A Revision of Snakes of the Genus Conophis (Family Colubridae, from Middle America)Wellman, John
Science
A Revision of Snakes of the Genus Conophis (Family Colubridae, from Middle America)
Wellman, John
Conophis; Snakes -- Central America
Puebla: Atencingo, KU 39626.
Skull
In studying the osteology of the genus _Conophis_, I have examined
two complete skeletons (one _C. vittatus_ and one _C. lineatus_); two
additional skulls of _C. vittatus_ and _C. lineatus_; and 24 sets of
dentigerous bones, representing all of the species. Terminology
of the skeletal elements is that of Duellman (1958), Parker (1878),
Radovanovic (1937) and Szunyoghy (1932). The drawing of
the right side of the skull of a specimen of _Tomodon lineatus_ that
appears in Jan and Sordelli (1881:liv. 50, pl. 2, fig. 34) is of little
value due to its small size and lack of detail.
The skull of _Conophis_ is typical of a relatively unspecialized
colubrid snake. Skulls of _Conophis lineatus concolor_ and _C. vittatus_
closely resemble each other. The following description is based
primarily on the skull of _C. lineatus concolor_ (UMMZ S-778).
The elements are discussed in the following order: nasal region,
cranium and associated elements, maxillo-palatal-pterygoid arch,
mandible, dentition, and vertebrae.
[Illustration: FIG. 6. The skull, lacking dentigerous bones, of
_Conophis lineatus concolor_ (UMMZ S-788) showing (A) dorsal,
(B) lateral, and (C) ventral views. × 3.]
_Nasal region._--The premaxillary is relatively heavy and has a
concavity posteroventrally. The lateral processes slope downward, but
remain fairly thick, and do not project far laterally. This shape
(fig. 6) tends to strengthen the nasal region; this anterior
strengthening may be a reflection of the fossorial habits of these
snakes. There are no posterior processes of the premaxillary; thus the
line of fusion with the nasals and septo-maxillaries is broad. The
nasal plate is more than twice as long as wide. The nasals are
relatively flat above, although each curves slightly downward medially
and fuses into the medial nasal septum; laterally each nasal is
narrower and deflected downward, forming a small dorsal shield over
the nasal cavity. The septo-maxillaries are closely associated with
the vomers and form the cavity in which the organ of Jacobson is
situated. The broad medial part of the septo-maxillary forms the roof
and anterior border of the cavity, whereas the anterior part of the
vomer contains the main part of the capsule and forms the posterior
and most of the lateral borders of the cavity. The vomer has a thin
anterior ridge that gradually disappears before it reaches the border
of the premaxillary. The vomer is approximately U-shaped, when viewed
from below. It has no posterior process and does not articulate with
the parasphenoid; there is a sizeable gap between the two bones. The
septo-maxillary has a lateral process that terminally is directed
slightly anteriorly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account