bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The central and south american blindsnakes of the genus Anomalepis
Authors: Kofron Christopher P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Neotropical blindsnakes of the genus Anomalepis are reviewed. Four species are recognized: A. mexicanus in Costa Rica, Panama and Peru; A. colombia in Colombia; A. flavapices in Ecuador; and A. aspinosus in Peru. Numbers of dorsal scales and scale rows around the body are the only characteristics by which the species can be diagnosed. Anomalepis colombia, A. flavapices and A. aspinosus comprise a species group (the aspinosus group) with a combined geographic distribution somewhat similar to that of A. mexicanus, but more restricted. The aspinosus group is characterized by higher numbers of dorsal scales and scale rows: 308-363 dorsals, and a scale-row formula of (26-27-28-30)-(24-26-30)-(24-27). Anomalepis mexicanus is characterized by fewer numbers of dorsal scales and scale rows: 259-299 dorsals, and a scale-row formula of (24-25-26)-(20-22-23-24)-(20-21-22). Anomalepis flavapices and A. aspinosus may be synonymous.
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

AbstractPadangia 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractAn 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractAllozyme 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractSe 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

Abstract
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

AbstractTwo 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractNests 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

AbstractA 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.