First record of leucism in the polychromatic Amazon tree boa, Corallus hortulana (Serpentes, Boidae) of South America

ABSTRACT

Snakes have a wide variety of color patterns that can be related to specific ecological and physiological functions. However, genetic mutations can lead to the appearance of anomalous color patterns, which can directly interfere with the fitness of individuals. Leucism is a chromatic anomaly characterized by the almost total absence of epidermal and dermal chromatophores that produce the color. Corallus hortulana is an arboreal snake with nocturnal habits, widely distributed throughout South America, with a wide range of color patterns, known as polychromatism. Here we report the first case of leucism in Corallus hortulana and discuss the potential ecological implications of this anomaly in this species.

KEYWORDS:
Amazonia; Squamata; coloration; color pattern; snakes; French Guiana