Helicops aff. infrataeniatus (Jan, 1865) “Cobra-d’água”

(Fig. 28.2)

First record in the Caatinga. Recorded only in state of Paraíba, municipality of Campina Grande, based on a single specimen. This area is situated on the Borborema Plateau, 560 m elevation, with strong influence of the adjacent Atlantic Forest. After the analysis of 319 specimens of Helicops from Caatinga, we found only one specimen of Helicops aff. infrataeniatus, indicating that this species is probably rare and geographically restricted. The nominal species Helicops infrataeniatus is known from the Atlantic Forest and Pampas of Southern Brazil (Scartozzoni 2009). The Borborema Plateau is covered with arboreal and bushy caatinga, being wetter than adjacent semi-arid lowlands, due to the topography and proximity to coastal Atlantic Forest in high altitudes (agreste). It is diurnal and nocturnal, and feeds on frogs and fishes (Scartozzoni 2009).