Amerotyphlops brongersmianus Vanzolini, 1976

Fig. 4A

A rare species, small sized (min SVL = 110 mm, max SVL = 315 mm). Recorded at Reserva Sapiranga, Imbassaí and Barra do Itariri. Inhabits ombrophilous forest and restinga dry forest, where a Micrurus ibiboboca predated a specimen on 06/03/2013. Marciano Junior et al. (2010) reported a bluish coloration in offsprings. This observation is confirmed from a young museum specimen (SVL ≤ 185 mm) with remnants of juvenile bluish coloration transitioning into brownish coloration. Strüssmann and Sazima (1993) reported insects as part of its diet.

Boa constrictor constrictor Linnaeus, 1758

Fig. 4B

A common species, large sized (min SVL = 430 mm, max SVL = 1850 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Camaçari, Imbassaí, Baixio and Costa Azul. Observed from January to November, active from 06:26 h to 21:15 h. We detected adults on ground (n = 8), leaf litter (n = 4), juveniles (SVL ≤ 640 mm) coiled on the base of bromeliad leaves (n = 2) and one specimens each on a fallen trunk, suspended branch, herbaceous vegetation, bushes and anthropogenic material. Inhabits open and forested habitats (Vitt and Vangilder 1983, Vitt et al. 2005), is terrestrial and semiarboreal, active during day and night (Strüssmann and Sazima 1993, this study). Feeds on small mammals, lizards and birds (Pizzatto et al. 2009, Bernarde and Abe 2010). In the municipality of Salvador, a juvenile (SVL ≤ 400 mm) regurgitated an unidentified hummingbird after palpation (pers. obs.). During encounters, behavior of boas ranged from calm to agitated hissing.

Corallus hortulanus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 4C

A very rare species (see Marques et al. 2012c). It was recorded in an ombrofilous forest remnant on the leaf litter basking in the sun at 14:00 h in September (SVL = 1140 mm). Corallus hortulanus is arboreal, often found on vegetation of different habitats during the night (Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Guedes et al. 2014). Feeds on frogs, lizards, birds and small mammals including bats (Henderson et al. 1995, Kok et al. 2006, Pizzatto et al. 2009). We observed this species in an S-coil position, when encountered, followed by strikes and bites when molested.

Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945

Fig. 4D

A single specimen was recorded in the municipality of Mata de São João in ombrophilous forest habitat with a cerrado enclave. After erected to a species level by Passos and Fernandes (2008), the distribution of E. assisi is restricted to open habitat of northeastern Brazil but it also apparently colonized disturbed habitats that once were forested (Morato et al. 2011, Garda et al. 2013). It is a nocturnal and terrestrial species (Rodrigues and Prudente 2011) which feeds on small mammals (Pizzatto et al. 2009).

Eunectes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 4E

A rare species, large sized (min SVL = 1000 mm, max SVL = 3340 mm). Recorded at Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Massarandupió and Baixio. Due to the aquatic life habit, this species was recorded only on flooded plains in the restinga (n = 3) on May and June, during periods of heavy precipitation. The earliest record was at 07:56 h when the animal was basking among reed vegetation (Juncus sp.) in a riverbed, whereas the other observations occurred around 13:00 h. Of those two, one specimen was crossing a road between two lakes and the other was basking in a flooded area among herbaceous vegetation. The species is strongly associated with wetlands, inhabiting rivers and ponds from the Atlantic forest and Amazon, but also moving on land to additionally feed and give birth (Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Argôlo 2004). Feeds on fishes, frogs, lizards, crocodilians, birds and mammals (Beebe 1946, Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Henderson et al. 1995, Martins and Oliveira 1998, Pizzatto et al. 2009).

Chironius bicarinatus (Wied, 1820)

Fig. 4F

Dias and Rocha (2014) recorded the species in restinga habitat at Costa Azul. Despite being most frequently encountered in forested habitats and riparian forests, it also occurs in open habitats (Marques and Sazima 2004, Vaz-Silva et al. 2007, Garda et al. 2013). The species is diurnal and forages on soil and in vegetation. It feeds on frogs (Dixon 1993, Marques et al. 2001).

Chironius carinatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 4G

A rare species. Recorded at the Instituto da Mata in March and July. Detected in an ombrophilous remnant forest adjacent to a pasture. We observed one large specimen (total length > 1000 mm) swimming in a stream at 16:22 h, while the other record is based on a shed skin. The species inhabits forests, riparian forests, igapós, cocoa plantations, pastures and open habitats. Chironius carinatus is diurnal, semiarboreal and terrestrial (Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Vanzolini et al. 1980, Argôlo 2004). It feeds on frogs, birds and lizards (Beebe 1946, Dixon 1993).

Chironius exoletus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 4H

A very rare species of medium size (min SVL = 190 mm, max SVL = 620 mm). Recorded at Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Massarandupió and Costa Azul. We observed one specimen foraging on bromeliads in restinga dry forest at 08:33 h in September. Marques et al. (2011) recorded the species on a flooded plain. Voucher specimens originated from restinga (n = 9) and ombrophilous forest (n = 5). Chironius exoletus also inhabits forested habitats and pastures. The species is diurnal, terrestrial and semiarboreal, feeding on frogs (Marques and Sazima 2004, Bernarde and Abe 2006, 2010, Hartmann et al. 2009b). Some tried to bite when handled.

Chironius flavolineatus (Boettger, 1885)

Fig. 4I

A common species of medium size (min SVL = 274 mm, max SVL = 1000 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Guarajuba, Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Massarandupió, Baixio and Barra do Itariri. Occurs in the whole region in restinga, ombrophilous forest and urban environments. The species inhabits predominantly open habitats, but also forests, urban and disturbed environments (Carvalho and Nogueira 1998, Vaz-Silva et al. 2007, França et al. 2012, Miranda et al. 2012). Observed from February to December, active from 06:43 h to 17:20 h. We observed specimens on soil (n = 9), in bushes (n = 5), on the leaf litter (n = 3), coiled on a branch during nighttime, in bromeliad, herbaceous vegetation, pond and on a fallen trunk (n = 1 each microhabitat). Feeds on frogs, mainly hylids (Pinto et al. 2008). In Cerrado, females contained oviductual eggs from October to March (Pinto et al. 2010). In September we detected a gravid female (SVL = 610 mm; 3 eggs; 28.5 – 31.2 mm). The species occasionally bites when handled. One specimen was observed to move from leaf litter to suspended branches to evade capture.

Drymarchon corais corais (Boie, 1827)

Fig. 4J

Large sized snake (min SVL = 425 mm, max SVL = 1100 mm). Recorded in the municipalities of Dias D’Ávila and Catu, where vegetation consists mainly of ombrophilous forest. It inhabits the restinga, open areas and urban environments (McCranie 1980, Vaz-Silva et al. 2007, Miranda et al. 2012). The species is diurnal, terrestrial and arboreal and feeds on frogs, lizards, snakes, bird eggs and mammals (Beebe 1946, Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Bernarde and Abe 2010).

Drymoluber dichrous (Peters, 1863)

Fig. 4K

Medium sized snake (min SVL = 220 mm, max SVL = 570 mm). Recorded in the municipality of Catu in ombrophilous forest. It inhabits mainly forested habitats, transition areas and disturbed habitats (Silva et al. 2011, Costa et al. 2013). Diurnal and terrestrial, occasionally resting on vegetation (Martins and Oliveira 1998). It feeds on frogs and lizards (Dixon and Soini 1986, Martins and Oliveira 1998).

Leptophis ahaetulla liocercus (Wied, 1824)

Fig. 4L

A very rare species of medium size (min SVL = 595 mm, max SVL = 850 mm). Recorded at Reserva Sapiranga and Instituto da Mata. We observed a specimen on a suspended branch at 13:22 h in December. Specimens were recorded in restinga dry forests. Inhabits pastures, restinga and urban environment in other regions (Carvalho and Nogueira 1998, Bernarde and Abe 2006, Miranda et al. 2012). Feed mostly on hylid frogs and occasionally on lizards. The species is diurnal and arboreal, foraging in vegetation (Albuquerque et al. 2007, Mesquita et al. 2013). When handled the species intimidates with mouth gaping and bites.

Mastigodryas bifossatus (Raddi, 1820)

Fig. 4M

Medium sized snake (min SVL = 300 mm, max SVL = 802 mm). Recorded in the municipalities of Lauro de Freitas, Mata de São João, Catu and Jandaíra, without information on habitat. Terrestrial and diurnal, inhabits forested and deforested environments (Strüssmann and Sazima 1993). Argôlo (2004) and Leite et al. (2007) observed most specimens in plantation and around human habitation. Feeds preferably on frogs, also lizards, snakes, birds and mammals (Strüssmann and Sazima 1993, Leite et al. 2007, Marques and Muriel 2007).

Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824)

Fig. 4N

An intermediate frequent species of medium size (min SVL= 236 mm, max SVL = 754 mm). Recorded at Arembepe, Praia do Forte and Imbassaí from June to November. Found in activity between 09:05 h and 12:45 h. We observed individuals on suspended branches (n = 2) and bush (n = 1). In the region, it inhabits restinga and ombrophilous forest. In other ecoregions, it occupies also primary forests, disturbed and open habitats (Keiser 1982, Silva et al. 2011, Miranda et al. 2012, Garda et al. 2013). The species is arboreal and diurnal, feeding mostly on lizards and occasionally frogs (Martins and Oliveira 1998, Marques et al. 2001). We observed mouth gaping or immediate fleeing.

Spilotes pullatus pullatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 4P

A rare species of large size (in SVL = 139.1 mm, max SVL = 1600 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Praia do Forte and Imbassaí in July and August. We observed an individual foraging on the leaf litter at 15:46 h. It inhabits forests, open and disturbed habitats, is diurnal and semiarboreal (Vanzolini et al. 1980, Argôlo 2004, Bernarde and Abe 2006). It feeds on frogs, lizards, birds, eggs, marsupials and rodents (Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Marques and Sazima 2004). We observed immediate fleeing or inflating of the gular region.

Spilotes sulphureus sulphureus (Wagler, 1824)

Fig. 4Q

A very rare species. Recorded at Praia do Forte in August. Marques et al. (2011) reported the species from Imbassaí, captured in a restinga dry forest (SVL = 1970 mm). Inhabits primary forest, ombrophilous forest, relict wet forest and cabruca, foraging more on vegetation than on the ground (Martins and Oliveira 1998, Argôlo 2004, Lisboa et al. 2009, Loebmann and Haddad 2010). The species is arboreal and diurnal, feeding on birds and rodents (Beebe 1946, Marques et al. 2001). We observed defensive behaviors of elevating the anterior of the body, striking and biting.

Tantilla melanocephala (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 4R

A rare species of small size (min SVL = 130 mm, max SVL = 277 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Praia do Forte and Imbassaí. Occurred in restinga (n = 9) and ombrophilous forest (n = 2). The recorded specimens were active at 06:00 h and 19:00 h in May and June, both foraging on soil. The species is terrestrial, fossorial, diurnal and nocturnal (Vanzolini et al. 1980, Marques and Puorto 1998, Sawaya et al. 2008, this study). It feeds on insects and mostly chilopods. Santos-Costa et al. (2006) report ovoposition of three eggs in February, June and September. We observed the ovoposition of two eggs in May (SVL = 277 mm). The tail of this species apparently breaks easily, since we observed two specimens from different sites with broken tails near the cloaca, not exceeding eight subcaudal scales.

Sibynomorphus neuwiedi (Ihering, 1911)

Fig. 5A

A rare species of small size (min SVL = 175 mm, max SVL = 455 mm). Recorded at Instituto da Mata in July and October and the municipalities of Pojuca and Catu. Dias and Rocha (2014) reported this species from the restinga of Costa Azul. We found this species only in ombrophilous forest. It is nocturnal, terrestrial and semiarboreal and feeds exclusively on slugs (Maia-Carneiro et al. 2012). Females from southeastern Brazil exhibited vitellogenesis from July to December and oviductual eggs from August to February (Pizzatto et al. 2008). We observed seven ovarian follicles (3.6 – 4.7 mm) in October and oviductual eggs (SVL = 480 mm; 6 eggs; 14.5 – 16.6 mm) in April. If threatened, it flattens its head.

Imantodes cenchoa cenchoa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 5B

A very rare species of medium size (min SVL = 455 mm, max SVL = 670 mm). Recorded at Instituto da Mata in November (see Marques et al. 2013) and the municipality of Simões Filho. Occurs in the ombrophilous forest in the study region. The species is nocturnal and we recorded it at 20:23 h. The animal was foraging on a bromeliad. Despite its arboreal habit, I. cenchoa often forages on ground level in forests and disturbed habitats (Cunha and Nascimento 1978). It feeds on frogs and lizards (Marques et al. 2001). Cloacal discharge was observed.

Leptodeira annulata annulata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 5C

An intermediately frequent species of medium size (min SVL = 195 mm, max SVL = 325 mm). Recorded at Praia do Forte, Reserva Sapiranga, Imbassaí, Massarandupió, Baixio and Costa Azul from May to October. Occurs in wooded vegetation of restinga and ombrophilous forest. Also inhabits forests, open and dry habitats (Martins and Oliveira 1998, Garda et al. 2013). The species is nocturnal and we found it active from 18:05 h to 21:00 h. The snakes were observed on soil (n = 3), in anthropogenic environment (n = 1) and two meters high on vegetation (n = 1), always near ponds or lakes. It feeds on frogs, lizards and snakes (Cantor and Pizzatto 2008). Head flattening and cloacal discharge was observed.

Taeniophallus occipitalis (Jan, 1863)

Fig. 5D

An intermediately frequent species of small size (min SVL = 215 mm, max SVL = 325 mm). Recorded at Praia do Forte, Instituto da Mata and Reserva Sapiranga from May to November. Occurs in restinga (n = 4), disturbed ombrophilous forest (n = 1) and pasture (n = 1). Also distributed in the Amazon and Caatinga (Argôlo 2004). The species is diurnal, active from 08:47 h to 10:20 h (n = 3) and one record at 16:48 h. Strictly terrestrial, we observed the species on the leaf litter (n = 4). It feeds on frogs, lizards and snakes (Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Argôlo 2004, Balestrin and Di-Bernardo 2005). A female contained oviductal eggs (SVL = 315 mm; 3 eggs; ≤ 12.5 mm) in May.

Helicops angulatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 5E

An intermediately frequent species of medium size (min SVL = 173 mm, max SVL = 810 mm). Recorded at Praia do Forte, Reserva Sapiranga, Instituto da Mata and Costa Azul in March and from September to November. Occurs in ombrophilous forest (n = 10) and restinga (n = 3). The species can be abundant in urbanized and open environments and less frequent in forest habitats (Martins and Oliveira 1998, França et al. 2012). We observed snakes in rain puddles, lake shores and rivers and in open areas. Helicops angulatus is mainly nocturnal, active from 18:38 h to 21:08 h (n = 10) with a single record at 10:42. It feeds on fishes and frogs (Dixon and Soini 1986, Martins and Oliveira 1998, Ford and Ford 2002). We observed defensive behaviors, such as biting, struggling and occasional cloacal discharge.

Helicops leopardinus (Schlegel, 1837)

Fig. 5F

A very rare species of medium size (min SVL = 109 mm, max SVL = 638 mm). Recorded at Arembepe, Imbassaí and Baixio in February and October. We found only specimens in the restinga, but vouchers originate also from forested habitats (n = 13). We observed snakes at edges of lakes and only during diurnal activity from 10:00 h to 16:12 h. However, Helicops leopardinus is known to be mainly nocturnal. It feeds on fishes and frogs (Strüssmann and Sazima 1993, Ávila et al. 2006). We observed biting when handled.

Philodryas nattereri Steindachner, 1870

Fig. 5G

A common species of medium size (min SVL = 295 mm, max SVL = 840 mm). Recorded at Arembepe, Guarajuba, Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Massarandupió, Baixio, Barra do Itariri and Costa Azul during the year. We found it only in restinga (n = 38) during fieldwork, supported also by voucher specimens. It inhabits mainly open and semiarid habitats, also recorded at brejos de altitude (isolated fragments of humid forests surrounded by arid Caatinga) and disturbed habitats (Vanzolini et al. 1980, Marques et al. 2011, Pereira-Filho and Montingelli 2011, Mesquita et al. 2013, this study). The species is diurnal and active from 08:30 h to 17:50 h. Philodryas nattereri is mainly terrestrial, as we observed it on the ground (n = 19), on the leaf litter (n = 14), among bush branches (n = 2), over herbaceous vegetation (n = 1) and on a branch that was four meters suspended (n = 1). It feeds on frogs, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals (Mesquita et al. 2011). We observed the elevating of its anterior body and immediate fleeing behavior, where it moved from the ground to a nearby suspended branch.

Philodryas olfersii herbeus Wied, 1825

Fig. 5H

An intermediately frequent species of medium size (min SVL = 200 mm, max SVL = 770 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Arembepe, Instituto da Mata, Imbassaí, Massarandupió and Costa Azul in January and from July to December. We found it in restinga (n = 9) and disturbed areas of ombrophilous forest (n = 2). The species is diurnal and active from 07:56 h to 14:56 h. We observed snakes foraging on ground (n = 3), on leaf litter (n = 2) and in herbaceous vegetation (n = 1). The species is terrestrial and semiarboreal (Marques et al. 2001). It feeds on frogs, birds and rodents (Leite et al. 2009). In the Caatinga domain, the species is mating from November to January (Mesquita et al. 2013). We analyzed a fertile male (SVL = 551 mm) in November. We observed cloacal discharge and biting as a defensive behaviour.

Philodryas patagoniensis (Girard, 1858)

Fig. 5I

A common species of medium size (min SVL = 184 mm, max SVL = 848 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Arembepe, Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Massarandupió, Barra do Itariri and Costa Azul from February to December. Occurs in restinga (n = 14), urbanized environment (n = 5) and ombrophilous forest (n = 3). Usually found in open and disturbed habitats (Sawaya et al. 2008, Hartmann et al. 2009a). The species is diurnal, active from 06:54 h to 15:48 h. It is terrestrial and we observed it on the ground (n = 8), on leaf litter (n = 4) and among bushes (n = 1). It feeds on frogs, lizards, snakes, birds and small mammals (Hartmann and Marques 2005). Marques et al. (2012a) observed this species predating on P. olfersii.

Clelia plumbea (Wied, 1820)

Fig. 5J

A medium sized snake (min SVL = 335 mm, max SVL = 820 mm). Recorded in the municipality of Catu. Voucher specimens were from urban habitation. Inhabits mainly forests, disturbed, and open habitats (Zaher 1996, Argôlo 2004). The species is terrestrial and diurnal, feeding on lizards, snakes and mammals (Bernarde and Abe 2006). The reproductive cycle is continuous and the clutch size varies from four to 29 eggs (Gaiarsa et al. 2013).

Oxyrhopus petolarius digitalis Reuss, 1834

Fig. 5K

A rare species of small size (min SVL = 176 mm, max SVL = 445 mm). Recorded at Praia do Forte and Instituto da Mata in July and November. We observed animals on pasture (n = 2) near ombrophilous forest remnants. A voucher specimen was obtained from the restinga. The species is terrestrial, forages on the ground (n = 2) and is nocturnal, detected at 21:10 h. Inhabits forest and disturbed habitats (Argôlo 2004, França et al. 2012). It feeds on lizards, birds, eggs and mammals and has a clutch size of two to 12 eggs (Gaiarsa et al. 2013). We observed winding when handled.

Oxyrhopus trigeminus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854

Fig. 5L

An intermediately frequent species of medium size (min SVL = 178 mm, max SVL = 656 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Arembepe, Guarajuba, Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, Massarandupió, Baixio, Barra do Itariri and Costa Azul from January to October. Occurs in restinga, ombrophilous forest and anthropic environments. The species is mainly nocturnal and we observed it from 18:05 h to 21:00 h, except for two specimens foraging at 09:50 h and 11:00 h. Oxyrhopus trigeminus is terrestrial. It was recorded on the ground (n = 5), in the leaf litter (n = 2), in bush and herbaceous vegetation (n = 1 each). It feeds on lizards, birds and small mammals. In southeastern Brazil, females are fertile from January to November (Alencar et al. 2012). We observed two reproductive males (SVL = 380 and 440 mm) and a female with ovarian follicles (SVL = 450 mm; n = 6; ≥ 3 mm) in May. Defensive behaviour consists of occasional cloacal discharge.

Phimophis guerini (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854)

Fig. 5M

A medium sized snake (min SVL = 323 mm, max SVL = 754 mm). Recorded at Guarajuba, Praia do Forte and Imbassaí (see Marques et al. 2012b). Occurs in restinga (n = 3) and anthropogenic habitat (n = 1). Dias and Rocha (2014) report the species from the restinga of Costa Azul. This species inhabits several types of open habitat including urban environments (Carvalho and Nogueira 1998, Sawaya et al. 2008, Valdujo et al. 2009). It feeds on lizards (Sawaya et al. 2008). Gaiarsa et al. (2013) reports clutch size of three to seven eggs.

Pseudoboa nigra (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854)

Fig. 5N

A medium sized snake (min SVL = 214 mm, max SVL = 870 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida and Jauá, and in the municipalities of Mata de São João and Catu. Occurs in ombrophilous forests and restinga. Pseudoboa nigra also inhabits open and disturbed habitats and forests (Argôlo 2004, Gaiarsa et al. 2013). The species is terrestrial and nocturnal. It feeds on frogs, lizards and mammals (Vanzolini et al. 1980, Vitt and Vanglinder 1983, Orofino et al. 2010, França et al. 2012). Orofino et al. (2010) reported offspring with a SVL of 340 mm. We analyzed offspring with SVL of 214 mm and 274 mm.

Siphlophis compressus (Daudin, 1803)

Fig. 5O

A very rare species of medium size (SVL = 738 mm). Recorded at Instituto da Mata (see Marques et al. 2013) in May. We found it in ombrophilous forest remnants foraging at ground level on the leaf litter at 21:00 h. The species inhabits forests in Amazonia and Atlantic coast (Guedes et al. 2011). Nocturnal and arboreal, occasionally found on the ground. It feeds mainly on lizards (Martins and Oliveira 1998, Marques et al. 2001, Argôlo 2004). Clutch size varies from 3–12 eggs (Gaiarsa et al. 2013).

Thamnodynastes pallidus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 5P

A very rare species of small size (SVL = 363 mm). Recorded at the Instituto da Mata (see Marques et al. 2013). We observed it in ombrophilous forest remnants. We confirm that this snake is nocturnal, as we found one foraging on the ground at 20:30 h. The female did not contain ovarian follicles in May. Marques et al. (2014) report ovarian follicles in July and eggs in September. Cunha and Nascimento (1978) report T. pallidus inhabiting the humid ground on forests and feeding on frogs and insect larvae.

Erythrolamprus aesculapii venustissimus Wied, 1821

Fig. 5Q

A medium sized snake (SVL = 655 mm). Recorded in the municipalities of Lauro de Freitas collected in 1994, without habitat information. Morato et al. (2011) record the species from the state of Sergipe at 175 km from our record. Inhabits forests, disturbed habitats and plantations (Sazima and Abe 1991, Argôlo 2004). This species is terrestrial and diurnal, but occasionally nocturnal, feeding mainly on snakes (Sazima and Abe 1991, Marques and Sazima 2004).

Erythrolamprus almadensis (Wagler, 1824)

Fig. 5R

Rare species of medium size (Min SVL = 136 mm, Max SVL = 450 mm). Recorded at Arembepe, Instituto da Mata, Imbassaí and Baixio in March and October. Occurs in ombrophilous forest (n = 8), restinga (n = 4), pasture and disturbed habitats (n = 1 each). Also recorded from urban environment (França et al. 2012). We recorded diurnal activity at 08:21 h and 11:40 h. The species is terrestrial and feeds on frogs (Strüssmann and Sazima 1993, Bernarde and Abe 2010).

Erythrolamprus miliaris merremi (Wied, 1821)

Fig. 6A

A medium sized snake (min SVL = 145, max SVL = 642 mm). Recorded from the municipalities of Simões Filho, Dias D’Ávila and Pojuca. Occurs in ombrophilous forest remnants and disturbed areas. The species is semiaquatic with diurnal and nocturnal activities, inhabiting forests and open habitats. It feeds on fishes, caecilians, frogs, amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes (Marques and Sazima 1994, Bonfiglio and Lema 2006, Hartmann et al. 2009b).

Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus schotti (Schlegel, 1837)

Fig. 6B, C

A medium sized snake (min SVL = 150 mm, max SVL = 623 mm). Recorded from the municipalities of Camaçari, Lauro de Freitas, Mata de São João, Catu and Pojuca. It occurs in ombrophilous forest, but inhabits also cocoa plantations, pastures, swamps, and urbanized habitats (Pontes and Rocha 2008). One specimen was obtained from an industrial complex. In the state of Bahia, it occurs in the area north of Belmonte, being replaced by the nominate taxon Erythrolamprus p. poecilogyrus farther south (Fernandes 2006). The species is diurnal and nocturnal, and feeds on frogs and lizards (Marques et al. 2001, Argôlo 2004, Sawaya et al. 2008). Populations from the Atlantic forest from northeastern Brazil reproduce throughout the year with a clutch size of 3–17 eggs (Pizzatto et al. 2008b).

Erythrolamprus reginae semilineatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 6D

A very rare species of small size (min SVL = 191 mm, max SVL = 494 mm). Recorded at the Instituto da Mata (see Marques et al. 2013) and the municipalities of Catu and Pojuca. We observed it in ombrophilous forest in February. Commonly found near ponds, forest edges, fields and disturbed habitats (Dixon and Soini 1986). The snake was foraging on the leaf litter at 10:26 h. The species is terrestrial, occasionally using the vegetation to rest (Martins and Oliveira 1998). It feeds on frogs, tadpoles and lizards (Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Bernarde and Abe 2010). We detected a gravid female (SVL = 403 mm; 1 egg, 26 mm) in June. We observed dorsoventral flattening.

Erythrolamprus taeniogaster Jan, 1863

Fig. 6E

A very rare species of medium size (min SVL = 147 mm, max SVL = 583 mm). Recorded at Praia do Forte, Imbassaí, and the municipalities of Lauro de Freitas, Simões Filho, Camaçari and Catu. We observed it in restinga in June, with voucher specimens also from restinga (n = 5) and ombrophilous forest (n = 4). In northeastern and southeastern Brazil, the species has a coastal distribution (Fernandes et al. 2002). In southern Bahia, Argôlo (2004) reported the species from sites near flooded areas, dams and swamps. We observed the species on a dirt road near a flooded plain at 15:00 h in urban habitation. The species struggles when handled.

Erythrolamprus viridis viridis (Günther, 1862)

Fig. 6F

A small sized snake (SVL = 382 mm). Recorded in the municipality of Mata de São João. Occurred in ombrophilous forest, but also in transition areas from Atlantic forests and agreste (hilly north south chain with hot and sub-humid climate) region (Dixon 1987). The species is terrestrial but forages also in vegetation (Vanzolini et al. 1980). It feeds mainly on frogs and lizards (Vitt 1983, Mesquita et al. 2013).

Xenodon merremii (Wagler, 1824)

Fig. 6G

A very rare species of large size (min SVL = 186 mm, max SVL = 1003 mm). Recorded at Guarajuba, Praia do Forte, Instituto da Mata, Imbassaí and Sauípe. Occurs in open areas. Voucher specimens were from deforested ombrophilous forest (n = 9) and restinga (n = 6). Terrestrial and diurnal, feeds exclusively on amphibians (Vitt 1983, Vitt and Vanglinder 1983). Pizzatto et al. (2008b) report offspring of X. merremii between January and May in southeastern Brazil. We captured one offspring in July.

Xenodon rabdocephalus rabdocephalus (Wied, 1824)

Fig. 6H

A medium sized snake (min SVL = 232 mm, max SVL = 654 mm). Recorded from the municipalities of Camaçari and Catu. Occurs in ombrophilous forest, cocoa plantation and pastures. The species is terrestrial and feeds on frogs and occasionally on tadpoles (Dixon and Soini 1986, Martins and Oliveira 1998, Argôlo 2004).

Micrurus corallinus (Merrem, 1820)

Fig. 6I

A small sized snake (SVL= 405 mm). Recorded from the municipality of Simões Filho in ombrophilous forest. Campbell and Lamar (2004) report this species from forested areas with coastal (maritime) influence. Micrurus corallinus is diurnal and cryptozoic, feeding on frogs, amphisbaenians and snakes (Lema et al. 1983, Marques and Sazima 1997, Marques and Sazima 2004).

Micrurus ibiboboca (Merrem, 1820)

Fig. 6J

A common species of medium size (min SVL= 210 mm, max SVL = 1092 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Arembepe, Jacuípe, Guarajuba, Praia do Forte, Reserva Sapiranga, Instituto da Mata, Imbassaí, Sauípe, Baixio and Barra do Itariri from January to November. We observed it in restinga (n = 9), ombrophilous forest (n = 2), deforested, open and disturbed habitats (n = 3). In restinga, it inhabits the dry part of the forest. We found it active on the leaf litter (n = 9) and soil (n = 5) from 08:11 h to 17:30 h. Micrurus ibiboboca is ophiophagous (Lema et al. 1983, Marques et al. 2001, Campbell and Lamar 2004). We captured a reproductive male in November (SVL = 520 mm). Defensive or protective behaviour included immediate fleeing, coiling and elevating the tail, dorsoventral flattening, head hiding under its body and struggling when handled.

Bothrops erythromelas Amaral, 1923

Fig. 6K

A medium sized snake (adult SVL ca. 570 mm). Recorded from the municipalities of Camaçari and Lauro de Freitas (MZUFBA 499 and 1366, respectively). The vegetation of both municipalities varies from restinga to ombrophilous forest with enclaves of cerrado, but no precise information was available on either of the two specimens' habitats. This is a terrestrial and nocturnal species that inhabits arid and semiarid regions, from sandy and rocky areas to deciduous forests, mainly associated with the Caatinga and Cerrado (Campbell and Lamar 2004).

Bothrops leucurus Wagler, 1824

Fig. 6L

An intermediately frequent species of large size (min SVL = 115 mm, max SVL = 1600 mm). Recorded at Arembepe, Guarajuba, Itacimirim, Praia do Forte, Instituto da Mata, Imbassaí, Sauípe, Massarandupió, Baixio and Mangue Seco. We found it in restinga (n = 9), nearby human habitation and pastures (n = 1) from February to October. Bothrops leucurus is more active during nighttime (Argôlo 2004), but we observed it mainly active from 06:10 h to 08:15 h. One adult moved at 15:30 h and two juveniles at 20:00 h and 20:08 h. We observed it mostly on the ground (n = 5), moving over bushes, coiled on short palm trees and on anthropogenic material (n = 1 each). Juveniles feed on frogs and adults mostly on rodents (Argôlo 2004, Fagundes et al. 2009). When threatened, they coil their body, vibrate the tail and occasionally strike.

Bothrops lutzi (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1915)

Fig. 6M

A small sized snake (SVL = 451 mm). This species is confirmed from north of Salvador by four specimens, three by Lira-da-Silva et al. (2003) near sea level in the municipalities of Camaçari and Dias D’Ávila and one voucher at the Institute Butantan, also from Camaçari (IBSP 959). Terrestrial species, inhabits savannas and higher plateaus in the Cerrado (Loebmann 2009, Campbell and Lamar 2004) and Caatinga < 250 m asl. (Loebmann and Haddad 2010).

Crotalus durissus cascavella Wagler, 1824

Fig. 6N

A rare species of medium size (min SVL = 255 mm, max SVL = 1268 mm). Recorded at Busca Vida, Imbassaí and Massarandupió on March, August and September. Voucher specimens were from ombrophilous forest (n = 9), probably from deforested areas (Bastos et al. 2005) and restinga (n = 4). We observed a specimen crossing a road at 20:00 h while others were found on soil and leaf litter. This species is terrestrial and nocturnal, inhabiting open habitats and feeding on rodents (Vanzolini et al. 1980, Graça Salomão et al. 1995, Tozetti and Martins 2013). When handled the squirting of cloacal discharge can reach 1.5 m and if threatened, they coil their body and vibrate the tail and rattle.

Lachesis muta rhombeata Wied-Neuwied, 1824

Fig. 6O

A single record exists from the region based on a skin of an animal captured on a farm in the municipality of Entre Rios in 1996. The species inhabits primary forests, riparian forest, lowlands and cocoa plantations in southern Bahia. Occasionally it is found in secondary forest and surroundings. The species is nocturnal and feeds on small rodents (Cunha and Nascimento 1978, Argôlo 2004).