FIRST RECORD OF PREDATION ON DICRODON HETEROLEPIS (SQUAMATA: TEIIDAE) BY PSEUDALSOPHIS ELEGANS (SQUAMATA: COLUBRIDAE) IN LIMA, PERU

Bernardo J.H. · Revista Latinoamericana de Herpetologia (2026) · DOI: 10.22201/fc.25942158e.2026.3.1606

Resumen

This study documents the first recorded case of predation on Dicrodon heterolepis by Pseudalsophis elegans in the district of La Molina, Lima, Peru. The event occurred at Vivero Forestal de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (241 m a.s.l.) in February 2019, where both individuals were found dead. The P. elegans specimen contained an entirely ingested D. heterolepis inside its body cavity, with sufficient remains to identify both species. The predator was identified through analysis of cephalic scales, consistent with previous descriptions for the species, and its total body length was estimated at 81.9 cm. The prey corresponded to an adult male D. heterolepis with an approximate snout–vent length (SVL) of 110 mm. Both specimens were within their native distribution range, and this finding expands the knowledge of trophic interactions of P. elegans in increasingly urbanized habitats along the central coast of Peru.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina