John Wellman
A Revision of Snakes of the Genus Conophis (Family Colubridae, from Middle America)
"A Revision of Snakes of the Genus Conophis (Family Colubridae, from Middle America)" by John Wellman is a scientific publication written in the early 1960s. The book presents a comprehensive taxonomic review of the Conophis snakes, focusing specifically on their classification, characteristics, and distribution in Middle America. This work is significant for zoologists and herpetologists studying reptilian biodiversity, particularly in the Central American region. The opening of the book outlines the purpose and scope of the research conducted by the author. Wellman begins by acknowledging the previous need for a thorough systematic review of the genus, which is emphasized as being critical for understanding the zoogeographic significance of these snakes in Central America. The introduction also highlights the methodologies employed for the study and expresses gratitude towards various institutions and individuals who contributed specimens for examination. This clear and structured introduction sets the stage for detailed discussions on the species within the Conophis genus, the specific anatomical and color variations among them, and the evolutionary relationships documented in the following chapters.