Lampropeltis sp.
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publication ID |
https://doi.org/10.26879/1304 |
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persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/437E047F-801C-8577-B999-FF79D17E9271 |
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treatment provided by |
Felipe |
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scientific name |
Lampropeltis sp. |
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Lampropeltis sp. Fitzinger, 1843
( Figures 2 View FIGURE 2 , 3 View FIGURE 3 )
SHSU-1-311. A conglomeration of matrix with articulated segments of precloacal trunk vertebrae and ribs imbedded.
Description and Diagnosis
The specimen identification was narrowed down to belonging to the family Colubridae due to the lack of hypapophyses on the trunk vertebrae, distinct subcentral ridges/grooves, and prominent well-projected prezygapophyseal accessory processes (Holman, 2000). From the family, possible identifications were narrowed down based on size and similarity. Because the vertebrae have distinct synapophyses (rib attachment points) and various unsegmented ribs are preserved within the material encasing the specimen, the vertebrae are interpreted to be from the precloacal trunk region of the vertebral column. The vertebrae have an average centrum length of 5.62 mm and an average neural arch width of 5.01 mm. The ratios of neural spine length to neural spine height, and cotyle width to cotyle height of SHSU-1-311 are 1.39 and 0.99, respectively. Neural spine heights are greater than lengths, and they also have a posterior overhang. The neural arches are moderately vaulted with convex laminae. The prezygapophyseal accessory processes exhibit lengths less than the greatest lengths of the prezygapophyseal processes and are thick with rounded/blunted ends. The zygapophyses are pronounced laterally, and the zygosphene lacks an anteriorly flattened roof. The subcentral ridges are strongly developed. These characters are all consistent with referral to the specimen of Lampropeltis ( Figures 3 View FIGURE 3 , 4 View FIGURE 4 ).
Comparisons
Members of Pantherophis have characteristics similar to Lampropeltis , but Pantherophis has less depressed neural arches, higher and thinner neural spines, and longer, less rounded accessory processes than seen in SHSU-1-311 (Auffenberg, 1963; Parmley, 1986a; Holman, 1995, 2000). Specimens of Pantherophis ( Figure 5 View FIGURE 5 ) have a similar general shape to SHSU-1-311, especially with the neural spine and zygapophyses. The vertebrae differ in the lack of lateral distinctions of the zygosphene, in wider neural arches, and in how the accessory processes do not have as much of an upward curve seen in cranial and caudal views ( Figure 5 View FIGURE 5 ).
The neural spine length is greater than the height in Rhinocheilus compared to that of SHSU- 1-311 ( Figures 3 View FIGURE 3 , 6 View FIGURE 6 ). Both specimens have a posterior overhang. The neural spine has a less rounded ventral portion anteriorly and a more rounded ventral portion posteriorly in comparison to SHSU-1- 311. The neural arches appear to be more rounded and wider in the Rhinocheilus specimen ( Figure 6 View FIGURE 6 ). The prezygapophysis and postzygapophysis are similar in shape to SHSU-1-311. The accessory process is rounded but extends more laterally. The zygosphene is similar in shape with a more rounded medial portion.
Specimens of Cemophora have a greater neural spine length than height, with a slight posterior overhang ( Figure 7 View FIGURE 7 ). The neural arches are not as depressed as those of SHSU-1-311. The prezygapophysis and postzygapophysis are both similar in shape to SHSU-1-311. The accessory process is not rounded ( Figure 7 View FIGURE 7 ). The zygosphene is similar in the lateral distinctions but is not as flat medially as seen in SHSU-1-311 ( Figures 3 View FIGURE 3 , 7 View FIGURE 7 ). This specimen has a projection on the portion below the neural spine in lateral view, not seen in SHSU-1-311.
No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.