita island, Venezuela, one Hacha,
La Goajira peninsula, Colombia, must be referred to this species. The distribution of is to Guatamala, and such it is this species generally given as Mexico as
in his of given by Ortenburger (1928, p. 140, fig. 28) monograph
This is also mentioned Amaral Masticophis. distribution by (1929, p. 153)
his check list of and Werner his in neotropical snakes, by (1929, p. 73) in survey of the Colubrinae. Dunn (1933, p. 214) states that this species also
in Costa and other records to have occurs Nicaragua, Rica, Panama. Two seem been overlooked by these authors, viz., the record from Venezuela by Jan
and that from island Meek This (1863, p. 64) Margarita by (1910, p. 415).
includes both is the more remarkable as Ortenburger (1928, p. 138) references the of this The collected Dr. in synonymy species. specimens by
Hummelinck and at Rio Hacha, W agenaar on Margarita definitely
that Coluber mentovarius the South American continent, and prove occurs on been on the neighbouring Venezuelan islands. The species had not yet reported from Colombia. differences The identification of these snakes puzzled me a good deal, as the between Coluber L. and the it, Amaral, genera related to e.g., Drymoluber
Dryadophis Stuart, Drymobius Fitz., are rather small. The examination of the hemipenis proved that only Coluber L. had to be considered.
The be described follows from extracted from hemipenis may as one a spirit
and which 1 close the sulcus The specimen, cut open to spermaticus. hemipenis is slightly bilobed, with a single, unforked sulcus spermaticus. The basal i/a is covered with longitudinal folds, which probably would disappear if the hemipenis were everted by injection; this part is covered with numerous spinules. Distally from follow this basal part three large hooks ("basal hooks" of Orten- burger). Over °f its length, following the large hooks, the hemipenis is
small curved the covered with spines, at top, and arranged in about 12 longi-
and transverse the total of exceeds tudinal ca. 5 rows; number spines slightly 60.
The distal 1I is covered with in about 14 rows. The 3 part calyces longitudinal 120
number of spines is somewhat higher than that mentioned by Ortenburger
140: but I do believe that this sufficient (1928, p. 46—48, in 2—3 rows), not is American Central reason to separate the South specimens from those from
It is that American distinct America. possible the South specimens represent a
subspecies, as the subcaudal counts are lower than those recorded by Orten- burger.
In addition to the description of the hemipenis, the following characters of
these be teeth the specimens may given. Maxillary 20, posterior very slightly
larger and stouter than the anterior. Palatine teeth 14, subequal; pterygoid teeth
about 26, the posterior smaller. Dentary with 22 teeth, the anterior largest. I do
not find that the anterior them; dentary teeth are smaller than those following
teeth be described rather than kuma- the dentary may, therefore, as scaphiodont,
todont (Ortenburger, 1928, p. 140).
Rostral broader than visible from high, above. Frontal about as long as
somewhat than distance the of parietals, longer its from tip the snout, from
3 1 / to 2 times as as wide, broader than Prefrontals 6 nearly long a supraocular.
than the internasals. Nasal in longer divided most specimens; in one specimen,
however, the nasal is single. The nostril is bordered above by the internasal. Loreal nearly twice as long as high. One large preocular with a small sub- below Preocular from ocular it. separated the frontal, or narrowly in contact
with shield. All have 7 fourth labial alone this specimens upper labials; the
borders the orbit. 10 lower labials of which the anterior four border the anterior
chinshields. Posterior chinshields separated by scales.
a.1/1, 1. Oph. 7, male, sq. 17,17,13, v.190, sc. 33/33+..., temp. r. 2+,+3, 2+j+2.
Oph. 20, male, sq. 18,17,13, v.195, a.1/1, sc. 100/100+1 r. 2+2 1.3+2. , temp. ,
Oph. 21, fem., 19,17,13, v.191, a.1/1, sc. 96/96+..., r. 1.3+2. sq. temp. 2+2 , 19, 17,17,13, v.193, a.1/1, Oph. fem., sq. sc. r. 2+2 1.2+2. 38/38+..., temp. ,
Oph. 22, fem., 17,17,13, v.192, a.1/1, sc. r. 1. sq. 100/100+1 , temp. 2+2 , 2+2.
Dryadophis quinquelineatus (Steind.)
Herpetodryas quinquelineatus Steindachner, Sitz.Ber. Ak. Wiss. Wien,
Math. Naturw. CI., vol. 62, Abth. 1, 1870, p. 346.
Cat. Sn. Brit. Drymobius boddaertii, Boulenger, Mus., vol. 2, 1894, p. 11
Inst. vol. 154 (part.); Amaral, Mem. But., 4, 1929, p. (part.).
Eudryas boddaertii, Stuart, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich., nr. 236,
1932, p. 5 (part.).
Eudryas quinquelineatus, Stuart, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich., nr. 254,
1; 7. 1933, p. 2, fig. Stuart, Copeia, 1938, nr. 1, p.
GOAJIRA, Rio Hacha, 19.1.1937 (Oph. 3, female). CARUPANO,
Puerto Santo, 12.VI.1936, Stat. 125 (14, male). TESTIGOS, Morro de la
Iguana, 14.VI.1936, Stat. 157 (16, fem.); Tamarindo, 16.VI.1936 (18, m.).
MARGARITA, Porlamar, 30.V.1936 (23, fem., 24, m.); Porlamar, 1.VI.1936
(25, 26, m„ 27, fem.).
Nom. ind.: it feeds Lagartijera (E. Venez.) (because on lizards; lagartija
= lizard); taya (R. Hacha). 121
from Stuart (1933, p. 2) revives quinquelineatus as a species distinct
boddaertii. However, characters the is stated to be southern no are given; range
and western Venezuela, eastern and parts of northern Colombia, and north-
In later the of western Brazil. a paper containing description Dryadophis
amarali (Stuart) from Margarita island, Tobago island, and from the Venezuelan
Stuart the characters which amarali mainland, (1938, p. 7) mentions by can
be separated from quinquelineatus. On the base of this rather scanty information,
and with the of boddaertii boddaertii on a comparison made specimens Dryadophis
(Sentzen) from Surinam, I refer the present specimens to Dryadophis quinque-
mentioned Stuart the lineatus (Steind.). As already by (1938, p. 8), range
of this species extends into northern and eastern Venezuela, to Margarita,
and to Los Testigos.
The specimens all have the scales in 17, 17, 15 rows, a divided anal, one preocular, and two postoculars.
The temporals show considerable variation as shown in table 16. Still their
formulae be from may derived one which shows two anterior temporals both in contact with the postoculars, and each of the anterior temporals in contact
with the corresponding posterior temporal: 2 + 2. The variation occurring most is that in which the anterior small upper temporal is divided into two shields,
one behind the other, and having a common suture; the anterior small shield in
contact with the the in with the upper postocular, posterior contact upper posterior temporal: f 2. Other specimens too have the two small —y upper
anterior temporals, but these are separated from each other by the lower an-
1 — 1 terior temporal and the parietal being in contact between them: + 2. j
The posterior small shield may have fused with the lower anterior temporal,
have been that the anterior is small or may suppressed, so upper temporal a
shield, which is in contact with the but from the postocular, separated upper
posterior temporal: + 2. In a similar way the anterior small shield -—j
be and thus the anterior may lacking, upper temporal is a small shield separa-
ted from the 1-2. In postocular: one specimen only, the lower anterior j
temporal is subdivided giving the formula: 4- 2.
coloration The shows individual variations, but in all specimens three dark
less distinct the neck anterior longitudinal stripes are more or on and part of
the back. The throat is not uniformly whitish as in amarali, but it is dark with
light spots.
The colour of of the be described pattern some specimens (in spirit) may separately.
Male from Tamarindo (Oph. 18). Head dark brown, a black line along the
border of the labials whitish with lower upper supralabials. Upper a grey
this colour to the orbit the sixth labial. border, grey extending across upper Throat white the dark the greyish; a interspace separating sides of head from
the grey throat. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
+ + + + + + + + +
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 + — 1 1 + + + temporals 1 1 1 1 1 1
upper 2 2 2 2 2 2 r. + + + + + +
2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1
1 1 1 1 + + + 1 1 + + + +
2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1
(4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (5.6.) 1. labials 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 16. quinquelineatus upper TABLE r. (5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.) (5.6.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.6.)
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Dryadophis
......
sc. 29/29+ 42/42+ 105/105+1 91/91+1 65/65+ 98/98+1 97/97+1 1/1+2+29/29+... 88/88+1
v. 187 169 175 189 170 176 169 184 186
sex female male male female male male male female female
3 Oph. 14 18 16 24 25 26 23 27 123
The pattern of the neck, and of the back is combined of crossbands and of
behind the head the crossbands but the longitudinal stripes. Just are prevalent,
indicated. three the neck shows longitudinal stripes are Following crossbands,
three distinct longitudinal stripes, formed by the black borders of two adjoining
scale the crossbands still discernible. On the of the rows; are remaining part back broad one brown band is present, bordered on the sides by a blackish line.
If this brown band is examined traces of crossbands be closely, can found, they
indicated series of formed are by transverse dark dots, by black scale borders,
and by transverse (or more or less oblique) light lines, formed by whitish scale
borders. The These indications of crossbands fade posteriorly. sides are greyish
brown with black dots; the on posterior part of the body the sides show a light longitudinal band, bordered above by the broad vertebral band, and
bordered below blackish brown line by a on the lower half of the third
scale row.
In the female from de la Morro Iguana (Oph. 16), the lateral black stripes the on neck are interrupted, and these stripes are formed by longitudinal series of black The broad dark band the of oblong spots. on anterior part the back shows the same division into crossbars. The ventrals are whitish; laterally
their borders posterior are black. Puerto Santo In the male from (Oph. 14), the median longitudinal band on
the back is bordered by dark line, which followed laterally a is by a light band
of Yi + 1 "4" Vl scale rows wide. Below this light band a dark line. Outer
7Yl scale rows slightly darker than the lateral light band. Belly white, the ven-
trals greyish laterally. A female from Margarita (Oph. 23) has three distinct black longitudinal
lines series of on the neck. They are separated by whitish scales. Posteriorly
these three fuse broad black but the whitish scales stripes into one band, re-
main. These latter do no longer form regular series, but with the black of the
band form reticulation. they a
Stomach contents:
Female from Morro de la 16): Iguana (Oph. remains of an Ameiva.
Male Ameiva. from Margarita (Oph. 24): remains of an
Female from Margarita (Oph. 26): one Ameiva bifrontata Cope.
from Female Margarita (Oph. 27): remains of three Gonatodes specimens.
Drymarchon corais corais (Boie)
Coluber corais, Cat. Sn. Brit. vol. var. A, Boulenger, Mus., 2, 1894, pp. 31, 32.
corais Drymarchon corais, Amaral, Mem. Inst. But, vol. 4, 1929, pp. 158, 325, fig. 1.
GOAJIRA, Rio Hacha, 19. I. 1937 (Oph. 5, female); Rio Hacha, 20. I.
1937 (Oph. 6, male, skin in spirit).
Nom. ind.: Cazadora. — Roc According to a (1932, p. 387) this name
is also used for rattlesnakes, and for Coluber variabilis (= Spilotes pulla- tus (L.)). lip.
1. 2 2 2 3 2 — 2 3 2 3 2 3 of postoculars border
r. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 reaching
9 not labials 1. 10 10 10 10 — 10 10 10 10 10 10 labial,
lower r. 10 10 10 10 10 — 10 10 10 10 10 10 5th
and
i) i) 4th
1. (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.6.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.6.)
8 8 8 8 between labials 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
•upper shield triscalis r. 17. (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (5.6.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.)
8 8 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 Small TABLE Leimadophis !) subcaudals 82/82+1 2/2+1+80/80+1 2/2+1+50/50+1+22/22+1 80/80+1 83/83+1 80/80+1 83/83+1 86/86+1 83/83+1 82/82+1 85/85+1 83/83+1
186+1/1 ventrals 190 187 7 189 — 195 195 191 184 187 186
sex m. m. m. m. m. m. m. m. fem. fem. fem. juv. fem. juv.
4816 specimens 40 41 42 44 45 60 46 43 47 48 49 Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. Leiden Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. 125
labials 8 1. 9 Oph. 5, f., 17,17,15, v. 202, a. 1, sc. 57/57+ r. (4.5.), (5.6.), sq. ..., upper
lower labials r. 10, 1. 10, temporals r. 2+2, 1.2+2.
9 1.9 Oph. 6, m., sq. —.17,15, v. 197, a. 1, sc. 67/67 + 1+?, upper labials r. (5.6.), (5.6.),
lower labials 1. r. 9, 9, temporals r. 2+3, 1.2+2.
In both well in others the scales the specimens, as as from. Surinam, on
anterior part of the back have two apical pits, while those on the posterior of free border. From part the back have about seven of these pits along their
oviducts the of the female ten eggs were extracted.
Leimadophis triscalis (L.) [Tab. XIa]
Cat. Sn. Brit. vol. 1894, 129; Liophis triscalis, Boulenger, Mus., 2, p.
De Hartert, Nov. Zool., vol. 9, 1902, p. 294; Rooij, Bijdr. Dierk.,
22 Max 252. nr. (feestnummer Weber), 1922, pp. 249,
Leimadophis triscalis, Ruthven, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich., nr.
Zeitschr. wiss. vol. 143, 1923, p. 9; Werner, Zool., 125, 1925, pp. 539,
Inst. vol. 542, 549; Amaral, Mem. But., 4, 1929, p. 168; Stejneger,
vol. Studies Fauna Nyt Mag. Naturv., 74, 1934, p. 50; Hummelinck,
vol. Curasao, 1, 1940, p. 114.
Dromicus antillensis, Van Lidth de Jeude, Notes Leyden Mus., vol. 9,
1887, p. 133; Martin, Ber. Reise Niederl. West-Indien, vol. 1, 1888,
141; De Dierk., 22 Max 1922, p. Rooij, Bijdr. nr. (feestnummer Weber),
p. 249; Ruthven, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich., nr. 143, 1923,
p. 9; W e r n e r, Zeitschr. wiss. Zool., vol. 125, 1925, pp. 539, 543, 544
Fauna 114 (part.); Hummelinck, Studies Curasao, vol. 1, 1940, p. (part.).
CURACAO, St. Kruis, 21.IV.1930 (Oph. 40 male); St. Kruis, 24.IV.1930
(41, m.); Groot St. Joris, IX.1930 (42, m.; V. H. van den Bergh coll.); Cave of Hato, 21.IX.1936, Stat. 218 (43, female, tab. XIa); Dokterstuin,
27.X.1936 (44, m.); Seroe Djerimi, 6.XI.1936, Stat. 242A (45, m.); Cu- 1885 Mus. Leiden, rasao, (m.; reg. no. 4816, J. R. H. Neervoort van de Poll —49, fem., fem. Thomas coll.); Curasao? (46 m., 2 juv.; St. College Cu-
rasao don.); Savonet, 1.V.1930 (60, m., Zool. Mus. Amsterdam). Nom. ind.: Known few by a as zweepslang ( = whipsnake).
All have the scales in 15 the specimens 17, 17, rows, temporals 1+2, and The one preocular. anal is divided, but in specimen 40 the anal shields have
completely fused; in specimen 41 they are partly fused. The variations of the
other counts are shown in table 17.
The specimen, which Van Lidth de referred Jeude (1887, p. 133) to Dromicus antillensis in is reality a Leimadophis triscalis (L.). The supposition
~ by Werner (1925, pp. 543, 544) that Dromicus antillensis has been imported in Curasao is, therefore, superfluous.
The coloration is rather variable. the Some specimens, e.g., female figured
tab. have three dark lines on XIa, on the back; the vertebral line has on each
series side a of small spots pointing obliquely forwards, and nearly connecting blotches 63 46 28 32 22 19 17 23 26 17 15
1. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
postocular r. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 —
1 1 1 1 1 1 subocular — 1 — — r. —
1 1 1. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 preocular 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 r.
temporals 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1+2 1
1. (4.5.) (4.5.) (3.4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (3.4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.)
labials 8 8 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
upper r. 18. annulata (3.4.5.) (4.5.) (3.4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (3.4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.) (4.5.)
8 8 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
TABLE ...
1 Leptodeira subcaudals + 100/100+1 91/91 51/51+... 44/44+ 75/75+1 63/63+1 64/64+1 68/68+1 69/69+1 72/72+1 62/62+1
3 COa R 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1
J* 186 191 177 171 171 169 172 174 ventral 181 ±178 175
15 15 15 17 15 17 15 15 15 16 15 rows
19 21 19 21 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 scale — 19 19 21 19 19 19 19 19 19 19
sex m. m. m. fern. m. fem. fem. fern. fem. fem. fem.
...... 30 31 annulata Oph. Oph. bakeri Neervoort Gravenh. Koolwijk
4819, 4819, 4819, annulata Guayabo annulata 52 53 ? ? Caracas Margarita, Margarita, Leid. Leid. Oph. Aruba Aruba L. El L. Leid. Oph. 127
with the lateral lines. the it Only on posterior part of the body the vertebral line lacks of the back bordered the these "branches". The striped area is on sides which by a light longitudinal band, at its turn is bordered below by a darker band. This latter consists of numerous brownish dots, which form more
less distinct lines. In other there or longitudinal specimens are three dorsal lines, and one indistinct lateral line on each side. The coloration may be reduced to
dorsal the vertebral line be In other three lines, or may lacking. specimens the colour pattern has nearly faded altogether.
Stomach contents: Remains of a small rodent were found in the stomach of the male from Dokterstuin (Oph. 44).
Leptodeira annulata annulata (L.)
Cat. Brit. vol. Leptodira annulata, Boulenger, Sn. Mus., 3, 1896, p. 97.
Ann. 321 Leptodeira annulata, Griffin, Carnegie Mus., vol. 11, 1917, p. (part.).
L(eptodeira) annulata, Ruthven, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich., nr.
330, p. 2.
annulata Mem. Leptodeira annulata, Amaral, Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, pp.
35, 204.
Sn. Brit. 95 Leptodira albofusca, Boulenger, Cat. Mus., vol. 3, 1896, p.
(part.); Meek, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Publ. 148, Zool. Ser., vol. 7,
415. no. 12, 1910, p.
MARGARITA, Porlamar, 31.V.1936 (Oph. 30, male); Porlamar,
29.V.1936 (31, female). CARACAS, Blandin, 1935 (m.; don.). ZULIA, El
Guayabo, on the Tachira railway, 18.VII.1930 (m.).
The variations in the scale counts in table 18 with those are given together
of the next form. The number of blotches is greatly variable (28—63), but all
in that the blotches reach downward the sides farther specimens agree on no
than the fifth or sixth scale row.
Leptodeira annulata bakeri Ruthven
Dipsas annulata, Van Lidth de Jeude, Notes Leyden Mus., vol. 9, 1887,
Ber. Reise Niederl. vol. 141. p. 133; Martin, West-Indien, 1, 1888, p.
Leptodeira annulata, Ruthven, Occ. Pprs Mus. Zool., Univ. Mich., nr. 143,
vol. 1923, p. 9; Werner, Zeitschr. wiss. Zool., 125, 1925, p. 539 (part.);
Hummelinck, Studies Fauna Curasao, 1940, p. 114 (part.). Mich., 330, Leptodeira bakeri Ruthven, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ. nr.
1936, p. 1.
ARUBA, in front of the Fontein cave, 29.VI.1930 (Oph. 52, female);
Oranjestad, 21.XII.1936 (53, fem.); Aruba, 1885 (m., Mus. Leiden, reg. Poll Aruba fem., Mus. no. 4819; J. R. H. Neervoort van de coll.); (2
Gravenhorst and Van Leiden, reg. no. 4819; Koolwijk coll.); Locality?
(2 fem.; St. Thomas College Curasao don.).
Nom. ind.: Sentinero. 128
The variation of the scale counts is given in table 18. Ruthven (1936,
number scale In the p. 1) gives the of rows as 19, 17, 15. specimens examined number of reduction 17 by me the rows at midbody is always 19, the to being
found at behind the of the median is not some distance middle body. The row
noticeably enlarged. The blotches reach downward to the first scale row in
to the third the Mr. the Fontein specimen, row in specimen collected by
Gravenhorst, and to the second scale row in all the other specimens.
varies + The number of ventrals from 169 — 178 in six females, while the single male has 176 ventrals. This is indeed lower than in Leptodeira annulata
annulata which has the ventrals 177—199 in (L.), in five males, 181 — 195 eight females from Venezuela and Surinam. [The counts from the Surinam
taken Mr. H. V h whom I indebted specimens were by J. e r a g e n, to am
for his permission to use his notes.]
Ruthven (1936) gives specific rank to this form, but I see no reason
it than to give more subspecific status.
Stomach The from of contents: female the cave Fontein (Oph. 52) had swallowed an Anolis.
Rhinostoma guianense (Troschel)
Rhinostoma guianense, Boulenger, Cat. Sn. Brit. Mus., vol. 3, 1896, p. 114;
A m a r a 1, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, p. 209.
CARtiPANO, Puerto Santo, 11.VI.1936, St. 125 (Oph. 15, female, 15a, fem. juv.). MARGARITA, Porlamar, 29.V.1936 (28, fem.); Porlamar,
1.VI.1936 (29, fem.).
Nom. ind.: Dormilado (Marg.).
15 female, 21, 19, 17, v. 191, a. 1, sc. Oph. , sq. 57/57+1
female 21, 17, 193, 1, 59/59+1 Oph. 15a, juv., sq. 19, v. a. sc. 28 female, 21, 19, 17, v. 190, a. 1, sc. ... Oph. , sq. 55/55+
29 21, 19, 17, v. 190, a. 1, sc. Oph. , female, sq. 49/49+1
of which the and fifth the All specimens have 8 upper labials fourth enter orbit; four lower labials in contact with the anterior chinshields; temporals
2 and In 28 the is + 3; one preocular, two postoculars. specimen supraocular
female contained which about divided into two shields; this six eggs, were ready to be about 31 to 32 in laid; they measure mm greatest length.
Stomach contents: The tail of a lizard (probably a middle sized Ameiva) was found in the stomach of the female from Puerto Santo (Oph. 15).
Dryophylax strigilis (Thunberg)
22. Coluber strigilis Thunberg, Mus. Acad. Upsal., vol. 1, 1787, p.
B 1 Sn. Brit. Mus., vol. 3, 1896, Thamnodynastes nattereri, o u e n g e r, Cat.
116. p.
A Rev. Mus. 1926, 27 Thamnodynastes pallidus, m a r a 1, Paulista, vol. 14, p. (part). A 1, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, 210. Dryophylax pallidus strigilis, m a r a p.
GOAJIRA, Rio Hacha, 20.1.1937 (female).
Nom. ind.: Patoquilla. 129
Amaral (1926, p. 27) arrived at the conclusion that Coluber strigilis Thunberg, nattereri 1787, Coluber Mikan, 1820, and Natrix punctatissima
1824, all were of Wagler, synonyms— Coluber pallidus Linnaeus, 1758, as the , , characters used by Boulenger (1896, pp. 116—117) to separate Thamno- dynastes nattereri (Mikan) Coluber from ( = strigilis Thunb.) Thamnodynastes ( punctatissimus (Wagler) = Coluber pallidus L.) were to be considered as individual variations only. In his checklist of neotropical snakes. Amaral
(1929, p. 210) recognizes two subspecies, viz., Dryophylax pallidus pallidus (L.)
(synonym: Thamnodynastes and punctatisssimus, Boulenger, 1896, p. 117),
Dryophylax pallidus strigilis (Thunb.) (synonym: Thamnodynastes nattereri,
Boulenger, 1896, Amaral refers his earlier p. 116). (1929, p. 210) to but he paper (1926, p. 27), does not give his reasons for attributing subspecific rank to the two forms considered previously to be synonymous. Dryophylax pallidus pallidus is stated to occur in eastern and northern Brazil, the Guyanas, and eastern Colombia, while Dryophylax pallidus strigilis is mentioned from the middle west and south of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and from the Argentine. from Specimens Matto Grosso are said generally to be intermediate between these subspecies.
From references the to the two species recognized by Boulenger (1896,
116, 117) we conclude that the characters pp. may used by that author are of some value to these forms. the collection separate The specimen in present from is Rio Hacha in eastern Colombia, and, therefore, it within the comes range of Dryophylax pallidus pallidus as recognized by Amaral. However, it
with the agrees better form named Thamnodynastes nattereri by Boulenger, and which Amaral mentions as of a synonym Dryophylax pallidus strigilis.
Our Museum does not contain sufficient material to settle the question whether
and are distinct with whether pallidus strigilis species overlapping ranges or
are For the I they subspecies only. present recognize strigilis as a separate species, awaiting further evidence to be published by Amaral in favour of his views.
The from Rio be described follows. Twelve solid specimen Hacha may as
after two teeth. maxillary teeth, followed an interspace by enlarged grooved
With these within the of of characters it comes range variation Tachymenis
Wiegm., and it has one solid tooth less than Dryophylax Wagl. (Amaral,
1935, p. 204: Dryophylar, err. typ.). The difference from Dryophylax is,
and all other characters this The mandibular however, very small, point to genus.
the anterior than the teeth are subequal, perhaps slightly longer posterior.
Scales and with indistinct in 19, 19, 15 rows, keeled, one very apical pit.
Ventrals 141, anal divided, subcaudals 56/56 + 1; 8 upper labials, fourth and fifth bordering the orbit; 10 lower labials, the anterior five in contact with the
1 H— 1 1- anterior chinshields. Temporals: left 2 + 3, right 2; one preocular. —j
Head darker and two postoculars. Loreal higher than long. — with lighter variegations: these variegations rather indistinct, however. A dark brown band from rostral. A black bordered bar from the the eye to brown, eye to corner of the bar below the the border of the mouth: an oblique eye to lip, crossing the fourth to sixth labials. Other dark bars on labials 1, 2, and 3. Upper and lower labials with dark bars, and yellowish spots; the latter dotted with black.
with dark whitish Nape two oblong spots, separated by a spot. Neck with two 130
series of blackish spots with whitish median spots between them. Back with a
light vertebral band, interrupted by rather indistinct crossbands. These cross- of formed the black borders of the scales bands consist an x-shaped spot, by
of the sixth to eighth scale rows, and of the black borders of the vertebral row
form kind reticulation. of scales. These latter black borders a of Posteriorly
the lateral of fades and the median reticulation is reduced series spots away, to
series of All scales of the sides with a x-shaped crosses. are powdered grey.
and anterior chinshields, A dark median band across the symphysial bifurcating
chinshields. two branches continued the anterior on the posterior The are on of of ventrals as a pair of narrow greyish lines. Laterally these a pair more
and continued the distinct dark lines originate on the lower labials, are along
belly. A few short indistinct lines on the outer scale rows, originating on the
lower labials.
Oxybelis acuminatus (Wied)
acuminatus, Sn. Brit. vol. 1896, 192; Oxybelis Boulenger, Cat. Mus., 3, p.
Amaral, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, p. 215.
Oxbelis accuminatus, Meek, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Publ. 148, Zool. Ser.,
vol. 416. 7, no. 12, 1910, p.
GOAJIRA, Rio Hacha, 18.1.1937 (Oph. 1, female); Rio Hacha, 19.1.1937
(2, fem.). MARGARITA, Porlamar, 1 .VI. 1936 (32, male); Guatamare,
near El Valle, 1.VII.1936 (33, m.).
Nom. ind.: Bejuco (R. Hacha); bejuquera (Marg.).
All 17, 17, 13 scale divided anal, 1+2, specimens have rows, a temporals 1 preocular, and 2 postoculars.
190, labials 1. Oph. 1, female, v. sc. 137/137+; upper r. 9(4.5.6.), 9(4.5.6.).
Oph. 2, female, v. 184, sc. 158/158+ 1 ; upper labials r. 9(4.5.6.), 1. 8(4.5.). 1. Oph. 32, male, v. 179, sc. 167/167+...; upper labials r. 8(4.5.), 8(4.5.).
labials 8 1. 8 Oph. 33, male, v. 178, sc. 134/135+ ...; upper r. (4.5.j, (4.5.).
Tantilla semicincta (Dum., Bibr. & Dum.)
Homalocranion semicinctum Dumeril, Mem. Ac. Sci., Paris, vol. 23, 1853,
p. 490, (nom. nud.).
Homalocranion Bibron & semi-cinctum Dumeril, Dumeril, Erp. gen.,
vol. 862. 7, pt. 2, 1854, p. Brit. vol. Homalocranium semicinctum, Boulenger, Cat. Sn. Mus., 3, 1896,
219. p.
Tantilla semicincta, Amaral, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, 222. p.
GOAJIRA, Rio Hacha, 24.1.1937 (Oph. 13).
Nom. ind.: Coral.
15, 15, 15, ± 180, 1/1, sc. 45/45 1; labials 7 1 Sq. v. a. + upper (3.4.), preoc-
ular, 2 postoculars, temporals 1 + 2, 4 lower labials in contact with the
anterior chinshields. 131
Crotalus durissus unicolor Van Lidth de Jeude [Tab. XIb, XIIa]
Crotalus horridus unicolo Van Lidth de Notes var. r Jeude, Leyden Mus., vol. 9, 1887, p. 133; Van Lidth de Jeude, Encycl. Ned. W.
Ind., 1914, p. 415.
Crotalus unicolor, Klauber, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 8, 1936,
245, 250, table Occ. Soc. pp. 1, fig. 65; Klauber, Pprs. San Diego
Nat. Hist., nr. 1, 1936, 9; vol. pp. 4, Gloyd, Herpetologica, 1, nr. 2,
1936, p. 65; Anonymous, News Bull. Staten Island Zool. Soc., vol. 4,
no. 5, 1937, 3rd Klauber, San Soc. Nat. page, fig.; Occ. Pprs. Diego
Hist., nr. 3, 1937, 28; Kauffeld p. & Gloyd, Herpetologica ,vol. 1,
nr. 6, 1939, p. 156, pi. XV; Klauber, Occ. Pprs. San Diego Soc. Nat.
Hist., 5, 45, 48. nr. 1939, pp. 46,
Sn. Brit. vol. 573 Crotalus terrificus, Boulenger, Cat. Mus., 3, 1896, p.
(part.); Meek, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Publ. 148, Zool. Ser., vol. 7, nr.
De 12, 1910, p. 416; Rooij, Bijdr. Dierk., nr. 22 (Feestnnmmer Max
Weber), 1922, pp. 249, 253; Ruthven, Occ. Pprs. Mus. Zool., Univ.
vol. Mich., nr. 143, 1923, p. 9; Werner, Zeitschr. wiss. Zool., 125, 1925,
539, 544, 548 Hu in: R 1 i Nederl. An- pp. (part.); mmelinck, e a n o,
Studies Fauna vol. tillen, 1938, p. 209; Huramelinck, Curasao, 1,
1940, p. 114.
Crotalus Amaral, terrificus terrificus, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1930, p. 242;
Amaral, Mem. Inst. But., 10, 162. vol. 1936, pp. 161,
Ber. Reise Niederl. vol. Crotalus spec., Martin, West-Indien, 1, 1888, pp.
135, 141.
ARUBA, Rooi Tamboe, 22.XII.1936 (Oph. 54, female, tab Xlb); Oranje- fem.; stad, VI.1937 (55, male; rev. brothers don.); Aruba, XII.1935 (56,
W. L. Harmsen don.); Aruba, abt. 1930 (57, juv., tab. Xlla; Mr. Meens Aruba, 1885 don.; Aruba (58, m.; St. Thomas College Curagao don.);
Mus. Leiden, 613, R. H. Neervoort van de Poll (fem., reg. no. cotype; J.
coll.); Aruba? (59, juv.; St. Thomas College, Curasao don.); Locality? (m.,
Mus. 1885 Zool. Mus. Leiden, reg. no. 1579, cotype). CURACAO?, (m.,
Amsterdam, R. H. Neervoort van de Poll probably a cotype (vide infra); J. coll.).
Nom. ind.; Cascabel; culebra (= snake); ratelslang (= rattlesnake).
Van Lidth de based his of Jeude (1887, p. 133) description Crotalus horridus unicolor four var. on specimens. One of these was captured on Aruba
by Mr. Neervoort van de Poll, and was presented by him to the
Leiden Museum (reg. no. 613). The second was a specimen already in the
collections of the Leiden Museum; of this specimen Van Lidth de Jeude stated
that the unknown. this I found rattlesnake locality was Searching for specimen a
with a label attached to it mentioning the scale counts given by Van Lidth
d and the described that author. e Jeude, which is undoubtedly specimen by
The bottle containing it, however, is labelled: Sistrurus miliaris, N. Am., N.A.M.
[N.A.M. stands for Natura Artis Magistra, the device of the Amsterdam
Zoological Gardens, which are mentioned by Van Lidth de Jeude as
the donors of the specimen without locality record.] The third and fourth
mentioned Van Lidth de and which be specimens by Jeude, may 132
considered as cotypes, were examined by him in the Zoological Gardens at Amsterdam, where they were kept alive. These two specimens had been collected on Aruba by Mr. Neervoort Poll, van de as stated by Van Lidth de I the which De Jeude. suspected rattlesnake, Rooij (1922, p. 253) described to from Curasao, be one of these. In the files of the Amsterdam
Zoological Museum it is entered as: Crotalus terrificus (Laur.), Curasao 1885,
Van de Poll. its in Probably at death the gardens the specimen was turned over to the Museum, and then was labelled A. Curasao. Dr. L. J. S u ni e r. Director of the Amsterdam Zoological Gardens, and Miss W. Pelt, his
Informed me that two “Crotalus horridus” assistant, kindly were presented to the Gardens by Mr. Neervoort van de Poll on May 24th, 1885. Under this date they are mentioned in the register of donations to the gardens.
the which usual The register mentions them as coming from West Indies, as in the Netherlands includes the islands as well as Surinam. Nothing is known about their further definite history. Although no proof can be given, I believe the to be these Amsterdam specimen one of specimens, and, therefore, one of the cotypes of unicolor.
De Boulenger, (1896, p. 573), Meek (1910, p. 416), Rooij (1922,
and Amaral 161, consider unicolor strict p. 253), (1936, pp. 162) as a
of synonym terrificus. Several recent authors, e.g., Klauber (1936a, pp. 4, 9;
1936b, p. 245; 1937, p. 28; 1939, pp. 45, 46, 48), Gloyd (1936, p. 65),
& and Kauffeld Gloyd (1939, p. 156), Anonymous (1937, p. 3) consider unicolor as a valid species. From the study of the specimens at present available to me, I arrive at the conclusion that unicolor is closely related to
and it considered of this Crotalus durissus, that must be as a subspecies species.
The rattlesnakes, which Dr. Wagenaar Hummelinck brought home
include adults both from Aruba, prove very interesting as they of sexes, as well as young specimens.
wrote Van Lidth de Jeude (1887, p. 133) that the Aruba specimen in the Leiden Museum shows no markings on the back. This is not quite correct,
indicated borders. as rhomboidal spots are faintly by light
& examined twelve Kauffeld Gloyd (1939, p. 159), who young speci-
from note that the colo- mens (5 probably stillborn, 7 extracted the uteri)
of the distinct than that adults. evident ration young is more of This is also
the in the of which 57: from young specimens present collection, one (Oph. for- tab. Xlla) may be described more at length. The specimen (preserved in
of 245 tail 20 mm. The snout is dark, malin) has a head + body length mm,
the the with a light crossbar across prefrontals, continuing over preoculars. downwards below the and widening towards the upper labials it runs obliquely
orbit. The sutures between the prefrontals and the enlarged pair of frontal
is the inner borders of the scales are dark. This also the case with supraoculars.
A short dark stripe starts from the posterior border of the supraoculars, and
It is followed after small runs posteriorly for a short distance. a interspace by
short dark which connected with the a second pair of stripes, are longitudinal
brownish each about stripes on the neck. Neck with two longitudinal stripes,
two scale rows wide, their borders darker; they are separated by a lighter,
wide. the dark greyish median stripe, three scale rows Laterally stripes are
bordered of two scales which is followed dark by a light one wide, by a stripe few and there by one or a light of one scale row wide (here interrupted light greyish scale scales). The region below this narrow dark stripe is (2 rows), 133
while close to the ventrals dark width is a region of unequal present. Over a short distance this dark colour reaches the outer scales, while in other places the outer scales are greyish. On the back distinct rhomboid markings are
consist of brownish present. They a lighter grey centre and a darker, brown border, while they are surrounded by one or two rows of whitish scales. Alter-
with these rhomboid smaller less in nating spots are ones, regular shape.
Between the and the ventrals another large markings series of small dark spots is On the of the present. posterior part body the markings of a transverse series fuse with one another, and form more or less transverse regular bands, sepa- rated by light greyish interspaces. On the tail six of these crossbands can be
discerned. to that of the Lower surface light greyish whitish, tail darker. — Another 59, 265 juvenile (Oph. head + body mm, tail 23 mm) has a similar
colour pattern. A female from Aruba 56, head 520 (Oph. + body mm, tail 50 mm) too
shows traces of the rhomboid markings, which are represented by dark chevrons with borders. Another female 54, head 635 lighter (Oph. + body mm, tail
55 mm) has two short whitish longitudinal stripes, one scale row wide, on the neck; the back of rhomboid visible on traces dark markings are (Table Xlb).
The head and the tail of this specimen have been figured by Realino (1938,
Dr. p. 48) from a photograph made by P. Wagenaar Hummelinck.
The male in the Amsterdam Zoological Museum has faint traces of the markings.
traces of found. It is In the other adult specimens no markings are — clear that
the juvenile Aruba rattlesnakes have a distinct colour pattern, which undergoes
with a reduction age.
is The largest specimen examined a male (Oph. 58) with the following
measurements: 870 100 head + body mm, tail mm (exclusive of rattle).
As said above difference of opinion exists as to the status of the Aruba
rattlesnake. In and in coloration of the shows scalation, young, it great resem-
the rattlesnakes the continent. blance to occurring on South American These
are named Crotalus durissus terrificus (Laur.) by Klauber (1936b, pp. 190,
while Amaral the Crotalus 233), (1936, p. 161) uses name terrificus terrificus
(Laur.), the diversity of opinion arising from the question whether Crotalus
durissus L„ 1758 can be identified. This point I cannot settle, and, therefore
nomenclature of who the latest the I use the Klauber, gave revision of
the genus at present available in Netherlands. [While this paper was being
I the circular Dr. G1 d's revision of the written, received announcing o y genera
Crotalus and Sistrurus. This work could not be consulted.]
The Aruba rattlesnakes differ from the continental specimens in their smaller
scales does show the size, and in the fading coloration. The keel on the not
Crotalus durissus durissus L. and durissus posterior boss present in Crotalus
The of the vertebrae of the same terrificus (Laur.). processus spinosi are type
the mentioned. To the in the Aruba specimens as in those in subspecies existing
attribute value the Aruba rattlesnake, there- differences I can subspecific only; durissus unicolor Van Lidth de fore, ma'y be known as Crotalus Jeude. refers Crotalus Ditmars, 1905, from Gloyd (1936, p. 66) pulvis Nicaragua much in favour the of unicolor, and indeed his are to synonymy arguments very
the coloration of rattlesnakes is rather variable, of such a procedure. However,
have been recorded 1927, and several cases of aberrant specimens (Amaral,
56, 91; 1932, 82, 5; 1934, 152), and unless further specimens of pp. p. fig. p. 1. between labials 4 3—4 3—4 3—4 4 4 3-4 3—4 and
r. 4 3—4 3—4 3—4 4 4 3—4 3 scales eye
1. 15 14 15 13 13 15 14 15 15 infralabials r. 14 14 13 13 13 14 14 16 14
1. 14 14 13 13 14 14 14 14 13 supralabials r. 13 13 13 13 13 14 13 13 13
unicolor 27 subcaudals 1/1+21 2/2+27 3+2/1+25 28 1/1+21 2/2+21 22+3/2 19. I+1+I+27 TABLE durissus
2 169'/ Crotalus ventrals 166 161 160 162 159 167 149+3/3+15+1/1 142+4/4+13
21 21 21 21 21 21 21 23 21 rows 27 27 27 25 27 27 27 27 27 scale 25. 25 25 25 27 25 25 25 25
sex fem. m. m. m. m. fem. fem. juv. juv.
. . .
. . .
? cotype cotype cotype specimens 613, 1579, 55 58 54 56 57 59
Leiden Leiden, Amsterdam, Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. Oph. 135
similar coloration collected are in Nicaragua, I believe it to be a safer course
to consider aberrant Crotalus pulvis as an specimen, of Crotalus durissus durissus L.
Crotalus durissus terrificus (Laur.)
Crotalus durissus K1 b Trans. terrificus, a u e r. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist.,
vol. 8, nr. 20, 1936, pp. 190, 233.
Crotalus A terrificus durissus, m a r a 1, Mem. Inst. But., vol. 4, 1929, 243 p. (part.).
Crotalus Mem. Inst. terrificus copeanus Amaral, But., vol. 10, 1936, p. 162 (part.).
GOAJERA, Rio Hacha, 19.1.1936 (Oph. 4, male). Nom. ind.: Cascabel (= little bell).
Sq. 29, 27, 21, v. 169, sc. 29.
Stomach contents: a rodent.
Dr. Hummelinck made enquiries about the possible occurrence of snakes on of the other Venezuelan Islands. Snakes be some seem to lacking on Morro
Pando and Morro Fondeadero (Los Hermanos), Blanquilla, and on Gran Roque
(Los Roques). Dryadophis quinquelineatus (Steind.) or Dryadophis amarali
(Stuart) seems to occur on Puerto Real (Los Frailes). A snake probably
of belonging to one these species was observed, but not captured on Isla de Caribes.
Meek boddaertii from (1910, p. 416) mentions Drymobius Margarita and
Las from Aves; probably these specimens belong to Dryadophis quinquelineatus
Stuart has (Steind.). (1938, p. 7) recorded Dryadophis amarali (Stuart) from and from the Venezuelan this author Margarita, Tobago, mainland; supposes that D. amarali Los probably occurs on Testigos too. The present collection does not contain specimens of D. amarali.
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