Mussurana montana (Franco, Marques & Puorto, 1997)

Natural history notes.

A large species (n = 1), terrestrial (Marques et al. 2001, Gaiarsa et al. 2013). There is no information on the time of activity for this species (Gaiarsa et al. 2013). In October, an adult was seen resting at 11:20 h, coiled in the middle of plant litter, in a forested area. The record occurred in an adjacent conservation area: RPP Alto Montana, Itamonte-MG. Literature data indicate its diet is composed of snakes and lizards (Franco et al. 1997). Regarding the reproduction, Franco et al. (1997) recorded two females: one with seven and the other with 11 eggs. No defensive behavior was observed for this species.

Altitudinal variation.

This species was found at a minimum of 750 m a.s.l. in Guaratinguetá, SP and maximum of 1610 m a.s.l. in Campos do Jordão, SP ( Bérnils 2009). The maximum altitudinal record of the species was 1740 m a.s.l., at RPPN Alto Montana, Itamonte, MG. Bérnils (2009) stated all toponyms found to occur in areas above 750 m a.s.l..

Distribution and habitat.

Southeast Brazil (Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo) (Wallach et al. 2014). This species occurs in fields, close to ombrophilous and seasonal forests ( Bérnils 2009).