Two records of xanthism in Corallus hortulana (Serpentes: Boidae) in Bolivia with comments on the yellow, patternless morphotype

ABSTRACT

Snakes display a wide range of skin colors and patterns, acting in ecological, behavioral, and physiological roles. Xanthism has been reported in numerous snake species, including many neotropical taxa. Corallus hortulana is a polychromatic species widely distributed throughout South America. Yellow, patternless individuals, while rare, have been recognized as within the species’ polychromatic range. We report the first yellow, patternless specimens of Corallus hortulana collected in Bolivia and discuss whether these individuals fit the criteria of xanthism.

KEYWORDS:
snakes; polychromatism; chromatic aberrancies; Amazon