Variation in the Jaw Musculature of Ratsnakes and Their Allies (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Snakes have a highly modified feeding apparatus. However, its associated musculature is often poorly known. In order to study variation in the cephalic musculature, we dissected specimens representing 28 snake species belonging New World clade Lampropeltini and their Old relatives. The observed was analysed using phylogenetic framework. We found that pattern of conservative. no interspecific intermandibular muscles or posterior jaw adductors. Variation within dorsal constrictors lateral adductors relatively low. This could be explained by morphological (space) limitations functional constraints.