Variação entre filhotes de representantes do complexo Bothrops newied (Serpentes, Viperidae, Crotalinae)

Abstract

External morphological characters of 141 young specimens (69 males and 72 females)of the Bothrops newied complex were analyzed. Regression analysis was used in the study of morphometric characters and principal components analysis was used in the study of meristic and qualitative characters. Sexual dimorphism was confirmed in the meristic and morphometric characters. Males showed higher counts of subcaudals and longer tails. Females showed eventually higher number of ventrals and dorsal rows, and larger heads. Six different drawing patterns were diagnosed and can indicate the existence of different species. Ontogenetic variation was described.

Keywords

• Bothrops neuwiedi complex
• Crotalinae
• Viperidae
• Serpentes
• Sexual Dimorphism
• Geographic Variation
• Ontogenetic Variation