bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status and redescription of the genus Padangia Werner, with comparative visceral data on Collorhabdium Smedley and other genera (Serpentes: Colubridae)
Authors: Wallach V.
Published: April 2008

Padangia pulchra Werner, 1924, a forgotten monotypic taxon from Sumatra, is reexamined and found to be distinct from all known colubrid genera. Comparison with colubrids of possible affinity indicates that Padangia is most closely related to the monotypic Collorhabdium williamsoni Smedley of Malaya. The visceral anatomy of Padangia and Collorhabdium is described. As Werner's generic epithet is preoccupied by the mollusc Padangia Babor, 1900, Etheridgeum is proposed as a replacement name. Etheridgeum pulchrum is redescribed and illustrated.
The morphology of the Oberhäutchen with the description and distribution of scale organs in basiliscine iguanians
Authors: Lang Mathias
Published: April 2008

The Oberhäutchen of basiliscine iguanians bears a honeycomb cell arrangement with posteriorly imbricating cell walls and micro-ornamentations of the " pit-and-groove" type. Bare, unsculptured, round scale organs (80-100 microns in diameter) occur throughout thc loreolabial region (including supralabial and infralabial scales) in all basiliscines in various patterns. They also occur at the posterior tip of each dorsal body scale, but are conspicuously absent from subdigital and ventral body scales, as well as appendages and tail. Interspecific variation of the morphology of the outer keratinized layer of these iguanians obscures any phylogenetic implications at the species level. A previously unreported "funnel" -type of scale organ is described on the internasal scales of Corytophanes percarinatus and is considered to be a unique diagnostic featurc.
The proper taxonomic allocations of Emys nigricans Gray, Emys muticus Cantor, and Geoclemys kwangtungensis Pope
Authors: Iverson John B. , McCord William P.
Published: April 2008

An examination of the original type specimens and descriptions of Emys nigricans Gray, Emys muticus Cantor, and Geoclemys kwangtungensis Pope, in the context of the subsequent literature and available specimens, reveals that G. kwangtungensis Pope is a synonym of E. nigricans Gray, but that E. muticus Cantor (actually a species complex) is distinctly different. The proper taxonomic allocation of the Chinese dumb-head turtle is Chinemys nigricans (Gray) and that of the Asian yellow pond turtle is Mauremys mutica (Cantor).
Habitat selection in Iberian Psammodromus species along a Mediterranean successional gradient
Authors: Carrascal Luis M. , Diaz José A. , Cano Carlos
Published: April 2008

Habitat selection of Psammodromus algirus and P. hispanicus was studied along a successional vegetation gradient in Southern Spain. The two species select areas with a high cover of herbs and bushes at ground level and at a height of 10 cm above ground. Whereas P. algirus avoids sandy substrates and selects wooded areas, P. hispanicus, which does not enter the forest, occupies areas with a denser cover of low shrubs and herbs. Therefore, and despite their coincidence in the centre of the habitat gradient and hence their high overlap in habitat use, both species appear to be segregated, with P. hispanicus having a narrower spatial niche than P. algirus. The observed differences in habitat selection are discussed in the light of differences in morphology, reproductive constraints and predator avoidance. We conclude that interspecific competition plays a negligible role in the habitat segregation of the two species.
Male-male agonistic behaviour of the copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix
Authors: Schuett Gordon W. , Gillingham James C.
Published: April 2008

Male-male agonistic behaviour of Agkistrodon contortrix was studied in the laboratory. Contests occurred during the periods of mating (Feb.-Apr. and Aug.-Oct.). Thirteen staged dyadic trials were run and larger males (mass/length ratio) were scored as winners in 11 of the 13 trials. Evidence for dominant-subordinate relationships in this species was obtained. Nine agonistic acts were coded from direct observations and from films. Seven of the acts were used in sequential analyses of intra- and inter-individual transitions. Numerous transitions were significant in both intra- and inter-individual analyses. Sequences greater than two events were detected in 3 of 4 males in the intra-individual analysis. Males that won contests exhibited certain acts significantly more frequently than males that lost, but there was no significant difference in the mean durations of like acts. Larger (mass/length ratio) males were always successful in defending a mate during courtship and in deposing smaller males from potential mates. Males introduced to pairs in copula exhibited few courtship or agonistic acts toward the pair, and in no case did introduced males depose smaller males.
Ecological segregation in a subterranean reptile assemblage in arid Australia
Authors: Henle Klaus
Published: April 2008

The organisation of the subterranean component of an arid zone reptile community was studies in Kinchega National Park (Eastern Australia) from September 1985 to May 1987. Three species of fossorial or semifossorial lizards and two species of snakes were found in Kinchega. All species were habitat generalists, but microhabitat, food size and food taxon clearly separated them. All species were primarily nocturnal although Lerista xanthura was occasionally active during the day. All three lizard species were active from September to May. Activity of Eremiascincus richardsonii and L. xanthura were significantly correlated with monthly mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures. The optimum temperature of L. punctatovittata was 28.8 °C in daytime retreats. Biomass ranged from 505-900 g/ha in E. richardsonii and from 968-1152 g/ha in L. punctatovittata. All three lizard species produced only one clutch per year. L. punctatovittata and E. richardsonii reached sexual maturity at the end of their second year, L. xanthura matured in its first year. The data show that subterranean lizard guilds have a different structure than diurnal and non-fossorial noctunal lizard assemblies. The data also indicate a correlation of late maturity and low reproductive effort in fossorial lizards.
The courtship display of the marbled newt
Authors: Sparreboom Max , Teunis Bas
Published: April 2008

The sexual behaviour of the marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus) is similar to that of the crested newt (T. cristatus), but differs from it by a different temporal patterning of a number of display behaviours. Furthermore there are differences in frequency/intensity of certain displays. 'Rocking' is virtually absent in the marbled newt behaviour, whereas in the crested newt this is the most developed form of courtship movement. The marbled newt shows a less extreme 'catbuckle' display than the crested newt and a higher frequency of 'tail-lashes'. The courtship display of the marbled newt is then described in more detail and compared with that of T. cristatus and T. vittatus.
West Palearctic cobras of the genus Naja (Serpentes: Elapidae): interrelationships among extinct and extant species
Authors: Szyndlar Zbigniew , Rage Jean-Claude
Published: April 2008

Some basic osteological cranial features of living and fossil members of the genus Naja are described. The extinct genus Palaeonaja Hoffstetter, 1939, is synonymized with the modern Naja Laurenti, 1768, and the extinct species Palaeonaja crassa Hoffstetter, 1939, is synonymized with Naja romani (Hoffstetter, 1939). Anatomically, the genus Naja can be divided into two main complexes, composed of: (1) living African species, N. antiqua from the Moroccan Miocene, and N. iberica from the Spanish Miocene; (2) living Asiatic species and N. romani from the Miocene of France, Austria, and Ukraine. Living members of the Asiatic complex make up a monophyletic group; they belong to at least three distinct lineages: N. oxiana, N. naja s.s. ( = N. naja naja), and the remaining taxa named here informally the 'East Asiatic Naja'. The African complex is thought to be most primitive and perhaps paraphyletic; Africa is presumed to be the centre of earliest radiation of the genus. The precise relationships of Walterinnesia, a close relative of Naja occupying the area between Asiatic and African ranges of Naja, remain unclear.
Biochemical evidence pertaining to the taxonomic relationships within the family Chamaeleonidae
Authors: Hofman Annelies , Maxson L.R. , Arntzen J.W.
Published: April 2008

Relationships among representative species of the family Chamaeleonidae were investigated using two different biochemical approaches: starch gel electrophoresis at 18-21 presumptive loci was used to establish the relationships of relatively closely allied species and the quantitative immunological technique of microcomplement fixation (MC'F) was used to probe more distant phylogenetic relationships. Antisera were made to serum albumin of the African Chamaeleo quilensis and the Madagascan Chamaeleo pardalis. Our results are compared to phylogenetic hypotheses based on other characters (Klaver, 1981a; Klaver and Böhme, 1986). The most important conclusions of this study are that 1) the Chamaeleonidae form an old group, dating back into the Cretaceous, and 2) the genus Chamaeleo as recognized by Mertens (1966) is paraphyletic. Geological estimates of the probable time of separation of Africa and Madagascar are compared to estimates from the "albumin molecular clock".
Rediscovery of the Bolkar viper: morphological variation and systematic implications on the 'Vipera xanthina complex'
Authors: Schätti B. , Baran I. , Sigg H.
Published: April 2008

There are no morphological characters which allow a distinction between V. xanthina and V bulgardaghica. There are only minor differences between populations from the Near East (V. bornmuelleri) and the Anatolian xanthina, with the Bolkar specimens being intermediate between these two forms. V albizona is identical with bulgardaghica. These four nominal species (albizona, bornmuelleri, bulgardaghica and xanthina, respectively) are conspecific. The systematic status of V wagneri remains uncertain. The three "species" of the 'raddei group' (incl. albicornuta and latifii) are merely distinguishable on the basis of certain characters of the dorsal colour pattern. The distribution patterns and zoogeographical considerations do not argue in favour of a Tertiary 'vicariance model' for 'mountain vipers' proposed by Nilson and Andrén (1986b). Rather the actual distribution has been poorly investigated in eastern Anatolia and adjacent areas.
The fire salamander, Salamandra salamandra L., in central Europe: subspecies distribution and intergradation
Authors: Veith Michael
Published: April 2008

Allozyme electrophoresis of 14 loci provided information on the distribution of the two central European subspecies of the fire salamander, Salamandra salamandra salamandra (dotted taxon) and S.s.terrestris (striped taxon), along an east-west-transect in Germany. 2183 larvae from 48 populations situated in 14 mountain ranges were studies. A broad (about 140 km wide) zone of intergradition between the two forms is described, ranging from the Hunsrück Mountains in the west to the Spessart in the east. Within this hybrid zone the populations are panmictic. Focussing on the Rhenish Slate Mountains, the western border of the hybrid zone is described in detail. A comparison between allozyme data and morphognostical data (drawn from literature) on the dorsal pattern indicates a discordance between the two data sets. Consequently, the dorsal pattern is ruled out as an indicator for the detection of hybrid populations.
High speed motion analysis of the predatory strike and fluorographic study of oesophageal deglutition in Vipera ammodytes: more than meets the eye
Authors: Janoo Anwar , Gasc Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2008

The predatory strike of Vipera ammodytes was analysed using high speed cinematography. Slow motion studies showed that the strike is a direct hit and that ensuing body postures are complex and occur within a very short time. Flawed strikes have been recorded and are discussed. Radiographic study of oesophageal deglutition demonstrated a lateral undulation of the cervical column resulting from metachronic contractions of body wall musculature, causing prey progress. Some comparative data on Bitis nasicornis and B.gabonica are given.
Alimentación de las larvas de tritón pirenaico, Euproctus asper, en el prepirineo de la Cerdaña, España
Authors: Montori Albert
Published: April 2008

Se ha estudiado la dieta estacional de los ejemplares larvarios de una población de tritón pirenaico Euproctus asper localizada en un torrente de montaña media del prepirineo oriental español. Las larvas de díptero son la presa fundamental de la dieta, siendo secundariamente las larvas de plecóptero y de efemeróptero las presas de mayor importancia, tanto en número como en biomasa. El intérvalo de talla de presas más consumido se sitúa entre los 1.5 y 2 mm., situàndose la media en los 3.02 mm. Se ha obtenido una correlación significativa entre la talla media de las presas del estómgo y la talla corporal de la larva (rs = 0.38).
Skin mechanics and morphology of the gecko Teratoscincus scincus
Authors: Bauer Aaron M. , Russell Anthony P. , Shadwick Robert E.
Published: April 2008

The skin of the Central Asian gecko Teratoscincus scincus is extremely fragile, with low tensile strength, stiffness and toughness. As in other geckos exhibiting regional integumentary loss, skin fragility results from the bilayering of the dermis and the intrinsic weakness of its outer layer. Collagen fibers of the outer portions of the dermis are nearly discontinuous in the hinge regions of the large, imbricate, cycloid scales of this species. The ecological significance of these findings is discussed.
Existence in parapatry of two species of Ophisops in Algeria (Aures): zoogeographical implications
Authors: Chirio L. , Blanc Ch. P.
Published: April 2008

Two species of Ophisops, O. occidentalis and O. elegans (Lacertidae), occur in the Aures massif, Algeria, with a parapatric distribution. In relation to current ecological and bioclimatical factors, this situation is explained by an interspecific exclusion favouring O. occidentalis. Quaternary climatic modifications may have been responsible for wide variations in the distribution areas of Ophisops in Northern Africa, and account for their current geographical separation.
A review of Salmonella infections in reptiles with particular reference to Gekkonidae
Authors: Murphy Tricha J. , Myers Alan A.
Published: April 2008

A summary of the occurrence of Salmonella in chelonians, ophidians, crocodilians and saurians, particularly geckos, is provided. A wide variety of Salmonella serotypes have been isolated from at least 22 species of gekkonidae. The carrier rate in wild geckos ranges from 2 to 64%. A discussion on the potential health hazard posed by geckos to handlers and pet owners is provided. The symptoms, pathology and treatment of salmonellosis in reptiles are also described.
Some aspects of the reproductive biology of Rana esculenta at sea-level and montane habitats
Authors: Carnevali Oliana , Mosconi Gilberto , Giovanna Sabbieti Maria , Murri Carlo Alfredo , Villani Paolo , Polzonetti-Magni Alberta Maria
Published: April 2008

We studied the influence of altitude on the reproductive biology of two populations of Rana esculenta, one living at sea level in a lagoon and the other in the mountains. In the lagoon, where only slight fluctuations of air and water temperature occurred during the year, the reproductive period was longer than in the mountain population in which only one clutch was observed and where a sharp decline of temperature in autumn was consistent with a faster recovery period. High sex steroid plasma levels were found in amplexing males and females of both populations sampled in the field, compared with individuals. A pronounced effect of short-term captivity was found; androgens, estradiol- 17β and progesterone plasma levels decreased dramatically in amplexing frogs sampled in the laboratory 12 h after capture.
Observations on nest dynamics and embryonic and larval development in the nest building gladiator frog, Hyla faber
Authors: Martins Marcio
Published: April 2008

Nests and larval development of the nest building gladiator frog, Hyla faber were studied in southeastern Brazil, during the rainy season of 1988-1989. Nests were built at the pond margins, exclusively by males, and varied in shape, size, and composition in relation to the substrate. Nests were used by 1-4 individual males and housed larvae for a mean of 26 days; 0-6 egg clutches were deposited in a nest. Larvae from individual clutches stayed inside the nests for 8-38 days. Embryonic development occurred within the first 210 h after fertilization and larval development, inside an enclosure installed in a pond, lasted over 8 months. Mortality inside the nests was due to nest water evaporation and/or drainage, to eggs sinking in the first hours after fertilization, or to predation by aquatic insects. Slow larval development in Hyla faber seems to be related to breeding in permanent ponds. Nest building in Hyla faber and related species may have evolved from the habit of using natural depressions for egg laying observed in other morphologically similar species.
Field studies on the small Surinam toad, Pipa arrabali, near Manaus, Brazil
Authors: Buchacher Christian O.
Published: April 2008

A population of the small Surinam toad, Pipa arrabali, was studied at an isolated pool site in undisturbed primary forest, 70 km north of Manaus, Brazil. During the eleven months of examination, 371 individuals were toe-clipped. The toads preferred more persistent pools where they preyed upon tadpoles of other anurans. If a home pool dried up or a source of food became available in one of the other pools the toads migrated over land for short distances. Of a total of 84 recaptures, 28 (33%) were found in a pool other than the original. P. arrabali bred throughout the entire year, but females with larvae in the dermal pockets on their backs were particularly frequent at the end of the rainy season (April to June). No free swimming larval stage occurs. Depending on the size of the female, between 6 and 16 eggs develop directly into small toads. Snout-vent length at emergence ranges from 10 to 14 mm.
Long-term management of a natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) population in southern Britain
Authors: Banks Brian , Beebee Trevor J.C. , Denton Jonathan S.
Published: April 2008

We have investigated the dynamics of an isolated population of natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) over the period 1972-1991. During this time the habitat was manipulated by clearance of scrub woodland and by creation and restoration of ponds. The adult toad population increased at least threefold during the study, with a nadir in the late 1970s and a maximum in the late 1980s. Female population size, as judged by spawn string counts, varied according to metamorphic success rates three years previously. Ponds suitable for natterjack breeding on chemical and topographical grounds nevertheless varied both in their attractiveness to natterjacks and in their success rates in sustaining larvae through to metamorphosis; those desiccating at intermediate times were more successful than highly ephemeral or longer-lasting water bodies. Artificial eutrophication of one naturally acid pond by addition of Ca((OH)2 increased its attractiveness to natterjacks for several years but did not sustain high levels of toadlet production. Female natterjacks survived up to twice as long as the oldest males, a difference possibly attributable to selective predation by the snake Natrix natrix. Invertebrates, especially beetles (Coleoptera) and ants (Hymenoptera) were the primary food of both natterjacks and sympatric common toads (B. bufo) at the study site. Addition of fish (Leuciscus idus) to breeding pools reduced numbers of predatory invertebrates and increased toadlet production in two separate experiments. Optimal terrestrial habitat for natterjacks was sustained only for 2-3 years after scrub clearance, after which seral succession rendered it unsuitable.
The phylogenetic relationships of the Central American snake Tretanorhinus: data from morphology and karyology
Authors: Pinou Theodora , Dowling Herndon G.
Published: April 2008

In spite of numerous references to Tretanorhinus as a natricine or natricid snake, significant characters of the dentition, vertebrae, hemipenis, and scutellation agree with previous immunological data which indicated that Tretanorhinus is a member of the Central American Dipsadidae. The karyotype of Tretanorhinus variabilis supports the view that this genus is not a natrid.
Site fidelity and territoriality in the dendrobatid frog Dendrobates granuliferus
Authors: van Wijngaarden René , van Gool Saskia
Published: April 2008

Dendrobates granuliferus males were observed in order to see whether they use fixed calling sites and whether they show site tenacity, to estimate territory sizes, and to establish whether territoriality is elicited by acoustic or visual characteristics of competing males, or by a combination of these two. Territorial males had one to three calling sites during a three week observation period. Males were mostly found at their calling sites between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Both acoustic and visual stimuli were presented at various distances. Visual stimuli in the form of a mimicking clay model did not provoke reactions. In trials with acoustic stimuli, the distance at which reactions were observed ranged from 1 to 3 m. Reactions occurred at 3 m in half of these trials. Combining the results of this experiment with observations on territorial behaviour we conclude that territoriality increases towards calling sites. Vocalization combined with movement of D. gralluliferus-sized frogs seems to be the key factor for male recognition. Oviposition sites seem to be defended resources.
Extension of the known range of Triturus dobrogicus: electrophoretic and morphological evidence for presence in the Czech Republic
Authors: Zavadil Vit , Piálek Jaroslav , Klepsch Lilian
Published: April 2008

Three populations of the Triturus cristatus superspecies were studied using morphological and electrophoretic techniques. Two bivariate statistics - the ratio between the length of forelimbs and interlimb distances and that between head width and body length - and eleven allozyme loci revealed close similarity between a sample taken in Moravia (Czech Republic) and a sample of T. dobrogicus collected in Vienna (Austria). Accordingly, the Moravian population should be classified as T dobrogicus. Therewith, the northeastern limit of the known distribution of Triturus dobrogicus is extended into the Czech Republic.
An ethogram for the small scincid lizard Lampropholis guichenoti
Authors: Torr Geordie A. , Shine Richard
Published: April 2008

This paper describes and interprets the behaviours exhibited by captive specimens of Lampropholis guichenoti. An ethogram containing 45 behavioural acts was compiled. Complex communication displays were lacking in L. guichenoti, although many behaviours exhibited by this species were similar (and perhaps, evolutionarily homologous) to more complex displays in other types of lizards. Head-bobbing occurred but (judging from its context, and the lack of response of other lizards) functioned to enhance visual acuity rather than to serve as a social signal. Similarly, tail-twitching and tail-lashing occurred in both aggressive and submissive contexts, and seemed to express high levels of arousal rather than to act as ritualised social signals. Female L. guichenoti used a hitherto-unreported behaviour pattern (leg-twitching) to express submission.
Comparative water flux and daily energy expenditure of lizards of the genus Gallotia (Lacertidae) from the Canary Islands
Authors: Vernet Roland , Castanet Jacques , Baez Marcos
Published: April 2008

Water fluxes and daily energy expenditure (DEE) of Gallotia galloti, G. stehlini and G. atlantica, were estimated over a three-year period using the doubly-labelled water (DLW) method. Water influx varied little between seasons and between sexual categories. Juveniles tended to have higher water fluxes in spring in all three species; after a dry period the water turnover tended to decrease for all sexes in G. galloti and G. stehlini, whereas little variation was observed for G. atlantica. The average water influx, combined for all periods, was 46.27, 50.97 and 38.20 ml H2O.kg-1 d-1 for the three species respectively; only the last value differs significantly from the remaining two. The mean DEE, for all periods combined, were 189.7, 179.4 and 146.5 J g-1 d-1 for the three species respectively. As for water turnover, only the value for G. atlantica differed significantly. These data suggest that: G. atlantica may be better adaptated to maintain homeostasis during dry periods and that differences in interspecific DEE can also be explained by others factors than differences in habitat, climatic conditions, daily profiles of activity or body temperatures. We suspect that the incidence of intraspecific competition has more importance in G. atlantica than in the two other species.
Newt-fish interactions in a small forest lake
Authors: Aronsson Stig , Stenson Jan A.E.
Published: April 2008

Fishes and newts may play similar roles at the same trophic level in freshwater lakes and ponds. Although a great deal is known about the predatory and competitive impact of fish on most freshwater groups, very little is known about fish-newt interactions. In the present work we have studied the influence of a fish population on the distribution and structure of a Triturus vulgaris population. The roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), in a small forest lake were eliminated experimentally and were reintroduced after six years. Newts appeared in the lake and showed a rapid population increase after the elimination of fish. After the reintroduction offish, the recruitment of young newts virtually ceased and the population decreased. The most probable explanation is that fish prey upon newt larvae, this being supported by our field and laboratory results. Access to water bodies without significant predators and competitors is thus of vital importance for newt populations.
Aportes al conocimiento de Gonatodes falconensis Shreve, 1947 (Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) del noroeste de Venezuela
Authors: Mijares-Urrutia Abraham , Arends R. Alexis
Published: April 2008

Se informa sobre nuevos registros del tuqueque Gonatodes falconensis Shreve en base a siete ejemplares proveniente de la Sierra de San Luis, centro-norte del Estado Falcon, Venezuela. Se redescribe la especie en base a estos ejemplares, incluyendo nueva información sobre distribución y ecologia de la misma.
A new species of Xenopus (Anura: Pipidae) from the highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Tinsley R.C.
Published: April 2008

A new species of African clawed toad is described from the Bale Mountains region in southern Ethiopia. A series of small field samples indicate a maximum body length for females of about 50 mm. The new species is a 3-clawed Xenopus, distinguished by a rounded snout with relatively small eyes, a dark brown dorsal colouration lacking large spots or patches (which are common elsewhere in the genus), the absence of both a subocular tentacle and a metatarsal tubercle, and a small number of lateral line plaques (18 or 19 transverse plaques between eye and vent). The new species occurs in a region noted for the high proportion of endemic taxa in its fauna and flora; it occurs sympatrically with the single previously-known Ethiopian Xenofius, X. clivii, at around 2600 m asl., but is easily distinguished from this 4-clawed species. The new species has a chromosome number of 2n = 36; a series of biochemical and genetic studie indicate that it is most closely related to X. laevis and X. gilli and that it is relatively distant from the three species which are its nearest geographical neighbours, X. clivii, X. borealis and X. muelleri.
Species concepts: a contrast of viewpoints
Authors: Gollmann Günter
Published: April 2008

Some fundamental contrasts underlying the disputes about species concepts are outlined: nominalistic versus essentialistic viewpoints, relations of pattern and process, and incongruities of population genetic, ecological, and phylogenetic approaches. The biological, evolutionary and phylogenetic species concepts are briefly characterized. Attention is drawn to the cohesion concept of species and to genealogical concordance principles, which attempt to integrate elements of those concepts with advances in population biological and evolutionary genetic theory.
Multiple mating by females is not dependent on body size in the salamander Desmognathus ochrophaeus
Authors: Shillington Cara , Verrell Paul
Published: April 2008

Male mate choice for particular "classes" of females may be devalued if chosen females are more likely to mate with multiple partners (thus precipitating sperm competition). Larger females carry greater numbers of eggs available for fertilization in the plethodontid salamander Desmognathus ochrophaeus, and are chosen by males in simultaneous mate-choice tests. We found no difference in mating frequency between 12 large females and 12 smaller females across 576 male-female encounters. Given limited published data on patterns of sperm utilization in this salamander, we conclude that male choice of more fecund partners may be advantageous even in the face of multiple mating by females and resultant sperm competition. Studies of natural populations of salamanders are required to confirm this conclusion.
Reproductive characteristics of three Mediterranean lizards: Psammodromus algirus (L), Psammodromus hispanicus Fitzinger and Acanthodactylus erythrurus (Schinz)
Authors: Pérez-Quintero Juan Carlos
Published: April 2008

We report on the reproductive cycle and reproductive characteristics of three oviparous lizard species: Psammodromus algirus, Psammodromus hispanicus and Acanthodactylus erythrurus from a sandy coastal area in SW-Spain. Maximum testicle activity in P. algirus is research between March-May. Oviposition occurs along the activity cycle until September, clutch size average 4.8 eggs (2-10) and larger females tend to produce larger clutches. In P. hispanicus testicle reaches maximal volume during February-May. Oviposition occurs throughout April-September, and two clutches, averaging 3.6 eggs (2-5), are produced annually. In A. erythrurus mean testicle volume reaches its maximum in March, oviposition occurs in two cycles: spring and summer, clutch size averages 4.4 eggs (3-6) and increases with female snout-vent length.
Do lingual behaviors and locomotion by two gekkotan lizards after experimental loss of bitten prey indicate chemosensory search?
Authors: Cooper William E. , DePerno Christopher S. , Steele Laura J.
Published: April 2008

Poststrike elevation in tongue-flicking rate (PETF) and strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS) were assessed experimentally in two species of gekkonoid lizards belonging to families differing in foraging mode. PETF is an increase in rate of lingual protrusions after a prey item has been bitten and escapes or is removed from the mouth of a squamate reptile, whereas SICS is PETF combined with locomotory searching behavior. Eublepharis mucularius, the leopard gecko, is an actively, albeit slowly, foraging eublepharid. This species exhibited PETF for a duration of about five minutes based on total lingual protrusions. Labial-licks were initially much more frequent than tongue-flicks. A substantial increase in movement occurred during minutes 5-8, hinting that SICS might be present, but was not quite significant. SICS is likely present, as in other actively foraging lizards, but was not conclusively demonstrated. Handling the lizards induced increased locomotion in both the experimental condition and a control condition, presumably accounting for the apparent delay in onset of increased movement. The tokay gecko, Gekko gecko, a gekkonid ambush forager, performed no tongue-flicks, but exhibited PETF based on labial-licks during the first minute. SICS was absent. These findings support the hypothesis that SICS is absent in ambush foraging lizards, which do not use the lingual-vomeronasal system to search for prey. They are suggestive, but equivocal regarding the hypothesis that SICS is present in actively foraging lizards that exhibit lingually mediated prey chemical discrimination. The finding of PETF in G. gecko suggests that this species and several iguanians previously found to increase rates of labial-licking after biting prey may be able to detect prey chemicals.
Physiological (rapid) change of color in horned lizards
Authors: Sherbrooke Wade C.
Published: April 2008

Rapid color-change in three congeneric desert lizards of diverse size was studied and compared. Using in vitro skins, the highest % skin-darkening values (15-19%) of dose-response curves for α-melanophore stimulating hormone (α-MSH) were determined for each species. In the smallest species, Phrynosoma modestum, melanophores responded to α-MSH over the broadest range, 2.5 x 10-10- 6.5 10-8 M. Isoproterenol, a β-adrenoceptor agonist, was less effective than α-MSH at darkening skins, 5% in P. cornutum. Norepinephrine (NE), an α-adrenoceptor agonist, dramatically lightened α-MSH darkened skins of P solare and P modestum. Catecholamine responses were further investigated with the α-adrenoceptor blocker Dibenamine and the β-adrenoceptor blocker oxprenolol. Phrynosoma cornutum did not respond to NE. The effects of temperature on α-MSH activity were studied in vitro and in vivo. Skins in vitro darkened most rapidly in response to α-MSH at 41°, to an intermediate degree at 22°, and least at 6°C. Lizards in vivo exhibited the darkest color at 22°, lightest at 41°, and intermediate color at 6°C. A potent α-MSH receptor agonist, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, was used to further study the significance of temperature on in vivo α-MSH regulation of color. Both P. cornutum and P. modestum placed on black-and-white backgrounds for twenty-four hours failed to show background matching. Diel color changes associated with thermoregulatory needs are apparently consistent with crypsis, an antipredator strategy; cool lizards darken (to increase solar thermal gain) in early morning and late afternoon when background shadows are prominent, and warm lizards lighten (to reduce solar thermal gain) at midday when the albedo of the environment is high.
International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature
Authors: Rieppel Olivier , Brinkman Paul D.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this application is to conserve the well known generic name Nothosaurus Miinster, 1834 for a genus of sauropterygian reptiles by giving it precedence over the subjective synonym Conchiosaurus Meyer [1833], which predates it by a few months. The genus Nothosaurus is known from the upper Lower to uppermost Middle Triassic of Europe and the Middle East. The type species, N. mirabilis Münster, 1834, was first described on material from the lower Upper Muschelkalk (Late Anisian) at Bayreuth. The genus Conchiosaurus is known from a single incomplete skull from the Saurierkalk of Esperstädt (Germany), which corresponds to the base of the Middle Muschelkalk, Upper Anisian.
Crayfish predation on amphibian eggs and larvae
Authors: Axelsson Eva , Nyström Per , Sidenmark Johan , Brönmark Christer
Published: April 2008

We experimentally evaluated the impact of the introduced signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and the native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) on eggs and larvae of seven species of amphibians, likely to co-occur with crayfish in southern Sweden. In aquarium experiments eggs and tadpoles of all amphibian species were consumed by both crayfish species. The consumption of amphibian eggs by signal crayfish increased with temperature. The noble crayfish consumed more tadpoles than the signal crayfish, but the latter caused more sub-lethal damage to tadpoles. Tadpoles of the common toad (Bufo bufo) were sometimes killed but left uneaten by both crayfish species. In pool experiments, signal crayfish consumed more tadpoles of Hyla arborea in a less complex habitat and significantly reduced survival of Hyla tadpoles and the biomass of aquatic macrophytes.
Temperature selection and thermoregulation in the Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica
Authors: Arad Zeev , Schwarzbaum Amir , Werner Yehudah L.
Published: April 2008

Temperature selection in a thermal gradient and the physiological responses to heat exposure were studied in the Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica, from Crete. In association with previous indications that the Moorish gecko has a bimodal activity pattern, we found a bimodal temperature selection with modes at 27-28 and 30-32°C. In this respect, it resembles the closely related Israeli gecko, Ptyodactylus guttatus. However, Tarentola is more susceptible to heat exposure and has a moderate thermoregulatory capacity compared to P. guttatus and this is probably related to its reaching more northern latitudes than Ptyodactylus. During heat exposure (up to 40°C) oxygen consumption increased significantly and was not sustained by the moderate increase (Q10 = 1.44) in heart frequency. We found a significantly lower heating rate than cooling rate in Tarentola. This is in accord with allometric predictions for its low body mass and might stem from the high mass-specific evaporative water loss and from the relatively small increment in heart rate during heat exposure which may adaptively retard heat gain from the environment and maximize its activity periods.
Ultrastructure of Rhabdias tokyoensis, a pulmonary nematode of the Japanese newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster)
Authors: Pfeiffer Carl J. , Asashima Makoto
Published: April 2008

The parasitic nematode, Rhabdias tokyoensis, Wilkie, 1930, which is found primarily in the saccular lungs of the Japanese newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, Boie, 1826, is described from the clinical and ultrastructural perspectives. Newts are commonly infected with 1-3 nematodes per lung and often appear healthy, but may present in a wasted state and rarely, if the parasites have penetrated the lungs, will appear grossly bloated with air. This distention alters the newt diving behavior due to impaired buoyancy control. The nematodes induce ulcerative lesions on the inner, pulmonary surface and, if they escape from the lungs, may attach to abdominal organs such as the liver. Rhabdias tokyoensis has minor annulations in the head region, with an oral cavity devoid of crown or lips, and with narrow, sub-cuticular, bacillary band-like longitudinal ridges, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cuticular wrinkling due to dehydration is evident by SEM. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the cuticle was distinctive, with a particularly thick inner cortex, two thin laminations comprising the basal, fibrous layer, and a convoluted, outer cortex which reflected the surface wrinkling observed by scanning electron microscopy. Cells lining the intestinal tract had apical surfaces lined by microvilli and both large (2.5 μm) and small (0.3 μm) electron dense secretory granules. Somatic muscles encircling the periphery of the nematode body were typical for this genus. The life cycle, prevalence in the natural environment, and possible intermediate hosts for R. tokyoensis remain unknown. Infection of Japanese newts by R. tokyoensis, which otherwise are in good health, may not significantly impair this primarily aquatic amphibian because it relies much on integumentary respiration and the nematode-damaged, primitive saccular lungs do not undergo significant hemorrhage.
Maximizing male reproductive success in the broad-headed skink (Eumeces laticeps): preliminary evidence for mate guarding, size-assortative pairing, and opportunistic extra-pair mating
Authors: Cooper William E. , Vitt Laurie J.
Published: April 2008

Several lines of evidence suggest that male Eumeces laticeps may increase reproductive success by 1) mating with larger females to increase clutch size, 2) mate guarding to be present during the female's receptive period and/or prevent sperm competition, and 3) engaging in extra-pair copulations. Clutch size increases with female body size, establishing a potential advantage of male preference for large female mates. Mate association lasts up to 8 days and possibly longer, with a mean of nearly 5 days. Males may remain with females during a major portion of the mating season, which preliminary data suggest lasts about two weeks, suggesting that mate-guarding may reduce the level of polygyny. Tethered introductions of intruder males to consort pairs showed that consort males use aggressive behavior to exclude other males from the vicinity of females. Eumeces laticeps exhibits strong positive size-assortative pairing, suggesting the possible importance of male choice of large mates. Female preference for large males could account for this relationship, but only if large females prefer the largest possible males within the acceptable size range and aggressively exclude other females from preferred males. Females are sometimes aggressive to each other, especially near nest sites, but aggression is suppressed by males, as shown by tethered introduction of females to consort pairs. Size-assortative pairing may be based in part on male preference if males can prevent larger females from aggressively excluding smaller ones. In addition to preferentially guarding large females, males not currently guarding mate with any females not large enough to deter them aggressively. A field observation of an extra-pair copulation, responses by consort males to introduced females, and the lack of size preference in the absence of consorts suggest that males may engage opportunistically in extra-pair copulations to increase reproductive success and are not then choosy about female size.
Field reproductive potential of tropical high mountain Hyla labialis females: direct and indirect evidence from mark-recapture data
Authors: Lüddecke Horst
Published: April 2008

Data from 203 recaptured Hyla labialis females, representing 37.9% of all females captured, individually marked and released during a five-year field study in a tropical highland valley in the eastern chain of the Colombian Andes were used to examine directly (recording a sequence of spawning events) and indirectly (finding a large change in body condition index between successive encounters) the reproductive activity of individual females in relation to the reproductive pattern of the entire population, which had two long breeding seasons per year. Equivalent results were obtained from both sources of evidence for estimating the length of individual breeding intervals. No female was encountered breeding twice in the same season. Only a small percentage of the adult females was found at the breeding ponds in successive seasons. The majority of the females apparently spawned once per year or at even longer intervals. The length of individual breeding intervals was unrelated to body size, body mass and body condition index of the females. The variable lengths of breeding intervals of individual females seem to be a combined consequence of physiological recovery capacity after an oviposition and several environmental factors.
SEH News
Authors: Smith Hobart M.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this application is to conserve, by designation of a neotype for Lachesis (or Bothrops or Porthidium) pulcher (Peters, 1863), the accustomed usage of this name for a terrestrial species of pitviper (family VIPERIDAE) from Colombia and Ecuador, and of Bothriechis oligolepis albocarinatus (Shreve, 1934) for an arboreal pitviper from Ecuador and Peru. The specific name pulcher was originally based on a specimen of albocarinatus but has been universally misapplied since Boulenger (1896).
A new treefrog species of the genus Boophis (Anura: Ranidae: Rhacophorinae) with dermal fringes from Madagascar
Authors: Vallan Denis , Glaw Frank , Andreone Franco , Cadle John E.
Published: April 2008

A new anuran species of the genus Boophis from the rainforests of eastern Madagascar is described. This species differs from the other Boophis by the presence of lateral dermal fringes on the arms, legs and lower lip, and its lichen-like dorsal colouration. It is included in the B. tephraeomystax group due to several morphochromatic characters. Tadpoles probably belonging to this species have a peculiar colouration: black with a bright yellow transverse stripe on the body and a yellow spot at the tip of the snout. Behavioural observations support the assumption that frogs of this species probably spend the day on branches covered with lichens. A comparison with other Madagascan amphibians and reptiles with dermal fringes is provided.
Sound production in the eastern hognose snake, Heterodon platyrhinos (Serpentes: Colubridae): Does it snore?
Authors: Young Bruce A. , Lalor Julia
Published: April 2008

Heterodon platyrhinos normally produces sounds as one part of its elaborate defensive behavior. This species has a distinctive quadriphasic sound, reflecting the underlying triphasic ventilatory pattern of snakes. Heterodon produces sound during both inhalation and exhalation; in both cases the sounds span a broad frequency range (from approximately 1,000 to 11,000 Hz, with frequencies below 3,500 Hz having higher amplitudes. Temporal congruence between sound production and deflection of a strain gauge mounted over the external nares of unrestrained H. platyrhinos provide the first experimental evidence for sound production through the nasal passageway in snakes.
Comparative morphology of the Euphrates soft-shelled turtle, Rafetus euphraticus (Daudin, 1802) (Reptilia, Testudines) in Southeastern Anatolia
Authors: TaŞkavak Ertan
Published: April 2008

Morphometric measurements and ratios were recorded in Euphrates soft-shelled turtles, Rafetus euphraticus, sampled in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and tributaries, Southeastern Anatolia. According to nine morphometric ratios, there are clear differences between two allopatric populations of R. euphraticus, the specimens of the Tigris population being much flatter and having a wider carapace as compared with the Euphrates population. Male:female sex ratio was 2.7:1, no sexual dimorphism was present in the morphometric ratios. Rafetus euphraticus and Trionyx triunguis, which were considered congeneric in the past, differed from each other in the ratios of the carapace length/carapace width, carapace length/plane of the greatest carapace width, carapace length/plastron length, carapace length/rostrum length, carapace width/plastron length, carapace width/head width and plastron length/rostrum length.
Mating call differences between diploid and tetraploid green toads (Bufo viridis complex) in Middle Asia
Authors: Stöck Matthias
Published: April 2008

Mating calls of diploid and tetraploid green toads (Bufo viridis complex) from Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan were investigated during the breeding periods in 1994 and 1995 across a range of temperatures from 9°C to 22°C. Interpulse interval duration, pulse duration and call duration were negatively correlated with water temperature. At any given temperature tetraploid toads exhibited longer pulses and interpulse intervals resulting in lower pulse rates than diploid toads. These differences reveal a potential premating isolation barrier and provide an additional argument to consider diploid and tetraploid green toads as separate species. Call duration did not differ significantly between diploid and tetraploid green toads. Fundamental frequencies lay in the same range in both diploid and tetraploid toads.