Chironius fuscus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Serpentes: Colubridae): distribution extension, new state record and variation in southern Brazil

Abstract

Abstract:The colubrid snake Chironius fuscus (Colubridae) is a widely distributed species in South America, exhibiting a disjunct distribution associated to rainforests of Amazonia and Eastern Brazil (from Pernambuco to Paraná States). In this study, we present new distributional data from Paraná state and extend the known range to the state of Santa Catarina. We also present meristic and morphometric data of the southernmost populations of the species.

Chironius fuscus (Serpentes: Colubridae): Predation over anurans in explosive reproduction

“…The predatory activity reported herein reinforces the ecological data for ground foraging (Rodrigues, 2007), since even though there were available preys over the water and in higher vegetation strata, the three predated individuals were on the margin of the flooded area, next to the ground.…”

“…Its activity is predominantly diurnal, although nocturnal foraging has been recorded (Hartmann, 2005). Although foraging events in aquatic and arboreal environments have already been reported (Marques et al, 2001;Pontes et al, 2009), C. fuscus is a typical ground forager species (Rodrigues, 2007).When compared to its congeners, C. fuscus presents a relatively small and slender body, feeding mainly on terrestrial amphibians of the family Leptodactylidae, even though there are also records of predation in Hylidae (Dixon et al, 1993;Morato, 2005;Rodrigues, 2007).…”

“…Chironius fuscus (Linnaeus, 1758) presents a disjunct geographical distribution, occurring in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Equator, French Guyana, Guyana, Surinam and Venezuela. In the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, it is distributed from Pernambuco to Santa Catarina, being relatively common in some places (Hoogmoed, 1982;Dixon et al, 1993;Pontes et al, 2009;Souza-Filho et al, 2012).…”