ĐẶC ĐIỂM HÌNH THÁI VÀ DỊ HÌNH GIỚI TÍNH CỦA LOÀI Rhabdophis helleri (Schmidt, 1925) TẠI KHU BẢO TỒN THIÊN NHIÊN PÙ LUÔNG, THANH HÓA

Abstract

Rhabdophis helleri is a keelback snake (Rhabdophis) distributed in northern Vietnam. Based on 18 specimens collected from Pu Luong Nature Reserve, this study describes its morphological characteristics and sexual dimorphism. In Pu Luong, the species reaches a maximum total length of 970 mm, with dorsal scale rows of 19–19–17, 160–168 ventrals, and 73–97 subcaudals. Females have significantly larger body and head sizes than males, while males possess more subcaudal scales and a higher tail-to-body ratio. The VEN/SC ratio (females > 2.0; males < 1.9) serves as a reliable field tool for sex determination and provides essential baseline data for the taxonomy, ecology, and conservation of the species in Vietnam.