bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ethogram for the small scincid lizard Lampropholis guichenoti
Authors: Torr Geordie A. , Shine Richard 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractSe 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractSome 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

AbstractMale 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

AbstractWe 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

Abstract
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

AbstractRapid 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractSeveral 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

AbstractData 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

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractMorphometric 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.