横斑锦蛇的形态学性状初探

横斑锦蛇Euprepiophis perlacea是中国西部特有种,《中国濒危动物红皮书》极危物种,研究成果相对匮乏。本研究采用样带法和样方法在横斑锦蛇分布区内采集到标本20号,测量其鳞片特征、体长、尾长等形态学性状,结合文献资料中已有的5号标本数据,进行统计分析。结果表明,鳞片特征是有效的分类依据,尤其背鳞(19-19-17行)、左上唇鳞数(7)和右上唇鳞数(7)在所有标本中无任何变化,是鉴定该物种的最重要特征。对尾下鳞、体长、尾长、头长、头宽、头高、眼间距共7个形态学性状数据进行方差分析,性别间的差异均无统计学意义,未发现蛇类中普遍存在的两性异形现象。横斑锦蛇体色靓丽、无毒、性情温和、行动迟缓、分布区狭窄、种群数量稀少,分布区内人口密度高,人为干扰严重,急需加强科学研究、法制宣传和科普教育,以保障该物种种群延续。

Preliminary Exploration of Morphological Characters of Euprepiophis perlacea

Euprepiophis perlacea is an endemic species in western China. It is also a critically endangered species in China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. In this study, 20 specimens of E. perlacea were collected by transect method and sampling method in the distribution area. The scale characteristics, body length, tail length and other morphological characteristics were measured. The data of 25 specimens were analyzed statistically, including 5 specimens redorded in the literatures. The results showed that the scale characteristics were effective for classification. Especially, the dorsal scale (19-19-17 lines), the number of left upper lip scale (7) and the right upper lip scale (7) had no difference among all specimens, and thus these could be considered as typical features for species identification. Seven morphological traits, including subcaudal scale, body length, tail length, head length, head width, head height and eye spacing, were analyzed by ANOVA. No significant difference was found between sexes, and no sexual dimorphism was found in E. perlacea. Considering the beautiful body, non-toxic, mild temperament, slow movement, narrow distribution area, sparse population of E. perlacea, but high human population density and serious human disturbance, it is urgent to strengthen the scientific research, legal publicity and popular science education to ensure the continuity of this species.