As you may know, Taxonomy has lot of difficulties in dealing with certain taxons, including subspecies. There are taxons that can't be recognized as separate subspecies, because they are less distinct than the other taxons, altough they may represent features of 2 or even more subspecies. These groups should not be considered as "interbreds", but rather transitional forms between 2 or more, more recognizable groups (subspecies).
Now I wanted to post some examples of these unique, but (wild) existing forms. To me, these transitional forms are very exciting and special, hopefully you guys will find them interesting, too.

(Notice: Those pics were not taken by me, but by various nature photographers, travelers, etc.)

This boa is showing some head markings that remind me a Tumbes boa. However, this pic was taken in Isla Gorgona, Colombia!




Another interesting boa caught in Horto de Nitrói, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.


Unique specimen, caught in Brazil also.


And finally a boa that is very similar to "Lemke line amarali" in my opinion. However, this shot was taken in Carajás National Forest, Pará state, Brazil, right within distribution area of Boa c. constrictor.


Hope you like them!

[ Hide Replies ]

• Weak points of Taxonomy (Pics) - AdamBotond, Tue Jan 20 12:43:59 2009
• RE: Weak points of Taxonomy (Pics) - mpollard, Tue Jan 20 14:00:25 2009
• RE: Weak points of Taxonomy (Pics) - seareef, Tue Jan 20 14:26:01 2009
• Sorry, here are the pics. - AdamBotond, Tue Jan 20 14:44:26 2009
• looks like that last one got a chuck bit - seareef, Tue Jan 20 15:20:55 2009
• Hey Adam......great post! - Joel_Thomas, Tue Jan 20 22:01:41 2009
• RE: Weak points of Taxonomy (Pics) - LarM, Tue Jan 20 14:46:11 2009
• RE: Weak points of Taxonomy (Pics) - Taylorgilbert, Wed Jan 21 10:12:43 2009