Characterization and frequency of anomalous scales in the Boettger’s Sipo (Chironius flavolineatus)

Abstract

Studies on anomalous scales in snakes are still very incipient. Little is known about their causes, and they may or may not imply performance disadvantages for individuals bearing them. In addition to being rarely reported, these anomalies are seldom used to assist in snake identification in capture-mark-recapture studies. We describe the types, frequency, and occurrence patterns of anomalous ventral and subcaudal scales, as well as their use alongside marking techniques in a capture-mark-recapture study of a Boettger’s Sipo (Chironius flavolineatus) population in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. We found 11 types of anomalies in 24 individuals, of which we recaptured four of the snakes with no change in the location or type of anomalies present. Some types of anomalies tended to occur in only one sex and were recorded in both adult and newly hatched individuals, suggesting no negative influence on the survival of an individual.