Vipera sakoi
| Vipera sakoi | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Vipera |
| Species: | V. sakoi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Vipera sakoi Tuniyev et al., 2018
| |
Vipera sakoi, also known as Sako's viper, is a possible species of viper found in Turkey.[1] These names are in honour of the son, friend and colleague of Tuniyev et al., Sako Tuniyev, who studied shield-headed snakes and died three years prior to the official description of the snake.[2] The status of V. sakoi is uncertain as, while it is 4–5% genetically distinct from Vipera darevskii, their isolation from each other is uncertain. It is possible V. sakoi is a part of V. darevskii.[3]
Description
[edit | edit source]Sako's viper is generally a rather small species.[2] Scale numbers depend on sex. Males have a small number of midbody and apical scales and a large number of preventral scales.[2] Females, on the other hand, have a large number of ventral scales, as well as a small number of sublabial scales.[2] Both sexes have a small number of shield scales.[2] Vipers from the Erzincan area are unique from all other vipers by their small number of loreal scales and large number of supralabial scales.[2]
In terms of patterning, females have a rather small number of zigzags, with a continuous pattern, while males have a larger number of disconnected zigzags.[1] Dorsally, males are grey while females are light brown, and ventrally, females are light grey and males are dark-spotted.[1] All Sako's Vipers have a white throat.[1]
Distribution
[edit | edit source]Vipera sakoi is generally found in the Gumuşhane District of Turkey.[2] V. sakoi is typically found in areas with limestone rocks, taluses and shrubs.
References
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