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

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF SMALOA, MEXICO 203
Remarks.—Tantilla bimaculata was described by Cope (1874-
1881:143) on the basis of a specimen from Mazatlan. Taylor
(1936b: 346) placed T. bimaculata in the synonymy of T. calamarina,
a species that occurs in the lowlands of western Mexico. A second
specimen (MCZ 61430, a male) has a total length of 153; tail length,
38; 127 ventrals; 36 subcaudals; 6-6 supralabials; 6-8 infralabials;
1-1 preoculars; 1-1 postoculars. The body is tan above rather than
gray and the lateral dark stripe is on the third and fourth scale rows.
Other characteristics are as described by Smith (1942a:35).
Distribution in Sinaloa,—Known only from the southern coastal
lowlands around Mazatlan. See Fig. 84,
Specimen examined.—29 km. N Mazatlan (• MCZ 61430).
Literature records.—Mazatlan (Cope, 1874-1881:143 and 1887:84; Smith,
1942a:35andl943a:474).
Tantilla yaquia Smith
Tantilla yaquia Smith, Zoologies, 27:41, April 30, 1942 (type locality,
Guasaremos, Rio Mayo, Chihuahua).
Remarks.—Zweifel and Norris (1955:243) proposed that T.
bogerti Hartweg be considered a subspecies of T. yaquia on the
basis of a single specimen from Mirasol, Sonora. They distinguished
yaquia from bogerti by the presence (in yaquia) of more ventrals,
more subcaudals, and a less extensive black cap. Tanner (1966:135)
considered bogerti and yaquia subspecies of Tantilla planiceps. We
agree with Tanner's proposal that TantiUa yaquia is allied to T,
planiceps of Baja California, but we cannot accept his contention
that yaquia, atriceps and planiceps represent the same species.
Furthermore, we have found that the characteristics utilized by
Tanner (1966:148) and Zweifel and Norris (1955:243) to distinguish
between bogerti and yaquia show clinal variation. On this
basis we place T. y. bogerti in synonymy with T. y. yaquia. A detailed
study of T. yaquia will be presented elsewhere.
Seven specimens of T. yaquia have 134-150 (145.8) ventrals; 48-61
(52.8) subcaudals (except UIMNH 34921); 7-7 (7-8 in 1) supralabials;
6-6 infralabials; 1-1 preocular; 2-2 postoculars. The mental
is separated from the chin shields in all specimens examined.
Distribution in Sinaloa.—Probably occurs throughout the state.
See Fig. 84.
Specimens examined.—Costa Rica (* UIMNH 34921); 43.8 mi. S Culiacan
( e UAZ 16310); 1 km. ENE El Cajon, 1000 m. (*KU 93500); Labrados
(*CAS 64976); 5.8 mi. N Mazatlan {"LACM 6998) 16 mi. N Mazatlan
(*JFC 62:53); Teacapan (*LACM 7001).
Literature record,—Costa Rica (Smith and Van Gelder, 1955:147).
Additional Record.—-22.4 mi. SE Piaxtla, Rio (SU 23788).