asymmetry

Morphological characteristics of Elaphe dione (Pallas, 1773) (Reptilia: Colubridae) on the North of the range in the Samara region

A detailed morphological description of the Elaphe dione (Pallas, 1773) in the Samara region is given. In wild-caught adult specimens that were not in a state of molting (n = 119), three variants of belly coloration were identified: beige (47.0%), ginger (26.9%), and gray (26.1%). Among individuals with beige and ginger bellies predominated males (67.9% and 59.4%, respectively), and females with gray bellies predominated (54.8%). The first case of partial melanism in the region was registered. The maximum L.corp.

Morphological characteristics of Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768 (Colubridae, Reptilia) in the Samara region

The morphological characteristics of Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768 in the Samara region are presented. The proportion of melanists in the total sample (n = 147) was 2.04%. In wild-caught individuals of different ages and in calves obtained under laboratory conditions which were not in a state of molting, five variants of belly coloration (n = 140) were recorded, namely: black (17.1%), gray (5.0%), brown (17.9%), beige (2.9 %), and orange (57.1%).