Boa constrictor melanogaster
On eastern foot of Andes edge is found a controversial Boa constrictor
constrictor form. Some herpetologist incline to define a new subspecies
called Boa constrictor melanogaster (Langhammer, 1983), some say that it is
only a endemic form of Boa constrictor constrictor.
Found exemplars are very long (approx. 3m) and they have very spectacular black
abdominal coloration (melanin = black, gaster = abdomen). Saddles are mostly
longitudinal connected and creating circle back. But number of saddles is almost
lower than number by Mesoamerican forms of Boa constrictor constrictors.
My opinion to this is that Boa constrictor melanogaster is well adapted Boa
constrictor constrictor to living in higher altitude above sea-level. Other
snake species (Vipera berus, Boa constrictor occidentalis), found in higher
range, are disposing more melanin to absorb more heat from sun, something like
sun heat collector. Let see how the herpetology experts will solve this
question. To find and define a new subspecies is not out of the question
(more in article about Boa constrictor longicauda).
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