# A comprehensive morphological database of hognose Porthidium pitvipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae)

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a detailed database of morphological traits for hognose pitvipers, aiding research in evolution, ecology, and biodiversity.

## Contribution

The paper provides a standardized, comprehensive morphological database for Porthidium pitvipers from multiple collections.

## Key findings

- The database includes 13 morphological traits, 8 scale counts, and 55 landmarks from 484 individuals across 9 species.
- Data were collected using standardized protocols to ensure comparability across specimens and species.
- The dataset supports studies in systematics, evolution, and ecological adaptation.

## Abstract

Generating and sharing primary biological data is essential to support reproducible research, stimulate new hypotheses, and advance our understanding of biodiversity. Here, we present a comprehensive database of morphological traits for snakes of the genus Porthidium (Viperidae: Crotalinae). This database includes linear measurements, pholidosis (scale counts), and head shape data from preserved specimens across five different herpetological collections. These data comprise 13 morphological traits, 8 scale counts, and 55 landmarks collected from 484 individuals across 9 species. The specimens represent both juvenile and adult stages. All data were collected using standardized protocols to ensure comparability across individuals and species. The dataset is a valuable resource for studies in systematics, morphological evolution, ecological adaptation, and ontogeny, as well as facilitating reproducibility and reuse in the fields of evolutionary biology, herpetology, and comparative morphology.