Diversity, natural history, and geographic distribution of snakes in the Caatinga, Northeastern Brazil Author Guedes, Thaís B. Author Nogueira, Cristiano Author Marques, Otavio A. V. text Zootaxa 2014 3863 1 1 93 journal article 36791 10.11646/zootaxa.3863.1.1 994b97ae-8a03-4726-86f7-ce51e39578a4 1175-5326 287111 A683CABE-4305-47A4-A063-03FDF93182C0 Xenodon merremii (Wagler, 1824) “Cobra-boca-de-caçapa, jararaca-malha-de-cascavel, goipeba” (Figs. 20.2 and 32.4) This is the most abundant snake species of the region (based on collection data) and was recorded in all states and all areas inside Caatinga. It can be found in low and high localities; from sea level to 1,200 m elevation. It is also widely distributed in the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Pantanal, and Pampas regions ( Marques et al. 2001 , 2005 ; Bérnils et al. 2008 ; Nogueira et al. 2010 , 2011). The available records indicate that the species can be found in forested and open areas, and all phytophysiognomies within the Caatinga region, including cerrado and moist forest enclaves. It has terretrial habits, is diurnal and feeds on frogs ( Marques et al . 2001 ).