First record of Oxyrhopus occipitalis (Wied-Neuwied, 1824) in Central America

Primer registro de Oxyrhopus occipitalis (Wied-Neuwied, 1824) en América Central

Abstract

The first record in Central America of the species Oxyrhopus occipitalis (Wied-Neuwied, 1824) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) is presented, with a juvenile collected and photographic specimen, the latter obtained with citizen science information available on the Inaturalist platform. The two records were made in the Province of Darién, Serranía de Pirre, Republic of Panama. Pholidosis data was obtained, to compare and identify the specimen using a dichotomous key of snakes and the genus Oxyrhopus of Colombia. A complete count of head and body scales is presented, including a complete description of coloration. For the adult, a count and partial description of the cephalic scales is presented, including a partial description of the coloration of the head and the anterior portion of the body. With these records the number of species of the genus Oxyrhopus in Panama increases to two. The taxonomic status of this species has been controversial for many years and taxonomic changes can be expected in the future.