Comparison of the Blind Snake Populations, Xerotyphlops vermicularis (Merrem, 1820) (Squamata: Typhlopidae) in Turkey and Cyprus: Morphology, Serology, Ecology, and Geometric Morphometrics

In this study, different populations of Xerotyphlops vermicularis were investigated comparatively regarding to the morphology, serology, ecology, and geometric morphometric analyses. For this purpose, 351 specimens from Turkey (n= 275) and Cyprus (n= 76) were evaluated. As a result of the morphology, serology, coloration, and geometric morphometric analyses, it was determined that there were no differences amongst the populations located in Anatolia. However, between the Anatolian and Cyprian populations, we detected some differences. These populations can be distinguished from each other in terms of some pholidolial characteristics and geometric morphometrics. Therefore, it is suggested that there is a requirement to describe a new subspecies for the Cyprus population