Reproduction and feeding of the colubrid snake Tomodon dorsatus from south-eastern Brazil

Abstract

AbstractBody size, sexual dimorphism, reproductive cycles, fecundity, diet and feeding behaviour of the colubrid snake Tomodon dorsatus from south-eastern Brazil were studied. Females of this viviparous species attained larger body sizes than males, the latter maturing with smaller body size than the former. Vitellogenesis occurred at the onset of rainy season, ovulation by mid rainy season, and parturition from late dry to early rainy season. Reproductive cycle was extended, maybe as a consequence of the low metabolism and food intake. Litter size ranged 4-26 offspring and was correlated with maternal body size. Relative clutch mass ranged 0.48-0.82, and neonates ranged 12-17 cm in snout-vent length. Tomodon dorsatus was shown to feed exclusively on veronicellid slugs quickly swallowed by long excursions of the specialized upper jaw units.