The snakes (Reptilia, Serpentes) of the Miocene of Portugal

Abstract

Key-words: Snakes (Reptilia); Boids; Colubrids; Oriental vipers; Miocene; Portugal. The ophidian fauna coming from the Miocene of Amor (MN 5), Quinta das Pedreiras and Quinta do Pombeiro (both MN4) (Portugal) consists of the following taxa: cf. Bavarioboa sp. (Boidae); cf. Coluber sp. (Colubridae); two unidentified Colubridac; Vipera sp. ("Oriental vipers" complex) (Viperidae). The assemblage is characteristic for the lower/middle Miocene transition and it resembles snake faunas known from other European localities of similar age.