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Elapids of the genus Micrurus actively search for their prey. Here we present new information on the foraging ecology of the aquatic coral snake Micrurus surinamensis based on observations in the western Amazon of Brazil. Eleven individuals of M. surinamensis were observed at night, four of them moving, four hunting in ambush posture, and three actively hunting. Here, we show that M. surinamensis is active mainly at night in aquatic environments and may also be active on the terrestrial environments. Land activity may be related with the search for fish which may eventually be found in this substrate, as well as with the search for water bodies, following the hydrological cycles of flooding and drought. When hunting, the snake uses both foraging modes, being able to actively search for its prey, or ambush it, by keeping the body partially in the water, with the head on the surface. Due to the greater availability of aquatic environments and available prey (fish), M. surinamensis should be more abundant in floodplain forest ecosystems. Additional field observations may help in elucidating the biology on this ecologically differentiated species within the genus Micrurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 47 vertebrate type specimens held in the University of Otago Geology Department are catalogued in detail. A short history of the collection is followed by lists of the type specimens under the Classes Actinopterygii, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia. A fish trace-fossil is included at the end of the Actinopterygii. Where appropriate, the name changes of the genus or species are given in chronological order. The specimens are briefly described, locality and geological age information is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of plants and animals at the edge of a species' range may exhibit lower genetic diversity due to a combination of historical (e.g., postglacial dispersal) and contemporary (e.g., low effective population size, strong genetic drift or bottlenecks) processes. In this study, we analysed the genetic structure of populations of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the northern part of the Pannonian Basin (Slovakia, Hungary, Austria), which represents the edge of the species' range. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers, we aimed to assign individuals and populations into phylogeographic lineages and to determine genetic variation and population structure. Our study revealed that most individuals from natural populations belong to mtDNA lineage II (widely distributed haplotype IIa, and likely endemic haplotypes IIl and IIo), which is typical for the whole Pannonian region. However, non-native haplotypes were detected in one Slovak population (haplotype Ib) and in the Austrian Donau Auen National Park (haplotype IVa). Microsatellite markers revealed high variability comparable to that in other parts of the range, suggesting that marginal populations may not necessarily have reduced genetic diversity. A genetically mixed population was found in the Donau Auen National Park, consisting of turtles belonging to mtDNA lineage II (taxonomically assessed as subspecies E. orbicularis orbicularis) and lineage IV (taxonomically assessed as E. orbicularis hellenica), which is native to the circum-Adriatic region. The admixture suggests intense hybridization and introgression between the two lineages (subspecies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The colubrid snakes of the genera Gongylosoma Fitzinger, 1843 and Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843 are distributed across south and southeast Asia with five and eight nominate species, respectively. Despite their wide distribution, members of these genera are among some of the least-known colubrids. The two genera were considered synonymous in the past only to be separated later, and are defined on rather nebulose characters with a lack of support from molecular data. To test the monophyly of the two genera, we generated molecular data for the type species of Gongylosoma and species representing the two genera, including samples of Liopeltis rappii (Günther, 1860) from the western Himalayas. Results recovered paraphyly of Liopeltis, especially with regard to the genus Gongylosoma. Morphological data supports recognizing the western and eastern populations of L. rappii as two distinct species. The findings from our integrative taxonomic approach advocate establishing a new genus to embody Liopeltis rappii and a new allied species from the central and western Himalayas. A rediagnosis and revised classification of the genera Gongylosoma and Liopeltis is presented. The results further hint at cryptic diversity across members of the two genera, warranting scrutiny of the most widespread members of the group.

Geckos stand out among lizards for communicating by means of visual, chemical, and acoustic modalities. Although these lizards are known for using these three modalities, the number of studies using them as subjects is restricted, especially those focused on the Chilean endemic genus Garthia. Here, we quantify the social behaviour of G. gaudichaudii, with special focus on the acoustic component. We also examine behaviours linked to the use of visual and chemoreceptive signals, and how these relate to acoustic signals, shedding light on the potential use of multichannel communication in this species. We examined social interactions of these lizards during encounters between pairs of non-breeding adult individuals of same or different sex. We found that both sexes emit single chirp calls of low intensity and at a low rate. Females calls preceded the approach of an interacting individual (male or female), while a single male called exclusively while ramming a female. We suggest an intimidatory functional role for these calls. Geckos also performed different visual displays, among which aggressive vertical tail-waving is followed by aggressive single chirp calls. Both sexes performed tongue-flicks, mainly to the air or to a conspecific, suggesting that vomerolfaction of volatile and non-volatile chemicals is important for chemical communication in this species. Some males performed courtship behaviours, but no copulation was recorded. Females rejected males performing tail-waving displays and made escape attempts, likely because experiments involved non-breeding subjects. Our study demonstrated that female and male G. gaudichaudii use acoustic signals coupled to various visual and chemoreceptive behaviours during social interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The egg tooth of squamates is a true tooth that allows them to break, tear, or cut the eggshell during hatching. In this clade there are some uncertainties concerning the egg tooth implantation geometry, the number of germs, and their fates during embryonic development. Here, we used X-ray microtomography and light microscopy, focusing on the egg tooth and remaining premaxillary teeth of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis , Squamata: Unidentata). The developing egg tooth of this species passes through all the classic stages of tooth development. We did not find any evidence that the large size of the egg tooth is related to the merging of two egg tooth germs, which has recently been suggested to occur in snakes. Instead, this feature can be attributed to the delayed formation of the neighbouring regular premaxillary teeth. This might provide more resources to the developing egg tooth. At the last developmental stage, the egg tooth is a large, midline structure, bent forward as in most oviparous Unidentata. It is characterized by pleurodont implantation, and its base is attached to the pleura and a peculiar ridge of the alveolar bone. The attachment tissue contains periodontal ligament-like tissue, acellular cementum-like tissue, and alveolar bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urbanization expands globally, human–wildlife interactions will inevitably increase. Here, we analysed 10 years of wildlife rehabilitation records of squamate (snake and lizard) reptiles (n = 37 075) from the Greater Sydney region, New South Wales, Australia, to explore their value to address management and conservation issues. Rescues were highly non-random regarding taxonomic focus, spatial occurrences and temporal trends due to the combined influence of (i) reptile phenology and behaviour and (ii) human perceptions of reptiles. Seasonal peaks in rescues reflect reptile and, to a lesser extent, human activity. Spatial patterns of rescues were informative about distributions and presence of easily identified taxa but were primarily driven by human presence. Larger squamate species were rescued more frequently, potentially reflecting a perception of greater danger or rescue priority. While uncommon species were often misidentified, accurate reports of these taxa may guide targeted surveys. The value of these data for conservation and management could be enhanced by emphasizing reptile identification training of volunteers and use of applications for informed species identification. Wildlife rehabilitation data offer a cost-effective means of quantifying thousands of human–reptile interactions, identifying foci (in both time and space) of human–wildlife conflict such as snakebite risk and roadkill-related reptile mortality.

The influence of liver repair processes on haematopoiesis in scaly reptiles, in particular the steppe runner Eremias arguta (Pallas, 1773) is considered. Specimens with maximum and minimum liver parenchyma damage were selected from the same biotope and their liver myelogram indices were compared. It was shown that macrophage activation during liver repair stimulates lymphoid and myeloid haematopoietic progenitor cells in steppe runners. On the contrary, differentiation of erythroid cells at the normocyte stage is somewhat reduced, probably due to lack of resources.

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of reptiles is essential for decision-making in conservation under future climate change scenarios. We present a new compilation of reptile records for Odesa Oblast (i.e. province), south-west Ukraine. We compiled 662 records: 200 from our own research during 2012–2022, 362 from the published literature, 73 from public databases and 27 from museum collections. Fourteen native species of reptile (one species of Emydidae, four of Lacertidae, one of Anguidae, six of Colubridae and two of Viperidae) have been recorded in Odesa Oblast but the distribution of several are poorly known and/or records have rarely been published. We also report four introduced reptile species (one each of Emydidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae and Anguidae). We present the data in a grid of 462 10 × 10 km cells covering the oblast. In this compilation we did not record any new species, but our records include previously unreported localities for some species. Species richness was highest in the areas along the Black Sea, in protected areas. The main threats to the reptiles in Odesa Oblast are the alteration and degradation of habitats, military action, uncontrolled pressure from infrastructure projects and the presence of invasive species.

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of reptiles is essential for decision-making in conservation under future climate change scenarios. We present a new compilation of reptile records for Odesa Oblast (i.e. province), south-west Ukraine. We compiled 662 records: 200 from our own research during 2012–2022, 362 from the published literature, 73 from public databases and 27 from museum collections. Fourteen native species of reptile (one species of Emydidae, four of Lacertidae, one of Anguidae, six of Colubridae and two of Viperidae) have been recorded in Odesa Oblast but the distribution of several are poorly known and/or records have rarely been published. We also report four introduced reptile species (one each of Emydidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae and Anguidae). We present the data in a grid of 462 10 × 10 km cells covering the oblast. In this compilation we did not record any new species, but our records include previously unreported localities for some species. Species richness was highest in the areas along the Black Sea, in protected areas. The main threats to the reptiles in Odesa Oblast are the alteration and degradation of habitats, military action, uncontrolled pressure from infrastructure projects and the presence of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are the economically and ecologically most important blood-sucking arthropod vectors that can transmit disease agents under temperate climate. In this group, the highest number of species (currently nearing 270) belongs to the genus Ixodes. For this review, more than 400 papers related to this genus in the context of Russia were checked for data on the host records, locations of collection, as well as ecology of assigned tick species. This monograph compensates for the lack of a similarly comprehensive English-language overview of Ixodes species in the region of Russia for nearly half century, and also makes a large set of data easily available for international readers, which is especially important if the original source is difficult to access from outside this country. In addition, the data from a significant number of papers on this topic available only in the Russian language are made accessible through this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated and compared the effects of different environmental pollutants on haematological, microbiological and genotoxic characteristics of populations of the freshwater turtle Emys orbicularis from the Kavak Delta and Dardanos in Çanakkale (NW Türkiye). The haematocrit values of samples of E. orbicularis differed considerably between the two localities: they were higher in the Kavak Delta samples. The mean cell haemoglobin concentration was also significantly different between the two localities (higher in the samples of the Dardanos). The water samples of the two localities were within the limit (Class I-II) for all parameters, except Dardanos temperature (Class III). Although it was not statistically significant, the nuclear abnormality formation in the erythrocytes of the sample from Dardanos was numerically higher than that from the Kavak Delta. The study assessed the impact of pollutants on populations of Emys orbicularis and conducted on-site evaluations and monitoring of genotoxic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the community composition of herpetofauna in the Dahomey Gap area in West Africa, we studied the amphibians and reptiles of distinct sites in Benin. Our aims were to highlight whether these communities are homogeneous (as can be predicted by the fact that the Dahomey Gap is a relatively homogeneous vegetation zone) or whether there are remarkable site-specific differences. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that there should be significant differences in community composition between savannah and the open forest remnants or gallery forests along the riverine sites, by applying a Visual Encounter Survey protocol. We found that the herpetological species were typically those of the West African savannahs, with no species belonging to another ecosystem different from the Guinean and Sudanian savannahs. Anthropophilic species were also frequently observed. Our study also documented that the community composition may vary considerably in terms of species richness by site within the Dahomey Gap main habitats, whereas the bulk of the communities of both taxa remain the same.

Abstract Background The genomes of many eukaryotes contain DNA repeats in the form of both tandem and interspersed elements with distinct structure, evolutionary histories, and mechanisms of emergence and amplification. Although there is considerable knowledge regarding their diversity, there is little evidence directly linking these two types. Results Different tandem repeats derived from portions of short interspersed elements (SINEs) belonging to different families were identified in 56 genomes of squamate reptiles. All loci of SINE-derived satellites (sSats) were thoroughly analyzed. Snake sSats exhibited high similarity in both structure and copy number, while other taxa may have highly diverse (geckos), rare (Darevskia lizards), or missing sSats (agamid lizards). Similar to most satellites associated with heterochromatin, sSats are likely linked to subtelomeric chromosomal regions. Conclusions Discovered tandem repeats derived from SINEs exhibit satellite-like properties, although they have not amplified to the same degree as typical satellites. The autonomous emergence of distinct sSats from diverse SINE families in numerous squamate species suggests a nonrandom process of satellite genesis originating from repetitive SINEs.

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with significant public health impacts. It is primarily associated with classic Brucella species in mammals, but recent research has shown atypical Brucella strains in various hosts, including reptiles. Despite the known physiological differences between reptiles and humans, the rise in invasive reptile populations and other factors make reptiles and the pathogens they carry a potential public health concern. This study collected 90 venomous snakes from different regions in Iran and examined their liver samples, buccal, and cloaca cavities for Brucella spp. The samples underwent bacteriological analysis and DNA extraction. PCR amplification of the Omp28 gene and IS711-based PCR were used for the molecular identification of Brucella species. Subsequently, the Omp28 gene sequences were determined, and a phylogenetic tree was created. Brucella abortus was detected in the liver tissue of two snake species, namely Pseudocerastes persicus and Vipera albicornuta, at a prevalence rate of 2.2%. This finding is exceptional, as it has not been previously documented in venomous snake populations in the wild. The study confirms the presence of Brucella spp. in venomous snakes, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission. This discovery raises questions about the evolutionary forces shaping Brucella populations in reptiles. Understanding the prevalence and impact of Brucella in snakes is essential for wildlife conservation and assessing zoonotic risks. Proper safety measures are crucial when handling reptiles that may carry Brucella. Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps regarding Brucella in these snake species and its potential zoonotic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genomes of many eukaryotes contain DNA repeats in the form of both tandem and interspersed elements with distinct structure, evolutionary histories, and mechanisms of emergence and amplification. Although there is considerable knowledge regarding their diversity, there is little evidence directly linking these two types. Results: Different tandem repeats derived from portions of short interspersed elements (SINEs) belonging to different families were identified in 56 genomes of squamate reptiles. All loci of SINE-derived satellites (sSats) were thoroughly analyzed. Snake sSats exhibited high similarity in both structure and copy number, while other taxa may have highly diverse (geckos), rare (Darevskia lizards), or missing sSats (agamid lizards). Similar to most satellites associated with heterochromatin, sSats are likely linked to subtelomeric chromosomal regions. Conclusions: Discovered tandem repeats derived from SINEs exhibit satellite-like properties, although they have not amplified to the same degree as typical satellites. The autonomous emergence of distinct sSats from diverse SINE families in numerous squamate species suggests a nonrandom process of satellite genesis originating from repetitive SINEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reptilia exploit a large diversity of food resources from plant materials to living mobile prey. They are among the first tetrapods that needed to drink to maintain their water homeostasis. Here were compare the feeding and drinking mechanisms in Reptilia through an empirical approach based on the available data to open perspectives in our understanding of the evolution of the various mechanisms determined in these Tetrapoda for exploiting solid and liquid food resources. This article is part of the theme issue 'Food processing and nutritional assimilation in animals'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents data on the findings of the viper, Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily based on data from the author's notebooks and summarized data by D. Jelić and associates (Jelić et al., 2013a). The authors wanted to show that the observed, generally known, and almost everywhere present species in the mentioned canton, were recorded only on well-known routes, that is, that we do not even have a satisfactory number of sightings for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very large specimens of T. graeca ibera were found in Bulgaria, but mostly in the 20th century. Presently, such tortoises are almost absent in the country. Here we summarise data about the largest spur-thighed tortoises registered in Bulgaria and provide information about five new large-sized individuals. We also draw attention to the fact that large specimens can hardly be found in the country today and discuss some possible negative effects of the extinction of these specimens on the existing populations. The maximum straight carapace length of the largest T. graeca ibera ever found in Bulgaria was ≈ 389 mm, but the maximum straight carapace length of the newly measured tortoises was 298 mm. Considering the rarity of such tortoises in the country today, the genes that determine the potential to reach larger sizes may gradually disappear. Thus, the institutions responsible for the conservation of nature should pay attention to areas where the presence of large-sized individuals has been established. This might help preserve the natural genome of T. graeca ibera in the country and therefore the existence of large individuals.

Prolacerta broomi is one of the most important of fossil reptiles. First considered as one of the earliest members of squamates, this basal archosauromorph has been used as a model for diapsid morphological evolution ever since its discovery, playing a pivotal role in hypotheses on the origin of diapsid reptiles. The holotype of Prolacerta broomi (UCMZ 2003.41R) is known from a mostly complete skull, but the original description is limited to the superficial features of the skull roof and palate. Since then, many other specimens of Prolacerta broomi have been recovered that potentially account for this limited access to anatomical information, but it remains unclear whether these aspects correspond well to the known material of the holotype. Here, the skull morphology of the holotype of Prolacerta broomi is revisited through the use of µCT scans. The identifications of some cranial elements have been corrected, such as the left prefrontal and lacrimal, and several new elements are revealed, including the epi- and ectopterygoids, prearticular, coronoid, and braincase bones. The orbitonasal region is described in detail and significantly shows a contribution of the lacrimal to the dorsal alveolar canal. Finally, the addition of the holotype as an independent OTU in recently published analyses indicate conflicts with the current knowledge on Prolacerta broomi phylogenetic affinity and taxonomy. First, it points to potential taxonomic inconsistency since the holotype does not form a monophyletic group with other Prolacerta broomi OTUs in any of the analyses and, second, it suggests a more basal position for the holotype than that recovered in some studies, more basal than rhynchosaurs and close to the origin of Crocopoda. Together, these findings indicate areas of future research interest in the study of early evolving archosauromorphs.

We summarise the distribution of the two species of the genus Natrix occurring in Bulgaria, based on records from 147 peer-reviewed publications, grey literature, and data repositories, combined with unpublished data. This is the first extensive mapping for N. natrix; records fall in 560 cells of the 10-km MGRS/UTM grid, of which 102 cells (18.2%) were with published information we could not confirm with new data, 175 (31.2%) were with published and confirmed, and 283 (50.5%) were with new localities. For N. tessellata we increased the number of cells with records by 64% compared to the 2011 mapping, by identifying 445 cells with localities: 162 cells (36.4%) were previously published and unconfirmed, 152 (34.1%) were published and confirmed, and 131 (29.4%) were with new data. Gross climatic conditions for records with exact locations were assigned following the Köppen-Geiger classification; the distribution for both species does not seem to be highly correlated to climate as they were found in 9 of the 12 Köppen-Geiger classes present, only missing from the 3 classes that are limited to high elevations in Bulgaria and account for less than 1% of the area.

The Herpetology Collection of the Natural History Museum Gustavo Orcés V. at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (MEPN-H) in Quito maintains more than sixteen thousand curated specimens and it comprises Ecuador ́s second largest collection of herps.The Collection contains 193 type specimens: 14 holotypes, 34 paratopotypes and 145 paratypes, which correspond to 10 families, 17 genera and 32 species. The collection of type specimens is particularly important in the genera Atelopus and Pristimantis in amphibians and the genera Atractus and Enyaloides in reptiles. An assessment of the geographic distribution showed that collection sites of type specimens are clustered towards the south of Ecuador in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe, Morona Santiago and Pastaza in the Amazon Region; and in the provinces of Carchi and Azuay in the Andes. The collection of type specimens dates from 1955 to 2013, comprising an invaluable source of historical biodiversity data.

Predators must contend with numerous challenges to successfully find and subjugate prey. Complex traits related to hunting are partially controlled by a large number of co‐evolved genes, which may be disrupted in hybrids. Accordingly, research on the feeding ecology of animals in hybrid zones has shown that hybrids sometimes exhibit transgressive or novel behaviors, yet for many taxa, empirical studies of predation and diet across hybrid zones are lacking. We undertook the first such field study for a hybrid zone between two snake species, the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) and the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Specifically, we leveraged established field methods to quantify the hunting behaviors of animals, their prey communities, and the diet of individuals across the hybrid zone in southwestern New Mexico, USA. We found that, even though hybrids had significantly lower body condition indices than snakes from either parental group, hybrids were generally similar to non‐hybrids in hunting behavior, prey encounter rates, and predatory attack and success. We also found that, compared to C. scutulatus, C. viridis was significantly more active while hunting at night and abandoned ambush sites earlier in the morning, and hybrids tended to be more viridis‐like in this respect. Prey availability was similar across the study sites, including within the hybrid zone, with kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) as the most common small mammal, both in habitat surveys and the frequency of encounters with hunting rattlesnakes. Analysis of prey remains in stomachs and feces also showed broad similarity in diets, with all snakes preying primarily on small mammals and secondarily on lizards. Taken together, our results suggest that the significantly lower body condition of hybrids does not appear to be driven by differences in their hunting behavior or diet and may instead relate to metabolic efficiency or other physiological traits we have not yet identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the thyroid gland and reproduction in amphibians and reptiles has been studied for more than 100 years. Most studies suggest a positive involvement of thyroid hormones with some aspects of reproduction, but some studies support a negative role for thyroid hormones at certain life stages. Comprehensive studies of gene activation/suppression by thyroid hormones and their absence at various levels of the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis coupled with observations of adrenocorticoid activity, reproductive performance, and metabolic involvement are needed to understand this complex relationship. Highlights: Most amphibian and reptilian populations are declining in the face of climate changes, pollution, and habitat destruction. Although the hypothalamo–pituitary–thyroid axis often is positively associated with reproduction in amphibians and reptiles, negative interactions also occur at some life stages and in some species. Comprehensive studies involving thyroid and adrenal activity and gene activation/repression linked with reproductive events are needed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the preparation of flow-sorted chromosome paints from the Iberian Rock lizard Iberolacerta monticola, exemplifying their subsequent use in cross-species comparisons of chromosome painting. We carried out comparative analyses of chromosome evolution in the congeneric species I. galani and I. bonnali, as well as in two other species of Lacertini (Lacerta schreiberi and Timon lepidus) whose sex chromosomes were also studied through comparative genomic hybridization. Most species of Lacertini possess a diplod number of 2n = 38, with 36 acrocentric macrochromosomes and 2 microchromosomes. However, the nine species included in the genus Iberolacerta do not possess microchromosomes. Furthermore, very conspicuous differences from the standard Lacertini karyotype were observed in the three Pyrenean species of this genus, which included several biarmed metacentrics and a Z1Z2W multiple sex-chromosome system. With the possible exception of L. schreiberi, all the species of the family Lacertidae described to date appear to share homologous Z chromosomes, which date back to the last common ancestor of the whole group. We provide conclusive evidence that L. schreiberi should no longer be considered an exception to this rule, and demonstrate that the loss of microchromosomes in Iberolacerta was produced by their fusion to a middle-sized chromosome. Furthermore, we show that the multiple sex-chromosome system of the Pyrenean species of Iberolacerta originated from the fusion of the ancestral W chromosome with one of the shortest autosomes, and provide additional evidence of the fast evolution of DNA sequences linked to the W chromosome in Lacertini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sardinian grass snake, Natrix helvetica cetti, is an endangered endemic snake subspecies with a restricted and highly fragmented geographic distribution. Information on its ecology and detailed geographic distribution are scarce and may negatively impact on its conservation status. Therefore, a literature review on its taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and conservation is presented here. Moreover, field records from the authors, citizen science and the existing literature provide an updated geographic distribution highlighting its presence within 13 new and 7 historic 10 × 10 km cells. Bioclimatic niche modelling was then applied to explore patterns of habitat suitability and phenotypic variation within N. h. cetti. The geographic distribution of the species was found to be positively correlated with altitude and precipitation values, whereas temperature showed a negative correlation. Taken together, these outcomes may explain the snake's presence, particularly in eastern Sardinia. In addition, analysis of distribution overlap with the competing viperine snake (N. maura) and the urodeles as possible overlooked trophic resources (Speleomantes spp. and Euproctus platycephalus) showed overlaps of 66% and 79%, respectively. Finally, geographical or bioclimatic correlations did not explain phenotypic variation patterns observed in this highly polymorphic taxon. Perspectives on future research to investigate N. h. cetti's decline and support effective conservation measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The adrenal gland plays a fundamental role in the physiology of vertebrates, regulating hydrosaline balance, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and stress response. This enables living vertebrates to deal with both internal and environmental stress stimuli. The adrenal gland consists of steroidogenic tissue, which synthesizes steroid hormones, and chromaffin tissue, which mainly produces catecholamines, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The degree of separation between the two types of tissue, the compactness of the adrenal gland, and its topographical relationships with the kidney have changed over the course of evolutionary history. In most reptiles, the glands have close relationships with the gonads and genital ducts. In the main order of Reptilia called Squamata (e.g., lizards and snakes), the gland shows extreme variability in the organization between chromaffin and steroidogenic tissues and in the numerical ratio between norepinephrine and epinephrine cells. This variability reflects the relationship between the two adrenal tissues, which, in turn, could be related to the phylogenetic history of the species. This overview examines the general characteristics of the adrenal glands of the squamates and the different structural patterns in the different species belonging to this order. The adrenal gland is a complex endocrine organ composed of two components: a steroidogenic tissue, which produces steroid hormones, and a chromaffin tissue, which mainly produces norepinephrine and epinephrine. Through evolution, their relationships with each other changed. They begin as isolated chromaffin and steroidogenic cell aggregates, typical of fish, and end with the advanced compact gland, typical of mammals, which consists of an external steroidogenic cortical zone and an internal chromaffin medullary zone. The adrenal gland of reptiles is unique because, with few exceptions, it is near the gonads and genital ducts, and the chromaffin and steroidogenic tissues are closely associated. However, the degree of mixing is variable. For example, in Squamata, the mixing degree of chromaffin and steroidogenic tissues, their reciprocal position in the gland, and the relative quantities of norepinephrine and epinephrine secreted by the chromaffin cells are extremely variable. This variability could be related to the phylogenetic history of the species. After a brief discussion of the adrenal gland and its main functions in vertebrates, this overview will examine the general characteristics of the adrenal gland of squamates, the differences in morphology of the gland, and the possible relationships with the phylogeny of the different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lizard Enyalius capetinga is the most recently described species of the genus and is endemic to the Cerrado biome of central Brazil. Here we present a new record for this species from the Municipality of Estrela do Sul, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This finding fills a 110-km gap in the distribution of the species and is just the eighth reported locality for the species range-wide.

Abstract Background The tongue plays definite and important role in simplifying food intake and also, exhibits significant morphological distinctions to acclimatize the environment. This study aimed to investigate the variations in gross and microscopic anatomy of the tongue in two tetrapod classes Ptychadena mascareniensis from class: Amphibia and Hemidactylus turcicus from class: Reptilia to correlate the structure and functions of the tongue in relations to the habitat and feeding mechanisms. Results All the modifications perceived in the tongues of the premeditated animals explained the relationship between adaptation of each animal to its feeding habit and habitat. Amphibians which live in and nearby freshwater showed no keratinization in their lingual epithelium. However, reptiles, which live in terrestrial habitats, have shown keratinization and ideal forms of lingual papillae which considered the most remarkable feature of the histological structures of the reptilian tongues and reflect their adaptations to the dry habitat in which they live. Conclusion There were some variations reported in histological structure, gross anatomy and ultrastructure morphology of the tongue from the two tetrapod classes, the Amphibia (Ptychadena mascareniensis) and Reptilia (Hemidactylus turcicus). The present study is the first one in Egypt that deals with the tongue structures and functions in one of the amphibians Ptychadena mascareniensis. Concerning the lizard Hemidactylus turcicus.

Abstract Predators must contend with numerous challenges to successfully find and subjugate prey. Complex traits related to hunting are partially controlled by a large number of co‐evolved genes, which may be disrupted in hybrids. Accordingly, research on the feeding ecology of animals in hybrid zones has shown that hybrids sometimes exhibit transgressive or novel behaviors, yet for many taxa, empirical studies of predation and diet across hybrid zones are lacking. We undertook the first such field study for a hybrid zone between two snake species, the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) and the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Specifically, we leveraged established field methods to quantify the hunting behaviors of animals, their prey communities, and the diet of individuals across the hybrid zone in southwestern New Mexico, USA. We found that, even though hybrids had significantly lower body condition indices than snakes from either parental group, hybrids were generally similar to non‐hybrids in hunting behavior, prey encounter rates, and predatory attack and success. We also found that, compared to C. scutulatus, C. viridis was significantly more active while hunting at night and abandoned ambush sites earlier in the morning, and hybrids tended to be more viridis‐like in this respect. Prey availability was similar across the study sites, including within the hybrid zone, with kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) as the most common small mammal, both in habitat surveys and the frequency of encounters with hunting rattlesnakes. Analysis of prey remains in stomachs and feces also showed broad similarity in diets, with all snakes preying primarily on small mammals and secondarily on lizards. Taken together, our results suggest that the significantly lower body condition of hybrids does not appear to be driven by differences in their hunting behavior or diet and may instead relate to metabolic efficiency or other physiological traits we have not yet identified.

Extant amniotes show remarkable postural diversity. Broadly speaking, limbs with erect (strongly adducted, more vertically oriented) posture are found in mammals that are particularly heavy (graviportal) or show good running skills (cursorial), while crouched (highly flexed) limbs are found in taxa with more generalized locomotion. In Reptilia, crocodylians have a "semi‐erect" (somewhat adducted) posture, birds have more crouched limbs and lepidosaurs have sprawling (well‐abducted) limbs. Both synapsids and reptiles underwent a postural transition from sprawling to more erect limbs during the Mesozoic Era. In Reptilia, this postural change is prominent among archosauriforms in the Triassic Period. However, limb posture in many key Triassic taxa remains poorly known. In Synapsida, the chronology of this transition is less clear, and competing hypotheses exist. On land, the limb bones are subject to various stresses related to body support that partly shape their external and internal morphology. Indeed, bone trabeculae (lattice‐like bony struts that form the spongy bone tissue) tend to orient themselves along lines of force. Here, we study the link between femoral posture and the femoral trabecular architecture using phylogenetic generalized least squares. We show that microanatomical parameters measured on bone cubes extracted from the femoral head of a sample of amniote femora depend strongly on body mass, but not on femoral posture or lifestyle. We reconstruct ancestral states of femoral posture and various microanatomical parameters to study the "sprawling‐to‐erect" transition in reptiles and synapsids, and obtain conflicting results. We tentatively infer femoral posture in several hypothetical ancestors using phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis from maximum likelihood estimates of the microanatomical parameters. In general, the trabecular network of the femoral head is not a good indicator of femoral posture. However, ancestral state reconstruction methods hold great promise for advancing our understanding of the evolution of posture in amniotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To resist forward displacement of their body during non-locomotor behaviors such as feeding, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) hold their hindfeet vertical, then push the foot into the substrate so that the dorsum of the foot forms a contact area with the substrate. Herein this form of bracing is termed pedal anchoring. The purpose of the present study was to describe pedal anchoring and to demonstrate whether it entailed interaction between the hindfoot (pes) of Alligator and the substrate that differed from the interactions seen during locomotion. Alligator tracks were studied in the wild, during controlled field trials, and on a mud trackway in the laboratory; in each setting locomotor and pedal anchoring tracks were photographed, cast in Plaster of Paris, then features of the casts quantified. Statistical analysis demonstrated greater variation in the wild tracks, presumably reflecting the larger size and velocity ranges of the alligators involved, and suggested that the mud trackway used during the locomotor trials did not create significant artifact. Tracks produced during locomotion and pedal anchoring by the same alligators, on the same substrate, yielded significantly different quantitative features, different matrices of Pearson correlation coefficients, and different patterns of character distribution following Principal Component Analysis. These results all support the conclusion that pedal anchoring involves fundamentally different interaction between the pes and the substrate than occurs during locomotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolacerta broomi is one of the most important of fossil reptiles. First considered as one of the earliest members of squamates, this basal archosauromorph has been used as a model for diapsid morphological evolution ever since its discovery, playing a pivotal role in hypotheses on the origin of diapsid reptiles. The holotype of Prolacerta broomi (UCMZ 2003.41R) is known from a mostly complete skull, but the original description is limited to the superficial features of the skull roof and palate. Since then, many other specimens of Prolacerta broomi have been recovered that potentially account for this limited access to anatomical information, but it remains unclear whether these aspects correspond well to the known material of the holotype. Here, the skull morphology of the holotype of Prolacerta broomi is revisited through the use of μCT scans. The identifications of some cranial elements have been corrected, such as the left prefrontal and lacrimal, and several new elements are revealed, including the epi- and ectopterygoids, prearticular, coronoid, and braincase bones. The orbitonasal region is described in detail and significantly shows a contribution of the lacrimal to the dorsal alveolar canal. Finally, the addition of the holotype as an independent OTU in recently published analyses indicate conflicts with the current knowledge on Prolacerta broomi phylogenetic affinity and taxonomy. First, it points to potential taxonomic inconsistency since the holotype does not form a monophyletic group with other Prolacerta broomi OTUs in any of the analyses and, second, it suggests a more basal position for the holotype than that recovered in some studies, more basal than rhynchosaurs and close to the origin of Crocopoda. Together, these findings indicate areas of future research interest in the study of early evolving archosauromorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results of the examination of cephalopod remains extracted from the digestive tract of 40 loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, stranded along the Campanian coasts (Southern Italy, eastern Tyrrhenian Sea). We retrieved the remains of 23 cephalopods from 16 turtles (frequency of occurrence = 40%). They belonged to Sepia officinalis (19 specimens) and Octopus vulgaris (2 specimens), both of them benthic neritic species, and Histioteuthis reversa (2 specimens), an oceanic species. Accordingly, loggerheads appear to feed both on the bottom, seemingly in shallow waters, and in the open seawater column; both on muscular items (S. officinalis and O. vulgaris) and ammoniacal ones (H. reversa). This is the first record of H. reversa as a prey of the loggerhead turtle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological diversity of the Horn of Africa is one of the least studied in the world. Yet the Horn supports rich communities of species that are mostly endemic to the region. Here we study the diversity of Sand Snakes (Psammophis) in East Africa, their phylogeny and systematics. Previous studies have unveiled several cryptic and potentially undescribed species of Psammophis that occur in the Horn and their taxonomic status has remained unclear to this day. We used sequence data from two mitochondrial and one nuclear genes to reconstruct the phylogeny of the genus, in which we included newly obtained samples of six different Psammophis species from Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt. Our aim was to assess the status of some of the undescribed species, examine the level of intraspecific genetic variation within individual species, improve our understanding of the species distributions, and contribute to the taxonomy of the genus. Our results confirm the existence of two undescribed species, one in eastern Somalia, which we formally describe as new, and one in southern Ethiopia that we refer to as Psammophis cf. sudanensis in accordance with previous studies. Further, we provide first genetic data for the nominotypical subspecies of P. punctulatus and confirm the species status for its subspecies P. trivirgatus. In addition, we provide new genetic data for P. tanganicus from Ethiopia and Somalia, and range extension records for P. rukwae from Eritrea and Ethiopia and for P. aegyptius from Somalia. Our findings contribute considerably to our understanding of the diversity and distribution of Psammophis in East Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methodological and technological improvements are continually revolutionizing the field of ancient DNA. Most ancient DNA extraction methods require the partial (or complete) destruction of finite museum specimens, which disproportionately impacts small or fragmentary subfossil remains, and future analyses. We present a minimally destructive ancient DNA extraction method optimized for small vertebrate remains. We applied this method to detect lost mainland genetic diversity in the large New Zealand diplodactylid gecko genus Hoplodactylus, which is presently restricted to predator‐free island and mainland sanctuaries. We present the first mitochondrial genomes for New Zealand diplodactylid geckos, recovered from 19 modern, six historical/archival (1898–2011) and 16 Holocene Hoplodactylus duvaucelii sensu latu specimens, and one modern Woodworthia sp. specimen. No obvious damage was observed in post‐extraction micro‐computed tomography reconstructions. All "large gecko" specimens examined from extinct populations were found to be conspecific with extant Hoplodactylus species, suggesting their large relative size evolved only once in the New Zealand diplodactylid radiation. Phylogenetic analyses of Hoplodactylus samples recovered two genetically (and morphologically) distinct North and South Island clades, probably corresponding to distinct species. Finer phylogeographical structuring within Hoplodactylus spp. highlighted the impacts of Late Cenozoic biogeographical barriers, including the opening and closure of Pliocene marine straits, fluctuations in the size and suitability of glacial refugia, and eustatic sea‐level change. Recent mainland extinction obscured these signals from the modern tissue‐derived data. These results highlight the utility of minimally destructive DNA extraction in genomic analyses of less well studied small vertebrate taxa, and the conservation of natural history collections. see also the Perspective by Michael Bunce [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the ongoing range shifts under climate change, it is essential to have reference information on the current presence of the species. In recent years, there has been an increase in observations of thermophilic reptiles outside their historical range in Ukraine. Th e distribution of the Caspian whipsnake, a common snake in southern Ukraine, appeared to be poorly documented at the northern edge of its range due to low density under sub-optimal conditions at the edge of the range. Here we provide verified observations of the Caspian whipsnake from the Mohyliv-Podilsky (formerly Yampil) District of the Vinnytsia Region. Th ese data considerably extend and specify the northwestern limit of the range and, together with accompanying data on the frequency of species observations, support the hypothesis of a northward shift in the range of the species and/or a strong recent increase in the abundance of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The tongue plays definite and important role in simplifying food intake and also, exhibits significant morphological distinctions to acclimatize the environment. This study aimed to investigate the variations in gross and microscopic anatomy of the tongue in two tetrapod classes Ptychadena mascareniensis from class: Amphibia and Hemidactylus turcicus from class: Reptilia to correlate the structure and functions of the tongue in relations to the habitat and feeding mechanisms. Results: All the modifications perceived in the tongues of the premeditated animals explained the relationship between adaptation of each animal to its feeding habit and habitat. Amphibians which live in and nearby freshwater showed no keratinization in their lingual epithelium. However, reptiles, which live in terrestrial habitats, have shown keratinization and ideal forms of lingual papillae which considered the most remarkable feature of the histological structures of the reptilian tongues and reflect their adaptations to the dry habitat in which they live. Conclusion: There were some variations reported in histological structure, gross anatomy and ultrastructure morphology of the tongue from the two tetrapod classes, the Amphibia (Ptychadena mascareniensis) and Reptilia (Hemidactylus turcicus). The present study is the first one in Egypt that deals with the tongue structures and functions in one of the amphibians Ptychadena mascareniensis. Concerning the lizard Hemidactylus turcicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liotyphlops Peters, 1881 is an anomalepidid blindsnake genus that encompasses 12 species, widely distributed in Central and South America. In this study, we evaluate the taxonomic status of Liotyphlops sousai Santos & Reis, 2018, a species described based on a single specimen from the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Brazil, and after analyzing evidences based upon molecular systematics, external morphology and osteology, we propose its synonymy with Liotyphlops beui (Amaral, 1924), a common and widely distributed Anomalepidid species. We also provide comments and recommendations on the taxonomy of Liotyphlops , assessing the risks associated with describing a new species based on small type series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the ongoing range shifts under climate change, it is essential to have reference information on the current presence of the species. In recent years, there has been an increase in observations of thermophilic reptiles outside their historical range in Ukraine. The distribution of the Caspian whipsnake, a common snake in southern Ukraine, appeared to be poorly documented at the northern edge of its range due to low density under sub-optimal conditions at the edge of the range. Here we provide verified observations of the Caspian whipsnake from the Mohyliv-Podilsky (formerly Yampil) district of the Vinnytsia region. These data considerably extend and specify the north-western limit of the range and, together with accompanying data on the frequency of species observations, support the hypothesis of a northward shift in the range of the species and/or a strong recent increase in the abundance of the species.

We report the first trilophosaurid stem-archosaur from Central Europe, Rutiotomodon tytthos gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian) Erfurt Formation of Baden-Württemberg (Germany). It is currently known from two jaw fragments with distinctive teeth. The labiolingually wide but mesiodistally narrow maxillary and dentary teeth each have a large labial cusp from which an occlusal ridge extends lingually to a small lingual cusp. A mesial and a distal cingulum extend between the labial and lingual cusps. The mesial and distal faces of the labial cusp each bear three prominent, lingually curved apicobasal ridges (arrises). A referred partial dentary has an edentulous, expanded symphysis similar to the mandibular ‘beak' in Trilophosaurus buettneri. A review of Coelodontognathus ricovi, from the Lower Triassic (Olenekian) of southwestern Russia, supports its referral to Trilophosauridae rather than Procolophonidae. Based on this reassessment and the new material from the Middle Triassic, the temporal range of trilophosaurids now spans nearly the entire Triassic Period, from the Olenekian to the Rhaetian. Trilophosaurids present craniodental features that indicate omnivory or herbivory with limited oral food processing. They were more diverse in terms of dental structure (and presumably diet) than previously assumed.

We provide a diversity assessment of the agamid genus Phrynocephalus Kaup, 1825. We analyze COI mtDNA barcodes from 385 individuals sampled all over Phrynocephalus range. We apply the ABGD, ASAP, bGMYC, mlPTP and hsPTP species delimitation algorithms to analyze the COI gene fragment variation and assess the species diversity in Phrynocephalus. Nine species groups are revealed in Phrynocephalus in agreement with earlier studies on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. We demonstrate that the present taxonomy likely underestimates the actual diversity of the genus. Alternative species delimitation algorithms provide a confusingly wide range of possible number of Phrynocephalus species—from 54 to 103 MOTUs (molecular operational taxonomic units). The ASAP species delimitation scheme recognizing 63 MOTUs likely most closely fits the currently recognized taxonomic framework of Phrynocephalus. We also report on 13 previously unknown Phrynocephalus lineages as unverified candidate species. We demonstrate that the ASAP and the ABGD algorithms likely most closely reflect the actual diversity of Phrynocephalus, while the mlPTP and hsPTP largely overestimate it. We argue that species delimitation in these lizards based exclusively on mtDNA markers is insufficient, and call for further integrative taxonomic studies joining the data from morphology, mtDNA and nuDNA markers to fully stabilize the taxonomy of Phrynocephalus lizards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the new vertebrate site of La Piquera (Duero Basin, central Iberian Peninsula), provide a detailed description of the lithostratigraphy and present a preliminary faunal list. The fossil vertebrate association includes amphibians (with representatives of the families Salamandridae, Alytidae, Pelodytidae, and Bufonidae), squamate reptiles (with members of the families Agamidae, Lacertidae, Anguidae, Scincidae, Blanidae, 'Erycidae, and Colubridae/Psammophiidae), and mammals (with representatives of the families Soricidae, Erinaceidae, Muridae, Cricetidae, Gerbillidae, Gliridae, Sciuridae, Vespertilionidae, Rhinolophidae, Miniopteridae, Megadermatidae, Leporidae, Prolagidae, and Bovidae). The association indicates an intermediate biostratigraphic position between the southern Iberian sites of Sifón-413 (at about 5.33-5.23 Ma) and Botardo-D (between 4.79 and 4.63 Ma), the new locality being correlated with the earliest Ruscinian (lower part of the MN14 unit). The ecological affinities of the identified small vertebrates suggest the presence of a landscape dominated by open herbaceous meadows in the surroundings of the fossil-site during the earliest Pliocene, with the occasional presence of woodland patches and stable water bodies under relatively dry and warm environmental conditions. La Piquera therefore enhances our knowledge on the vertebrate community recorded in central Iberian Peninsula during the earliest Pliocene. With more than 1200 remains, La Piquera becomes a key locality for the Early Pliocene of southwestern Europe, central Spain, where this time-span is poorly represented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]