Morphological characteristics of the elusive blotched snake (Elaphe sauromates) at its northwestern range limit (Romania)

Abstract

The blotched snake (Elaphe sauromates) is one of the most elusive species of snakes in Romania, and only a small number of individuals have ever been found, which is why morphological data are both scarce and over half a century old. The data gathered from the individuals captured during our field work confirmed the presence of sexual dimorphism (significant for SVL/TL ratios) and presented a greater morphological variation than recorded in the scientific literature. Individuals examined usually had more than 2 rows of temporal scales and displayed variation in subocular scales, as opposed to the information previously available, hinting at a possible environmental influence on meristic characteristics.