Key to character abbreviations
used for meristic and other data for snakes

Click here to see species list


General remark: forward slashes [/] separate common conditions when character state is variable and parentheses [()] indicate a rare condition for that character


Genus = currently recognized genus

Species = currently accepted species (including subspecies, if any recognized)

AT = anterior temporals

C = carination of dorsal scales
(S = entirely smooth, K = strongly keeled, k = weakly keeled, a = anal ridges, b = bicarinate, n = posteriorly notched, q = quadricarinate, s = striated, t = tuberculate)

CO = circumorbitals

CST = cloacal shield type
(D = divided, E = entire, A = single enlarged shield absent)

Elev. = elevation above or below sea level in meters (negative symbol indicates below sea level)

IL = infralabials

IN = internals

L = loreals

LON = maximum reported longevity (in years)

LOA = minimum and maximum reported lengths in mm

MSR = number of midbody scale rows

OS = minimum and maximum number of reported offspring (eggs, hatchlings or neonates, forward slashes [/] separate confirmed from unconfirmed reports)

PF = prefrontals

PO = postoculars

PR = preoculars

PT = posterior temporals

RM = reproductive mode
(0 = oviparous, 1 = ovoviviparous)

RTL = relative tail length (as % total length)

SC = minimum and maximum number of reported subcaudal scales

SCT = subcaudal type (1 = single, 2 = paired, 3 = combination of both, U = undifferentiated)

SL = supralabials

SLO = supralabials in orbit

Ven = minimum and maximum number of reported ventral scutes