Morphological and anatomical studies on the Leptotyphlopidae have increased in the past 10 years, providing important data on the systematics of this group, mainly focused on the skull and lower jaw morphology. However, most studies are based on a single specimen, rarely combining more than one single method of assessing morphological information. Therefore, several data on postcranial morphology, sexual dimorphism, and ontogenetic and intraspecific variation of leptotyphlopids remain poorly understood. Herein, we provide a detailed description of the cranial and postcranial skeleton of Trilepida salgueiroi based on more than 20 specimens (including males, females and juveniles), as well as a description of osteology and cartilaginous elements through the use of combined methodologies such as X-ray scanning, high resolution CT-scanning, and clearing and staining of articulated and disarticulated specimens. We also provide data on the presence/absence of dimorphic and intraspecific variation of the observed characters. The presence of a statolithic mass in the cavum vestibuli differs from the pattern found in other scolecophidians. A correlation of dorsal vertebrae with ventral and subcaudal scales was found (1:1), as well as total number of vertebrae with middorsal scales (1:1), thoracolumbar vertebrae and ventral scales (1:1), and a higher number of caudal vertebra with subcaudal scales (1.23:1). Intraspecific variation was found in several elements of the skull, lower jaw, pelvic girdle and vertebral number, but no evidence of sexual dimorphism was found in any of the species characters analysed. The homologies of several elements are discussed, although still remaining poorly understood and unknown. Anat

The systematics of Leptotyphlopidae is historically controversial mostly due to their conserved external morphology in comparison with other snakes. However, recent studies have stressed that anatomical data might be informative for clarifying the leptotyphlopid taxonomy and evolution. We erect a new genus to accommodate Leptotyphlops collaris based on evidence from osteology, hemipenial morphology, and molecular data. We also provide expanded data regarding the intraspecific variation based on additional specimens collected in field trips and literature data, performing detailed comparisons among the new genus and all other New World leptotyphlopids. The new genus is distinguished from other leptotyphlopids by its unique hemipenial morphology and its exclusive combination of osteological and external morphology characters, with molecular data also supporting the new generic arrangement. We also provide a comprehensive discussion of the hemipenial morphology for the subfamily Epictinae based on literature and novel data gathered herein.

A new species of Leptotyphlops dulcis group is described from the central Brazilian Cerrado, which is diagnosed by rostral shape, general colour pattern, and number of middorsal and subcaudal scales. This taxon has been commonly misidentified as L. koppesi in some Brazilian collections and by some authors. Leptotyphlops koppesi was described from the municipality of Terenos, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, based on a single specimen. Since its original description, only three subsequent records appear in the literature reporting additional specimens of L. koppesi. We redescrib the holotype of Leptotyphlops koppesi, defining its geographic range and diagnose this from all species of L. dulcis group. Data on morphometric and meristic variation are reported for the new species and L. koppesi as well. Comparisons are made between the new species and all other South American species of the L. dulcis group. The hemipenis of the new species has a narrow basal portion and a series of lateral flounces. This general hemipenial morphology is unique among Neotropical leptotyphlopids, otherwise known only from Atlantic Rainforest species L. salgueiroi.

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Reproductive biology and diet of Liophis poecilogyrus poecilogyrus (Serpentes, Colubridae) from southeastern Brazil. We describe the reproductive pattern and the diet of Liophis poecilogyrus poecilogyrus based on examination of museum specimens. The snake has an aseasonal reproductive pattern, suggesting multiple clutches during a year. Females are larger than males when sexual maturity is reached. Clutch size ranges from six to 15 eggs. The diet of Liophis poecilogyrus poecilogyrus is composed of anurans, and there are no a foraging decrease during the clutching season.