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Alessandro Paterna

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (3): 693-700

    Alessandro Paterna & Mauro Grano
    Morphology of the maxillary bones in the Caspian whipsnake Dolichophis caspius (Serpentes Colubridae) supports the opisthoglyphous model within western palearctic whipsnakes
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.3.693.700

    ABSTRACT
    The analysis of the dentiferous bones, in particular of the maxillae of the Caspian whipsnake Dolichophis caspius, reveals the presence of features typical of opisthoglyphous colubroids. Modified teeth are present in the posterior extremities of the maxillae, morphologically different from the anterior ones, from which they are separated by an alveolar diastema. In correspondence of such diastema, the maxillary bone deviates ventrally, positioning the rear teeth inferiorly than the anterior ones. As in other opisthoglyphous species, such characteristics are also visible in the palatomaxillary arches of in vivo individuals, as the rear maxillary teeth are covered by cuffs/sheaths which are easily recognizable from the surrounding mucosa. Presence of such traits was also found in the congeneric Dolicohphis jugularis and Dolichophis schmidti, and discussed in the other western Palearctic whipsnakes and racers species, suggesting that such adaptations may be developed in common ancestors from which such clade originated.