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Fil: Piantoni, Carla. University of Hawaii at Manoa; Estados Unidos. Universidade de Sao Paulo. Departamento de Fisiologia; Brasil

We describe a new species of watersnake of the genus Helicops from the Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin based on characters of coloration and hemipenial morphology, also corroborated by a molecular phylogenetic analysis including 18 terminals of 10 additional congeners. The new species superficially resembles the spotted-patterned He. leopardinus, but differs from it in exhibiting dorsal spots fused into irregular bands, and a unique hemipenial structure with two pairs of distinctly enlarged basal spines. In addition, despite the superficial resemblance of color pattern, our genetic evidence indicates that the new species does not belong to the He. leopardinus radiation, representing the sister group of a component including terminals of this species, He. modestus, and He. infrataeniatus. Finally, we discuss the apparent restriction of the new species to the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin with focus on vicariant processes that may have promoted its differentiation, as well as on the conservation challenges in an area severely affected by anthropic impacts associated with the rapid expansion of hydroelectric and agricultural sectors in the Brazilian Cerrado.

We describe a new watersnake of the genus Helicops based on a single specimen found in the northern limit of the Brazilian Pantanal. Immediately after collection, the unique features of color pattern and head proportions prevented us to attribute this specimen to any other congener. Further comparisons revealed that the combination of entire nasal scales, a distinctively acuminate snout, high dorsal and supralabial counts, as well as a dorsal pattern with chain-like spot rows and a venter with vivid and peculiar orange markings confirmed that the specimen represented a new species. Molecular data supported our morphological conclusion recovering the new species deeply nested within Helicops terminals, sister to a clade composed by H. carinicaudus and H. nentur. Our discovery represents a rare instance of a snake species restricted to the Brazilian Pantanal, but we refrain from considering it a Pantanal endemic until further records allow more considerations on distributional patterns.

We reassessed the taxonomic status of the xenodontine snake Erythrolamprus bizona Jan (1863) based on a comprehensive review of literature records and comparative material. Our data demonstrate that the original diagnosis does not allow the unambiguous attribution of the name E. bizona to any population of the genus. After a thorough investigation in European institutions, we recovered two syntypes of the E. bizona type-series, confirming its composite nature. To circumvent the problem, we herein designate a lectotype for the species, providing a reformulated diagnosis and a detailed redescription. The lectotype represents one of the rare remaining specimens used in Giorgio Jan’s original descriptions during the second half of 19th century, and is housed in the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano, Milan, Italy. For more than seven decades, herpetologists have assumed that such material had been lost forever due to bombings of World War II. Nonetheless, our finding corroborates recent stud...

Morphological and anatomical studies on the Leptotyphlopidae have increased in the past 10 years, providing important data on the systematics of this group, mainly focused on the skull and lower jaw morphology. However, most studies are based on a single specimen, rarely combining more than one single method of assessing morphological information. Therefore, several data on postcranial morphology, sexual dimorphism, and ontogenetic and intraspecific variation of leptotyphlopids remain poorly understood. Herein, we provide a detailed description of the cranial and postcranial skeleton of Trilepida salgueiroi based on more than 20 specimens (including males, females and juveniles), as well as a description of osteology and cartilaginous elements through the use of combined methodologies such as X-ray scanning, high resolution CT-scanning, and clearing and staining of articulated and disarticulated specimens. We also provide data on the presence/absence of dimorphic and intraspecific variation of the observed characters. The presence of a statolithic mass in the cavum vestibuli differs from the pattern found in other scolecophidians. A correlation of dorsal vertebrae with ventral and subcaudal scales was found (1:1), as well as total number of vertebrae with middorsal scales (1:1), thoracolumbar vertebrae and ventral scales (1:1), and a higher number of caudal vertebra with subcaudal scales (1.23:1). Intraspecific variation was found in several elements of the skull, lower jaw, pelvic girdle and vertebral number, but no evidence of sexual dimorphism was found in any of the species characters analysed. The homologies of several elements are discussed, although still remaining poorly understood and unknown. Anat Rec, 298:1722–1747, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

We provide morphological data supporting the allocation of Chironius pyrrhopogon (Wied, 1824) in the synonymy of C. exoletus , proposed earlier in the literature without proper justification. Besides the historical (literature) data, we also examined 155 Chironius specimens previously identified as C. exoletus , C. pyrrhopogon and C . quadricarinatus that could possibly fit the diagnosis and distribution of Wied’s specimens, and performed statistical tests to assess potentially informative variations in the sample. In addition, we concluded that the color features associated with C. pyrrhopogon are by no means diagnostic of a unique entity. Nonetheless, although apparently present at random in some Chironius species in the Atlantic Forest, we suggest that the reddish-brown spots are possibly linked to other phenomena involving co-evolutionary interactions with anuran potential preys.

Calcified spines in the hemipenial surface occur convergently in several gymnophthalmid lizard species and in advanced snakes. Based on the pronounced degrees of limb reduction in these distantly related lineages, such hemipenial structures were suggested to play a functional role in couple-anchoring during copulation, partly assuming the function of the limbs during mating. Herein, we assessed the hemipenial morphology of virtually all the valid genera of the family Gymnophthalmidae to test for a phylogenetic correlation between limb reduction and the presence of calcified hemipenial spines. The occurrence of calcified structures was mapped on the two most comprehensive phylogenies of the family. We concluded that spiny hemipenes are by no means necessarily associated with reduction of limbs. Conversely, the presence of well-developed hemipenial spines in specific limb-reduced taxa does not allow one to disregard the possibility that in some instances such structures might indeed be functionally associated with couple-anchoring, improving the success of mating.

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Scientific collections are important sources of material for many areas of ornithological research. Although firearms (particularly shotguns) have been the standard for avian scientific collecting for more than 100 years, their use is restricted in many areas of the world. We describe a cheap, relatively silent, and effective air shotgun for collecting birds weighing up to 50 g at distances up to 4 m. This air shotgun is capable of shooting birdshot, uses hollow metal rivets connected to plastic straws as shot shells, and represents a simple adaptation of any 0.177 or 0.22 cal single-shot, break-barrel air rifle with at least 25 joules of muzzle energy. This air shotgun will be especially useful for focused sampling of birds (and other small vertebrates) in situations where firearm use or transport is restricted. RESUMEN. Arma simple de aire comprimido efectiva para coleccionar, a cortas distancias, aves peque˜ nas y otros vertebrados Las colecciones cientson una fuente importante de material para muchas ´ areas de investigaciones ornitol´ ogicas. Aunque las armas de fuego (particularmente las escopetas), por mde 100 a˜ nos, han sido la herramienta estpara las colecciones cient´oficas de aves, el uso de estas estrestringido en muchas partes del mundo. Describimos un arma de aire, de bajo costo y silenciosa, efectiva a una distancia de unos 4 m, para coleccionar aves hasta 50 g de peso. Esta arma de aire, capaz de matar aves, usa (a modo de cartuchos) pedazos de metal hueco colocados en sorbetes pllo que representa una adaptacisimple para cualquier rifle de aire de calibre 0.117 o 0.22, con al menos 25 julios de potencia energEste rifle de aire espara muestreos particulares de aves (y otros pequevertebrados) en situaciones en donde el uso y transporte de armas de fuego esta restringido.

Iphisa elegans Gray, 1851 is a ground-dwelling lizard widespread over Amazonia that displays a broadly conserved external morphology over its range. This wide geographical distribution and conservation of body form contrasts with the expected poor dispersal ability of the species, the tumultuous past of Amazonia, and the previously documented prevalence of cryptic species in widespread terrestrial organisms in this region. Here we investigate this homogeneity by examining hemipenial morphology and conducting phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial (CYTB) and nuclear (C-MOS) DNA sequence data from 49 individuals sampled across Amazonia. We detected remarkable variation in hemipenial morphology within this species, with multiple cases of sympatric occurrence of distinct hemipenial morphotypes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed highly divergent lineages corroborating the patterns suggested by the hemipenial morphotypes, including co-occurrence of different lineages. The degrees of genetic and morphological distinctness, as well as instances of sympatry among mtDNA lineages/morphotypes without nuDNA allele sharing, suggest that I. elegans is a complex of cryptic species. An extensive and integrative taxonomic revision of the I. elegans complex throughout its wide geographical range is needed. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 166, 361–376.

The geographic variation and hemipenial morphology of Siagonodon brasiliensis are described based on a comprehensive sample, allowing the reappraisal of its generic identity, and the proposal of a new nomenclatural combination. We suggest that the presence of two supralabials, as mentioned in the original description of S. brasiliensis, is not a common feature for this species, occurring at low frequencies throughout its geographic distribution. Based on a diagnosis presented in a recently published paper, as well as on additional external traits and on hemipenial characters, we recognize Siagonodon brasiliensis as a species of the genus Tricheilostoma. In addition, a new species of worm snake of the genus Siagonodon is described from the savannas of the state of Tocantins, Brazil. The new species differs from other congeners by having a slightly acuminate snout in lateral and ventral views, subcircular rostral in dorsal view, and 12 scale rows around middle of tail. The diagnosis of the genus Siagonodon ...

Inventários de fauna acessam diretamente a diversidade de uma localidade, em um determinado espaço e tempo. Os dados primários gerados pelos inventários compõem uma das ferramentas mais importantes na tomada de decisões a respeito do manejo de áreas naturais. Entretanto, vários problemas têm sido observados em diversos níveis relacionados aos inventários de fauna no Brasil e vão desde a formação de recursos humanos até a ausência de padronização, de desenho experimental e de seleção de métodos inadequados. São apresentados estudos de caso com mamíferos, répteis, anfíbios e peixes, nos quais são discutidos problemas como variabilidade temporal e métodos para detecção de fauna terrestre, sugerindo que tanto os inventários quanto os programas de monitoramento devam se estender por prazos maiores e que os inventários devem incluir diferentes metodologias para que os seus objetivos sejam plenamente alcançados.Inventories of fauna directly access the diversity of a locality in a certain period of time. The primary data generated by these inventories comprise one of the most important steps in decisions making regarding the management of natural areas. However, several problems have been observed at different levels related to inventories of fauna in Brazil, and range from the training of humans to the lack of standardization of experimental design and selection of inappropriate methods. We present case studies of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fishes, where they discussed issues such temporal variability and methods for detection of terrestrial fauna, suggesting that both inventories and monitoring programs should be extended for longer terms and that inventories should include different methodologies to ensure that their goals are fully achieved.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) IBAMA A new genus and species of microteiid lizard is described based on a series of specimens obtained at Parque Nacional do Caparao (20 degrees 28'S, 41 degrees 49'W), southeastern Brazil, along the division line between the States of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo. The new lizard occurs in isolated high-altitude, open, rocky habitats above the altitudinal lit-nits of the Atlantic forest. It is characterized by the presence of prefrontals, frontoparietals, parietals, interparietal, and occipital scales; ear opening and eyelid distinct; three pairs of genials; absence of collar; lanceolate and mucronate dorsal scales; six regular transverse and longitudinal series of smooth ventrals that are longer than wide, with the lateral ones narrower. Maximum parsimony (MP) and partitioned Bayesian (PBA) phylogenetic analyses based on morphological and molecular characters with all known genera of Gymnophthalminae (except for Scriptosaura) Plus Rhachisaurus recovered this new lizard in a clade having Colobodactylus and Heterodactylus as its closest relatives. Both analyses recovered the monophyly of Gymnophthalminae and Gymnophthalmini. The monophyly of the Heterodactylini received moderate support in MP analyses but was not recovered in PBA. To eliminate classification controversy between these results, the present concept of Heterodactylini is restricted to accommodate the new genus, Colobodactylus and Heterodactylus, and a new tribe Iphisiini is proposed to allocate Alexandresaurus, Iphisa, Colobosaura, Acratosaura, and Stenolepis. Current phylogenetic knowledge of Gymnophthalminae suggests that fossoriality and increase of body elongation arose as adaptive responses to avoid extreme surface temperatures, either cold or hot, depending on circumstances. Amer Museum Nat Hist, Div Vertebrate Zool Herpetol, New York, NY 10024 USA Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, BR-05422970 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, Diadema, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, Diadema, SP, Brazil IBAMA: 094/2004 IBAMA: 185/2005 IBAMA: 238/2006 Web of Science

Two new species of Bachia of the bresslaui group are described from the central Brazilian Cerrados, state of Tocantins. The two species are most similar to Bachia bresslaui and Bachia cacerensis from which they differ in limb morphology and head scalation. In both, the snout is more prominent than that of previously known species, suggesting more pronounced adaptations to fossoriality. One of the new species has stiliform forelimbs and four clawed short toes in the hind limb, an opposite pattern to the condition observed in the genus where limb reduction is more pronounced in hind limbs. The two new species were obtained in relictual sandy soil areas covered by semidecidual or open dry forest vegetation. Considering the relictual condition of these sandy areas, the possible endemism to those areas, and the high level of disturbance of the Cerrados, we strongly suggest that these areas should be the target of special conservation efforts.

We describe two new species of Anomaloglossus from Roraima State, Brazil, that are likely endemic to single mountains currently isolated among lowland forest and savanna ecosystems. The first species, Anomaloglossus tepequem sp. nov. was collected in 1986 and 1992 along a single stream atgt;500 m elevation on a tepui-like mountain named Tepequém, but was not detected during recent investigations. It is mainly diagnosed from other Anomaloglossus species by its well developed foot webbing, immaculate cream abdomen colouration and small body size (males: 18.2-20.1 mm, females: 21.7-24.5). The second species, Anomaloglossus apiau sp. nov. was found along several streams between 500 and 1400 m elevation on Serra do Apiaú, and is mainly diagnosed from congeners by its weakly webbed feet, males with swollen third finger and ventrolateral stripe formed by white dots, and its advertisement call; a long trill (up to almost 40 s) consisting of pairs of very short pulses. The discovery of these two apparently microendemic species suggests that additional Anomaloglossus species remain to be described in the Guiana Shield. Both species should be considered critically endangered given their seemingly reduced range size, association with highland habitat, and the anthropogenic pressure they currently face.

A taxonomic study on the South American dwarf boas of the genus Tropidophis revealed the existence of two new species in the Atlantic Forest biome. As a result, we recognize five mainland species, three in the Atlantic Forest and two in northwestern South America. Based on general distribution and morphological orientation, the type locality of T. paucisquamis is restricted to Estacao Biologica de Boraceia (EBB), municipality of Salesopolis, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil; furthermore, a lectotype for T. taczanowskyi is designated. We provide data on the hemipenial morphology of two South American Tropidophis, showing that the quadrifurcate condition described for West Indian taxa also occurs in mainland congeners. The distributions of the three Atlantic Forest species are congruent with patterns of diversification of other vertebrate taxa associated with cold climates prevalent at high elevations. Refugial isolation and riverine barriers may account for such speciation events.

We analyzed the locomotor behavior of a long-tailed, forest floor, and leaf litter lizard,Colobodactylus taunayi, a species that retains the generalized GymnophthalmidaeBauplanwhilst presenting the discrete toe reduction associated with theBachia-like pattern of limb reduction. We videotaped individuals moving on four substrates with increasing degrees of roughness: plastic, wooden board, glued sand, and glued gravel. Significantly higher speeds occurred on the last two substrates. As with most other limbed animals, increased speed was significantly correlated with simultaneous increases in both stride length and stride frequency. Independently of the kind of substrate,C. taunayiused rather slow lateral sequence walking trots. In contrast to other ectothermic tetrapods, and especially other Gymnophthalmidae, this species lacked perceptible lateral flexion of either the trunk or the tail to effectuate these slow gaits.

The genus Erythrolamprus Boie (1826) comprises six species of Central and South American false coral snakes (Peters & Orejas-Miranda 1970; Zaher 1999; Curcio et al. 2009). It is traditionally allocated in the tribe Xenodontini (subfamily Xenodontinae), along with the genera Liophis, Lystrophis, Umbrivaga, Waglerophis and Xenodon (sensu Dixon 1980; Cadle 1984; Myers 1986; Ferrarezzi 1994; Zaher 1999). Although Xenodontini is supported by morphological and molecular evidence, phylogenetic relationships and classification within the tribe have been the subject of recent debate. Molecular phylogenetic studies have recovered clades with Erythrolamprus nested within some representatives of the genus Liophis (Vidal et al. 2000; Zaher et al. 2009), partly corroborating previous hypotheses based on morphology (e.g. Dixon 1980).

O gênero Erythrolamprus (Serpentes, Xenodontinae), amplamente distribuído nas Américas do Sul e Central, inclui atualmente seis espécies de falsas corais e apresenta taxonomia complexa. Devido aos padrões morfológicos conservativos de folidose, as espécies definem-se principalmente com base em características de coloração, cujo poder diagnóstico jamais foi testado num panorama geográfico adequado com amostragem representativa da variação geral do grupo. Não obstante, a literatura sugere que as variações de coloração das espécies de Erythrolamprus podem estar intimamente associadas a complexos miméticos envolvendo formas peçonhentas simpátricas do gênero Micrurus. O presente estudo traz uma revisão taxonômica das espécies incluídas em Erythrolamprus baseada numa amostra de 1786 espécimes representativa de sua abrangência geográfica. Foram analisados caracteres de morfologia externa (folidose e coloração) e interna (hemipênis e dentição), sendo os caracteres contínuos submetidos a extenso tratamento estatístico. As decisões taxonômicas finais basearam-se em comparações diretas com o material tipo pertinente (sempre que possível) e num levantamento histórico da literatura envolvendo a taxonomia do gênero. Ao todo, são reconhecidas de 12 espécies plenas de Erythrolamprus, três destas sem nomes disponíveis e que devem ser descritas como novas. Adicionalmente, a análise da morfologia das presas pós-diastêmicas sugere uma mudança ontogenética de um estado áglifo (juvenil) para a condição opistóglifa, presente nos adultos da ampla maioria das espécies. A comparação preliminar dos principais padrões de anelação das espécies do gênero com formas simpátricas de Micrurus reforça as indicações da literatura referente a complexos miméticos, apontando para a tendência ao aparcimento de populações com anéis pretos simples (mônades) nas regiões em que são freqüentes espécies de corais verdadeiras com anéis nesta conformação. Finalmente, sugerem-se possíveis padrões de diferenciação geográfica para o grupo, a serem testados futuramente por estudos filogenéticos The genus Erythrolamprus (Serpentes, Xenodontinae) includes six species presently recognized, widely distributed in South and Central America and showing a complex taxonomic history. Due to general uniformity in overall pholidotic patterns, diagnostic features of such taxa are mostly associated to coloration and have never been tested in a comprehensive approach of the variation and geographic range of the group. Nonetheless, literature suggests that populational variation in color patterns of Erythrolamprus might be strongly associated to simpatry with poisonous coral snake species of the genus Micrurus. This study brings a taxonomic revision of the species included in Erythrolamprus based on a sample of 1786 specimens covering the wide distributional range of the genus. External (scale counts and coloration) and internal (hemipenis and teeth) morphology provided the main sources of characters used herein; the continuous variables were submitted to detailed statistical treatment. The final taxonomic decisions were based in comparison with type material (whenever possible), along with an investigation of the taxonomic history of the group. The results of the present revision support the recognition of 12 full species of Erythrolamprus, three of which still lacking available names. Additionally, the analysis of tooth morphology suggests an ontogenetic change form the aglyphous pattern (juveniles) to the opistoglyphous condition, present in the adults of most species. A preliminary comparison of the color patterns shown by the Erythrolamprus species with the ones of sympatric taxa of Micrurus supports previous indications of the existence of mimicry complexes, pointing out to the tendency of monadal typed populations of Erythrolamprus occurring in areas where similar poisonous coral snakes are apparently common. Finally, general patterns of geographic differentiation are suggested to the group and must be tested in future studies of explicit phylogenetic approach.

We describe two new species of Anomaloglossus from Roraima State, Brazil, that are likely endemic to single mountains currently isolated among lowland forest and savanna ecosystems. The first species, Anomaloglossus tepequem sp. nov. was collected in 1986 and 1992 along a single stream at >500 m elevation on a tepui-like mountain named Tepequem, but was not detected during recent investigations. It is mainly diagnosed from other Anomaloglossus species by its well developed foot webbing, immaculate cream abdomen colouration and small body size (males: 18.2–20.1 mm, females: 21.7–24.5). The second species, Anomaloglossus apiau sp. nov. was found along several streams between 500 and 1400 m elevation on Serra do Apiau, and is mainly diagnosed from congeners by its weakly webbed feet, males with swollen third finger and ventrolateral stripe formed by white dots, and its advertisement call; a long trill (up to almost 40 s) consisting of pairs of very short pulses. The discovery of these two apparently microendemic species suggests that additional Anomaloglossus species remain to be described in the Guiana Shield. Both species should be considered critically endangered given their seemingly reduced range size, association with highland habitat, and the anthropogenic pressure they currently face.

The Maracaibo false coral snake Erythrolamprus pseudocorallus, previously known only from Venezuela, is recorded from five departments in Colombia. These new data include the westernmost and the southernmost records presently known for the species. Two specimens previously identified as E. aesculapii, from the localities of El Valle, Distrito Federal, Venezuela, and Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia, are now attributed to E. pseudocorallus, the first one representing the northeasternmost record of the species. Morphological characterization of E. pseudocorallus is expanded based on the new specimens.

1 Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Caixa Postal 42694, CEP 04299-970, Sao Paulo, Brazil. E-mails: ffcurcio@yahoo.com; hzaher@ib.usp.br. 2 Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Biociencias, Departamento de Zoologia, Caixa Postal 11461, CEP 05422970, Sao Paulo, Brazil. E-mail: mturodri@usp.br. Phyllomedusa 1(2):101-104, 2002 © 2002 Melopsittacus Publicacoes Cientificas ISSN 1519-1397

Cerca de 30% das espécies do grupo de sapos, rãs e pererecas sofrem ameaça de extinção, já tendo sido extintas 35 dessas espécies. Por apresentarem pele fina e permeável e, na maioria dos casos, fase larval que vive em ambiente aquático, esses animais são muito sensíveis a alterações tanto do ambiente aquático como do solo e do ar. O maior responsável pelos fatores geradores dessa crise é o estilo de vida da sociedade atual que produz altos índices de poluição, o aquecimento global, a invasão de espécies exóticas, o aumento da incidência de radiação ultravioleta e o surgimento de epidemias. Se não houver consciência da responsabilidade humana por essa crise e se não houver mudanças no seu modo de vida, essa ameaça se estenderá a todos, contemplando especialmente os humanos.Approximately 30% of the species of frogs and toads are threatened with extinction, and indeed 35 of these species are already extinct. As they present thin and permeable skin and, in most cases, live their larval phase in an aquatic environment, these animals are very sensitive to alterations both of the aquatic environment and of the soil and air. The greatest generating factors of such crisis are the life style of our current society - which produces high pollution levels - global warming, invasions of exotic species, the increase in the incidence of ultraviolet radiation, and the emergence of epidemics. If awareness about human responsibility for this crisis is not raised and no changes in human life style take place, this threat will reach all species, especially humans.

O gênero Oxyrhopus é composto por serpentes de porte médio, dentição opistóglifa, ovíparas, com pupilas elípticas e ampla distribuição neotropical. Nas espécies do gênero, há padrões dorsais de coloração uniformes, variegados, em bandas simples e/ou losangulares, mônades e tríades. O presente estudo traz uma revisão taxonômica do grupo de tríades pertencente ao gênero: O. guibei, O. melanogenys, O. trigeminus e O. vanidicus, visto que a semelhança morfológica no padrão de coloração e a sobreposição nos caracteres de folidose fundamentam problemas na definição da uma diagnose efetiva e geram frequentes confusões na determinação taxonômica destas espécies. Utilizando a análise de caracteres quantitativos (folidose e morfometria linear) e qualitativos da morfologia externa (coloração) e interna (hemipenis), foram analisados 1007 espécimes buscando representar e delimitar a distribuição geográfica de cada uma das espécies. Os exemplares foram agrupados em unidades taxonômicas operacionais, baseados nos caracteres de coloração, a fim de verificar a diversidade contida no grupo de espécies. As diferenças entre os agrupamentos foram avaliadas através de análises descritivas, univariadas e multivariadas. Os resultados permitiram reconhecer cinco espécies válidas, diagnosticáveis pelo padrão de coloração. A distribuição geográfica de cada espécie foi atualizada, bem como a variação merística e morfométrica. Não houveram mudanças de cunho taxonômico para O. guibei, O. trigeminus e O. vanidicus, entretanto, foram reconhecidas duas entidades taxonômicas em O. melanogenys. A população presente na porção ocidental da Amazônia representa o táxon descrito por Tschudi (1845) enquanto ao norte do Brasil (MA, MT e PA) a população anteriormente descrita como O. m. orientalis é elevada ao nível de espécie The genus Oxyrhopus includes medium-size, opisthoglyphous and oviparous snakes, with elliptical pupils and wide distribution in the Neotropical region. The species of the genus have diferent dorsal color patterns: variegated, in simple and/or triangular bands, monads and triads. This study brings a taxonomic revision of the triad group: O. guibei, O. melanogenys, O. trigeminus and O. vanidicus. These species show morphological similarity in color pattern and overlap in many of folidose characters, which complicate the effective diagnosis and induce a frequent confusion in the taxonomic recognition of these species. The quantitative (scale count and linear morphometry) and qualitative characters of external (coloration) and internal (hemipenis) morphology were analyzed in 1007 specimens, seeking to cover the geographic range of each species. The specimens were grouped into operational taxonomic units, based primarily on qualitative color pattern, to verify the diversity contained in this group of species. The variation between groups was evaluated by descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyzes. Based on the results, this revision support the recognition of five full species, diagnosable by the color pattern. The geographical distribution of each species was updated, as well as meristic and morphometric variation. There were no taxonomic changes for Oxyrhopus guibei, O. trigeminus and O. vanidicus. However, two taxonomic entities were recognized in O. melanogenys. The population present in the western portion of Amazon forest represents the taxon described by Tschudi (1845), while in northern Brazil (Maranhão, Mato Grosso and abundantly in Pará) the population previously described as O. m. orientalis (Cunha & Nascimento, 1983) is elevated to species rank

As interações químicas desempenham um papel essencial em diversas interações sociais de lagartos e são mediadas por compostos químicos presentes, principalmente, em suas glândulas femorais e pré-anais. O número de trabalhos caracterizando a composição química da secreção de glândulas femorais e pré-anais, assim como buscando identificar seu papel funcional em contextos sociais, tem aumentado nas últimas décadas. Embora a literatura sobre o tema seja extensa, os dados para espécies neotropicais são raros e para espécies que ocorrem no Brasil, há apenas informação para machos de Salvator merianae. Buscando ampliar o conhecimento sobre a composição química da secreção femoral de lagartos neotropicais, este trabalho caracterizou quimicamente a secreção de 11 espécies de Teiidae e seis de Gymnophthalmidae. Foram identificados 205 compostos, sendo 28 exclusivos de Gymnophthalmidae e 106 exclusivos de Teiidae. Demonstramos a influência das condições ambientais na secreção femoral de machos de Ameiva ameiva provenientes da Amazônia e da Caatinga, diferenças entre a composição química da secreção de machos de S. merianae de vida livre e de cativeiro, o papel da composição química da secreção de machos de três espécies de Ameivula na compreensão de um potencial complexo críptico de espécies e diferenças em machos de duas espécies de Kentropyx que podem estar associadas com o uso de substrato. Apresentamos a hipótese de que o status reprodutivo pode ter influência direta na composição química de machos e fêmeas, revelando um problema no estudo da composição química de espécies de Teiidae para as quais faltam dados acerca do ciclo reprodutivo e/ou apresentam reprodução prolongada/contínua. Em relação ao que era conhecido para S. merianae, validamos a grande quantidade de ácidos graxos como uma característica das espécies de Teiidae e identificamos, pela primeira vez, colesterol em todas as amostras analisadas. Este trabalho validou as espécies de Teiidae como um excelente modelo para os estudos das interações químicas em lagartos neotropicais e o potencial informativo da composição química das secreções femorais para melhor compreensão da ecologia e dos eventos evolutivos das linhagens de Teiidae Chemical interactions play an essential role in different social interactions of lizards and are mediated by chemical compounds present, mainly, in their femoral and preanal glands. The number of studies characterizing the chemical composition of femoral and preanal gland secretions, as well as trying to identify their functional role in social contexts, has increased in recent decades. Although the literature on the chemical communication in lizards is extensive, data for neotropical species are rare and for Brazilian species, there is only information for males of Salvator merianae. The main goal of this work is to expand the knowledge on the chemical composition of femoral secretion of neotropical lizards. We chemically characterized the femoral and preanal secretion of 11 species of Teiidae and six of Gymnophthalmidae. Were identified a total of 205 compounds, 28 exclusively in Gymnophthalmidae and 106 exclusively in Teiidae. We demonstrated the influence of the environmental condition on the femoral gland secretion of males of Ameiva ameiva from Amazonia and Caatinga, differences between chemical composition of femoral gland secretion of free-living and captive S. merianae, the role of the chemical composition in understanding a potential cryptic complex of Ameivula and differences in males of two species of Kentropyx that may be associated with substrate use. We hypothesized that reproductive status may have a direct influence on the chemical composition of femoral gland secretions of males and females, revealing a problem in the study of the chemical composition of Teiidae species that lack information about their reproductive cycle and/or show prolonged/continuous reproduction. Regarding what was known for S. merianae, we validated the large amount of fatty acids as a characteristic of the species of Teiidae and, for the first time, identified cholesterol for a Teiidae species. This work validated the Teiidae species as an excellent model for the study of the chemical interactions in neotropical lizards and the potential informative of the chemical composition of femoral gland secretions to better understand the ecology and evolutionary events of Teiidae lineages

Apesar do crescente aporte de informações na sistemática das serpentes Neotropicais, impulsionado pelo desenvolvimento de técnicas moleculares, as relações evolutivas intra e intertribais da subfamília Xenodontinae ainda são incipientes, e o posicionamento de gêneros e espécies de várias de suas tribos é desconhecido. A tribo Tachymenini (Dipsadidae, Xenodontinae) abriga sete gêneros e 33 espécies válidas, amplamente distribuídas na América do Sul, e representadas por um complexo histórico taxonômico e uma diversidade subamostrada. O presente projeto visou estudar as relações evolutivas de Tachymenini, de modo a testar as hipóteses de relacionamento entre seus gêneros e espécies em um contexto integrativo, e assim validar mudanças taxonômicas. Todos os táxons válidos de Tachymenini foram examinados, sendo este o trabalho mais abrangente para a tribo. Foram realizadas análises filogenéticas de Máxima Parcimônia, Máxima Verossimilhança e Bayeasiana, a partir da codificação de 70 caracteres morfológicos e do sequenciamento de três genes mitocondriais e três nucleares. As análises filogenéticas recuperaram Tachymenini como monofilética e seus gêneros mais especiosos, Tachymenis, Thamnodynastes e Tomodon, polifiléticos. Dois novos gêneros e quatro novas espécies são propostas, três espécies são sinonimizadas e dois outros gêneros são revalidados, resultando em uma nova classificação com 10 gêneros e 35 espécies para a tribo. Ainda, três complexos de espécies crípticas foram recuperados, o que aumentaria a diversidade de Tachymenini em pelo menos quatro novas espécies. O uso de dados morfológicos e moleculares combinados foi fundamental para o melhor entendimento das relações entre os gêneros da tribo, e para o estabelecimento de seus caracteres diagnósticos. Outros tipos de abordagens, além de complementação de lacunas amostrais, tanto morfológicas quanto moleculares, são necessárias em estudos sistemáticos futuros de Tachymenini e outros grupos de xenodontíneos In spite of the incoming flow of information regarding the systematics of Neotropical snakes, largely driven by the innovation of new techniques for molecular data, the evolutionary relations among members of the subfamily Xenodontinae are incipient, and the phylogenetic status of several genera and species are still unknown. The tribe Tachymenini (Dipsadidade, Xenodontinae) is composed by seven genera and 33 species widely distributed throughout South America, and characterized by a complex taxonomic history and a hidden diversity. This project aimed to study the phylogenetic relations of Tachymenini, testing the evolutionary hypotheses of relationships among its genera and species in an integrative approach, and to further validate taxonomic changes. All Tachymenini taxa were analyzed in the most comprehensive study of the tribe. Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analysis were performed using 70 morphological characters, three mitochondrial and three nuclear genes. Phylogenetic analysis recovered Tachymenini as monophyletic, and its most specious genera, Tachymenis, Thamnodynastes and Tomodon, as polyphyletic. Two new genera and four new species are proposed, three species are synonymized, and two other genera are resurrected, resulting in a new composition of 10 genera and 35 species for the tribe. Nevertheless, three cryptic species complexes were recovered, which would increase the diversity for Tachymenini in at least four other species. The combined use of morphological and molecular data was fundamental for a better understanding of the genera relationships, and for the establishment of diagnostic characters for the taxa. Other approaches, along with the improvement of morphological and molecular data deficiencies, are necessary in future studies of Tachymenini and other Xenodontinae systematics

A variação de cunho geográfico nas populações naturais está intimamente ligada às características ecológicas do ambiente como também aos processos históricos que resultaram no estabelecimento de linhagens distintas. Poucas espécies de serpentes têm sido estudadas adequadamente para determinar se existe variação geográfica na morfologia associada ao seu ciclo reprodutivo e dieta. As serpentes do gênero Crotalus são consideradas um bom modelo para estudos relacionados à variação geográfica devido à sua ampla distribuição, que abrange diversos tipos de hábitats. A cascavel C. durissus está restrita a América do Sul. No Brasil ocorre em todos os estados, exceto no Acre e Espírito Santo. São reconhecidas algumas populações isoladas na Floresta Amazônica. Algumas das suas populações exibem um nível considerável de variação morfológica e ecológica, sendo que populações adjacentes podem diferir drasticamente. De um modo geral, são escassos os estudos com esta espécie no Brasil, requerendo urgentes investigações para estabelecer se a variabilidade observada está associada a algum fenômeno específico. Neste estudo, foi examinado um total de 870 exemplares de C. durissus no Brasil. Em termos gerais, de acordo com o dimorfismo sexual, os resultados indicaram que as fêmeas apresentaram um maior número de escamas no ventre, enquanto que os machos apresentaram um número maior de escamas associadas à cauda e de losângulos. Em poucos casos as fêmeas exibiram comprimentos rostro-cloacais maiores, no entanto os maiores tamanhos da cabeça foram evidenciados neste sexo. Por outro lado, na maioria dos casos, os machos foram mais compridos do que as fêmeas, apresentando caudas mais longas. Similarmente as listras paravertebrais foram significativamente maiores nos machos. As análises discriminantes indicaram que as populações apresentaram padrões de variabilidade morfológica altamente complexos, ainda que a segregação de algumas das populações possa refletir fortes tendências evolutivas próprias dentro de algumas linhagens. A análise de variação geográfica indicou que variáveis ambientais influenciaram parcialmente a variabilidade morfológica nas populações de acordo com a sua distribuição. De acordo com os parâmetros relacionados a historia natural, o ciclo reprodutivo das fêmeas foi bem conservador, refletindo um padrão bienal e sazonal. Nos machos o ciclo espermatogênico mostra também um padrão sazonal exibindo variações anuais entre as populações. A associação entre os processos históricos, aspectos fisiológicos e condições climáticas são provavelmente os principais fatores que influenciaram as mudanças nestes padrões reprodutivos em fêmeas e machos. A dieta foi constituída principalmente por roedores, fato possivelmente associado à maior abundância e disponibilidade deste tipo de presa ao longo do ano nas áreas de ocorrência da espécie. No entanto, lagartos do grupo dos teiídeos podem ser considerados como itens alimentares eventualmente importantes na dieta de C. durissus do Brasil. The geographical variation is intimately associated to the ecological characteristics such as the historical process of a species. A few species of snakes have been studied adequately to determine an existence of geographical variation in morphology, reproduction and diet. Rattlesnakes (Crotalus) are considered a good model for geographical variation studies, due to their wide distribution that include several habitat types. The rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus is restricted to South America. In Brazil, this group is present throughout the country, except in states of Acre and Espírito Santo. In addition, there are isolated populations in open areas in Amazonia, in the Amazonian savannas in the states of Amazonas, Roraima, Pará and Amapá. Some populations of C. durissus show considerable variation in the morphology, reproduction and diet composition even with neighboring populations differing drastically from each other. Generally, there has been little research conducted of C. durissus in Brazil needing urgent investigation to this respect. A total of 870 specimens of C. durissus were examined. In general, according to the sexual dimorphism, the results indicated that the females have a higher number of ventral scales, while the males showed a greater number of scales associated to the tail and the lozanges. In a few cases, the females exhibited larger snout-vent length but larger head sizes were shown in this sex. Overall, males were longer than females, exhibiting tails and paravertebral stripes which were relatively longer. The discriminant analysis showed in general populations with patterns of highly complex morphological variability, even though the segregation of some populations may reflect strong evolutionary tendencies of their own within some groups. The analysis of geographic variation indicated that environmental variables partially influenced the morphological variability in populations according to their distribution. In accordance with parameters related to natural history, the reproductive cycle of females, was extremely conservative, reflecting a biennial seasonal pattern. In males, the spermatogenic cycle also shows a seasonal pattern, which demonstrated annual variations between populations. The association between the historical processes, physiological aspects and climatic conditions is probably the main factors that influenced these reproductive patterns in females and males. The diet was composed mainly of rodents, habit related to the abundance and availability of the prey, however teid lizards can also be considered as an important food item of the diet of C. durissus from Brazil.