Color and pattern variation of the Balkan whip snake, Hierophis gemonensis (Laurenti, 1768).

In the present paper color and pattern variations of Hierophis gemonensis, a snake with little morphological variation, are described. For the first time, partially melanistic individuals were observed and described for this species. The identity of one of these snakes was corroborated by genetic means. Taxonomical circumstances and environmental causes of this color and pattern variation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]