Range extension and natural history observations of a rare Panamanian snake, Geophis bellus Myers, 2003 (Colubridae: Dipsadinae)

By

Elizondo Lara, Luis C.
Sosa-Bartuano, Angel
Ruback, Patty
Ray, Julie M.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2015-6-12

Original Publication

Check list : journal of species lists and distribution

Volume

11

Series / Issue

Issue: 4

Pages

1675--5

Subjects

Coclé , Colón , Reproduction , Veraguas

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

[São Paulo, Brazil] Luís Felipe Toledo 2005-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15560/11.4.1675

 

Abstract

The fossorial snake Geophis bellus is a small Panamanian endemic previously known only from the holotype. Here we report additional specimens, which greatly expand the known range of the species ca. 200 km from the type locality into western Panama. Furthermore, we provide information on sexual dimorphism in some scalation counts and in body and tail size. Finally, we provide information on natural history, including activity period, habitat usage, and reproductive cycle. Such discoveries are important for the development of conservation plans for this species in Panamá.