Morphology of Nikolsky’s viper in Voronezh and Lipetsk regions

Abstract

New data about the morphology of Nikolsky’s viper (Vipera berus nikolskii Vedmederja, Grubant & Rudaeva, 1986) were summarized for 2008 — 2014. Average values of metric features and data of scalation were defined. Sexual dimorphism is observed on the number of features. These features are: body length, tail length, head length, number of ventrale, subcaudale, loreale, supracirculare. Correlation between body sizes, and between scalation and body sizes was found in males and females. Comparison of vipers from Voronezh and Lipetsk regions with vipers from other regions and the adjacent countries in the following parameters was carried out. These parameters are: body length, tail length, ventrale and subcaudale. Refs 7. Table 1.