The Amphibians and Reptiles of Sinaloa, Mexico - Smithsonian ...

176 UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS PUBLS., MUS. NAT. HIST.
Leptodeira personata Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat, Sci. Philadelphia, 20:310, 1869
(type locality, Mazatian, Sinaloa),
Remarks.—There are more body blotches (ca. 22-27) and lateral
intercalary spots are more frequent in specimens of Leptodeira
maculata in Sinaloa than in specimens from farther south (Duellman,
1958a: 55-56). Two males from southern Sinaloa have 167, 165
ventrals; 69, 69 subcaudals; 23, 24 dorsal body blotches; and 10, 15
dorsal tail blotches. Both specimens have 21-23-17 scale rows; the
lateral blotches are faintly evident and the upper labials are smudged
with brown. Most specimens were collected at night in proximity
to roadside ponds, where the snakes were attracted by the multitude
of breeding amphibians. An individual (LACM 6913) was collected
with a half-engulfed Bufo mazatlanensis in its mouth. The toad was
dislodged but died shortly. An obvious discoloration was noted on
the anterior portion of the toad, probably a result of the mild venom
utilized by the snake in securing prey. Scott (1962:54) reported
specimens feeding on the smashed remains of frogs and toads on
the highway near Palmillas. A specimen taken from a hole in the
buttress roots of a large fig tree regurgitated a Bufo mazatlanensis.
During the dry season specimens have been collected beneath rocks
or surface debris along rivers or near dry ponds.
Distribution in Sinaloa.—Occurs throughout the state from Mazatlan
southward. See Fig. 70.
Specimens examined.—3 mi. NE Concordia (CAS 91920); 3.7 mi. NE Concordia
(CSCLB 1889-90); 4.9 mi. NE Concordia (LACM 6912); between
Escuinapa and Palmillas (on hwy. 15) (LACM 6919-20, 7243); 17 mi. S
Escuinapa (JFC 62:55); Matatan, 170 m. (°KU 73543); 15 mi. S Mazatlan,
Rio Presidio (SU 18260); 5.7 mi. S Rancho Huanacastie (LACM 6917);
Rosario, 150 m. (*KU 73542); 7 mi. SE Rosario (LACM 6914); 7.2 mi. NW
Rosario (LACM 6915); Santa Lucia (CSCLH 1888); 5.1 mi. N Sinaloa-Nayarit
border (LACM 6918); Teacapan (LACM 6921); 2.5 mi. E Teacapan (LACM
6923); 2 mi. SE Teacapan (LACM 6922); 8.4 mi. NE Villa Uni6n LACM
6913).
Literature records.—Cbele, 300 ft. (Duellman, 1958a:57); Mazatlan (Smith,
1943a:440; Duellman, 1958a:57); Presidio (Duellman, 1958a:57); I mi. N
Presidio; 10 mi. S Presidio (Taylor, 1938:526); Rosario (Smith, 1943a:440;
Duellman, 1958a:57).
Additional records.—Concordia (UMMZ 102484-85); 11 mi. NE Concordia
(SM 10936-40); 12 mi. NE Concordia (SM 11022); 18.9 mi, SE Escuinapa
(FAS 14848); 36.9 mi. S Escuinapa (FAS 14764); 4 mi. E Villa Uni6n (UF
16827); 24.8 mi. E hwy. 15 (Villa Umc-n) on hwy. 40 (SU 23853-54).
Leptodeira punctata {Peters)
Crotaphopeltis punctata Peters, Monateber. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, for 1866:93,
1867 [type locality, South Africa (by error)).
Leptodeira pacifica Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci, Philadelphia, 20:310, 1869
(type locality, Mazatlan, Sinaloa). '
Leptodeira punctata: Boulenger, Zoologist, ser. 3, 11:178, 1887.