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Type specimens of Crotalus scutulatus (Chordata: Reptilia: Squamata: Viperidae) re-examined, with new evidence after more than a century of confusion

May 2, 2013

The original description of Crotalus scutulatus (Chordata: Reptilia: Squamata: Viperidae) was published in 1861 by Robert Kennicott, who did not identify a type specimen or a type locality. We review the history of specimens purported to be the type(s) and various designations of type locality. We provide evidence that ANSP 7069 (formerly one of two specimens of USNM 5027) is the holotype and that the appropriate type locality is Fort Buchanan, near present-day Sonoita, in Santa Cruz County, Arizona.

Publication Year 2013
Title Type specimens of Crotalus scutulatus (Chordata: Reptilia: Squamata: Viperidae) re-examined, with new evidence after more than a century of confusion
DOI 10.2988/0006-324X-126.1.11
Authors Michael D. Cardwell, Steve W. Gotte, Roy W. McDiarmid, Ned Gilmore, James A. Poindexter
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington
Index ID 70045719
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Patuxent Wildlife Research Center