Morphological characteristics and sexual dimorphism of meadow viper (Vipera ursinii macrops) from eastern Montenegro

Abstract

Morphological traits of Vipera ursini macrops were generally studied, but data about intrapopulation variability of some characters are still incomplete. Morphometric and meristic data of about one hundred specimens form the population of meadow vipers (Vipera ursinii macrops) from Bjelasica Mountain National Park (eastern Montenegro) were analysed in order to obtain intrapopulation variability of traits and to compare the results with other populations of this and other subspecies.. Also, the data were analysed by univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics in order to determine presence and degree of sexual dimorphism. Both juveniles and adult specimens were included in order to determine the ontogenetic influence on sexual differences. Possible causes that might generate the revealed pattern of intergender differences are discussed