Herpetological Highlights

Tail regrowth is a weird and wonderful trait some herpetofauna possess. But there’s a new paper about the regrowing tails of alligators. Species of the Bi-week is more like Genus of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Xu C, Palade J, Fisher RE, Smith CI, Clark AR, Sampson S, Bourgeois R, Rawls A, Elsey RM, Wilson-Rawls J, Kusumi K. 2020. Anatomical and histological analyses reveal that tail repair is coupled with regrowth in wild-caught, juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Scientific Reports 10:20122. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77052-8. Species of the Bi-Week: Blair C, Bryson RW, García-Vázquez UO, Nieto-Montes De Oca A, Lazcano D, Mccormack JE, Klicka J. 2022. Phylogenomics of alligator lizards elucidate diversification patterns across the Mexican Transition Zone and support the recognition of a new genus. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 135:25–39.

Mountain dragons are found in Australia and Tasmania. We get stuck in to the ecology of these busy little lizards. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Stuart-Smith JF, Stuart-Smith RD, Swain R, Wapstra E. 2008. Size dimorphism in Rankinia [Tympanocryptis] diemensis (Family Agamidae): sex-specific patterns and geographic variation: size dimorphism in R. diemensis. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 94:699–709. DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2008.01026.x. Stuart-Smith J, Swain R, Welling A. 2005. Reproductive ecology of the Mountain Dragon, Rankinia (Tympanocryptis) diemensis (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) in Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania:23–28. DOI: 10.26749/rstpp.139.23. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Stuart‐Smith, J., Swain, R., Stuart‐Smith, R. D., & Wapstra, E. (2007). Is fecundity the ultimate cause of female‐biased size dimorphism in a dragon liz

After the dinosaurs went extinct snakes were feeling hungry.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Grundler MC, Rabosky DL. 2021. Rapid increase in snake dietary diversity and complexity following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. PLOS Biology 19:e3001414. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001414. Species of the Bi-Week: Goutte S, Reyes-Velasco J, Kassie A, Boissinot S. 2022. Genetic and morphometric analyses of historical type specimens clarify the taxonomy of the Ethiopian Leptopelis gramineus species complex (Anura, Arthroleptidae). ZooKeys 1128:63–97. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1128.82176. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com

Elapid behaviour is not as well studied as we’d like, so in this episode we look at a couple of papers to cover more ground. One describing the changing morphology to optimise caudal luring, and another that looks at just how much you can bother a brownsnake before the worst happens. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Crowe-Riddell JM, Dix S, Pieterman L, Nankivell JH, Ford M, Ludington AJ, Simões BF, Dunstan N, Partridge JC, Sanders KL, Allen L. 2021. From matte banded to glossy black: structures underlying colour change in the caudal lures of southern death adders (Acanthophis antarcticus, Reptilia: Elapidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 132:666–675. DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa218. Whitaker PB, Ellis K, Shine R. 2000. The defensive strike of the Eastern Brownsnake, Pseudonaja textilis (Elapidae): Defensive strike of Eastern Brownsnake. Functional Ecology 14:25–31. DOI: 10.1

The complexities of evolution poses constant questions. One of the most fruitful groups to look at when trying to understand evolution is Anolis lizards. They are well known for repeated convergent evolution, many species, and existing in a wealth of environments; so this episode we look at an example of what can drive that evolution. Also a cryptic viper for Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Prates I, D’Angiolella AB, Rodrigues MT, Melo‐Sampaio PR, de Queiroz K, Bell RC. 2021. Evolutionary drivers of sexual signal variation in Amazon Slender Anoles. Evolution 75:1361–1376. DOI: 10.1111/evo.14230. Species of the Bi-Week: Zhang M-H, Shi S-C, Li C, Yan P, Wang P, Ding L, Du J, Plenković-Moraj A, Jiang J-P, Shi J-S. 2022. Exploring cryptic biodiversity in a world heritage site: a new pitviper (Squamata, Viperidae, Crotalinae) from Jiuzhaigou, Aba, Sichuan, China. ZooKe

Back in the 90s the Swiss authorities decided to start digging loads of ponds for their dwindling amphibians. But did these uniquely slippery customers appreciate it? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Moor H, Bergamini A, Vorburger C, Holderegger R, Bühler C, Egger S, Schmidt BR. 2022. Bending the curve: Simple but massive conservation action leads to landscape-scale recovery of amphibians. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 119:e2123070119. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2123070119. Biakzuala L. 2022. Collection of vulnerable nests with eggs for the captive incubation of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) as a conservation strategy in Mizoram north-east India. The Herpetological Bulletin:18–20. DOI: 10.33256/hb159.1820. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Pass

Central American boas are the focus of this episode - we disentangle why some are large, and others are very small. Followed up by a Species of the Bi-Week with a stubby tail. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Card DC, Adams RH, Schield DR, Perry BW, Corbin AB, Pasquesi GIM, Row K, Van Kleeck MJ, Daza JM, Booth W, Montgomery CE, Boback SM, Castoe TA. 2019. Genomic Basis of Convergent Island Phenotypes in Boa Constrictors. Genome Biology and Evolution 11:3123–3143. DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz226. Species of the Bi-Week: Oliver PM, Donnellan SC, Gunn BF. 2022. Plio–Pleistocene vicariance across arid Australia in the ‘Spiny Knob-tailed Geckos’ (Nephrurus asper group), with the description of a new species from western Queensland. Australian Journal of Zoology 69:216–228. DOI: 10.1071/ZO22008. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Card, D. C., Schield, D. R., Adams, R. H., Corbin, A. B., Perry, B. W., Andre

A look at the world's shortest-lived tetrapod, a tiny chameleon, Labord's chameleon. What is their life like? And where do they go in the short months when they are not an egg? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hudel L, Kappeler PM. 2022. Sex-specific movement ecology of the shortest-lived tetrapod during the mating season. Scientific Reports 12:10053. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14156-3. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Cuadrado M. 2001. Mate guarding and social mating system in male common chameleons (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). Journal of Zoology 255:425–435. DOI: 10.1017/S0952836901001510. Palmisano, J. N., Bockoven, C., McPherson, S. M., Ossiboff, R. J., Walden, H. D., & Farrell, T. M. 2022. Infection Experiments Indicate That Common Florida Anurans and Lizards May Serve as Intermediate Hosts for the Invasive Pentastome Parasite, Raillietiella orientalis. Journal of Herpetology, 56(3): 355-

Reptiles can be tough, especially when faced with a lack of water. But does providing them with extra water help them out? We also have a bent-toed Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Capehart GD, Escallón C, Vernasco BJ, Moore IT, Taylor EN. 2016. No drought about it: Effects of supplemental hydration on the ecology, behavior, and physiology of free-ranging rattlesnakes. Journal of Arid Environments 134:79–86. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.06.018. Species of the Bi-Week: Yodthong S, Rujirawan A, Stuart BL, Grismer LL, Aksornneam A, Termprayoon K, Ampai N, Aowphol A. 2022. A new species in the Cyrtodactylus oldhami group (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Kanchanaburi Province, western Thailand. ZooKeys 1103:139–169. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1103.84672. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week

The islands of New Caledonia are famous for their geckos. Recent research has revealed the evolutionary past of these sticky lizards, and it all began shortly after the islands themselves emerged from the Pacific Ocean.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Skipwith PL, Bauer AM, Jackman TR, Sadlier RA. 2016. Old but not ancient: coalescent species tree of New Caledonian geckos reveals recent post‐inundation diversification. Journal of Biogeography 43:1266–1276. DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12719. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Griffing, A. H., Sanger, T. J., Epperlein, L., Bauer, A. M., Cobos, A., Higham, T. E., ... & Gamble, T. 2021. And thereby hangs a tail: morphology, developmental patterns and biomechanics of the adhesive tails of crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus). Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 288(1953), 20210650. Other Links/Mentions: Kimbrough L. 2022.Tiny new tree frog species fou

Radioactive frogs around Chernobyl haven't been the same since the nuclear disaster. We talk about why they aren't so green, before focusing on a newly described species that couldn't be greener. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Burraco P, Orizaola G. 2022. Ionizing radiation and melanism in Chornobyl tree frogs. Evolutionary Applications 15:1469–1479. DOI: 10.1111/eva.13476. Species of the Bi-Week: Varela-Soto D, Abarca JG, Brenes-Mora E, Aspinall V, Leenders T, Shepack A. 2022. A new species of brilliant green frog of the genus Tlalocohyla (Anura, Hylidae) hiding between two volcanoes of northern Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5178:501–531. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5178.6.1. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com

We’ve chatted about invasive species in many episodes, but this time the invader is INSIDE the better known invader. A parasite has made its way to Florida, USA in the lungs of Burmese Pythons; has the parasite spread, and is it impacting the native snake species? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Miller MA, Kinsella JM, Snow RW, Falk BG, Reed RN, Goetz SM, Mazzotti FJ, Guyer C, Romagosa CM. 2020. Highly competent native snake hosts extend the range of an introduced parasite beyond its invasive Burmese python host. Ecosphere 11. DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3153. Walden HDS, Iredale ME, Childress A, Wellehan JFX, Ossiboff RJ. 2020. Case Report: Invasive Pentastomes, Raillietiella orientalis (Sambon, 1922), in a Free-Ranging Banded Water Snake (Nerodia fasciata) in North Central Florida, USA. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 7:467. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00467. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Kelehear

Blue tongue skinks are named for their distinctive blue tongue. We’ve talked previously about how they spook predators with a flash of blue, but this time we look at an alternative more food focused use. We also have a red hot Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hewes AE, Schwenk K. 2021. The functional morphology of lingual prey capture in a scincid lizard, Tiliqua scincoides (Reptilia: Squamata). Journal of Morphology 282:127–145. DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21287. Species of the Bi-Week: Yoshikawa N, Matsui M. 2022. A New Salamander of the Genus Onychodactylus from Central Honshu, Japan (Amphibia, Caudata, Hynobiidae). Current Herpetology 41. DOI: 10.5358/hsj.41.82. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Youngman, N. J., Llinas, J., & Fry, B. G. 2021. Evidence for resistance to coagulotoxic effects of Australian elapid snake venoms by sympatric prey (blue tongue skinks) but not

A tortoise and turtle double-bill. Gopher tortoises face burrow cave-ins, and sea turtles eat human food. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Goodman SJ, Smith JA, Gorman TA, Haas CA. 2018. Longevity of Gopher Tortoise Burrows in Sandy Soils. Southeastern Naturalist 17:531–540. DOI: 10.1656/058.017.0310. Smulders FOH, O’Shea OR, Christianen MJA. 2021. Animal-borne video reveals atypical behaviour in provisioned green turtles: A global perspective of a widespread tourist activity. Global Ecology and Conservation 25:e01417. DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01417. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Mendonca, M., Beauman, R., & Balbach, H. (2007). Burrow Collapse as a Potential Stressor on the Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphenus). Engineer Research And Development Center Champaign IL Construction Engineering Research Lab. Wester, E.E. (2004). Impact of natural gas pipeline operation and maintenance o

Sirens resemble a salamander crossed with an eel. We work out how these bizarre amphibians hunt, and talk about a siren species only recently discovered by science.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Martin BT, Goodding DD, Ford NB, Placyk JS. 2013. Sensory Mediation of Foraging Behavior in the Western Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia nettingi). Journal of Herpetology 47:75–77. DOI: 10.1670/11-209. Species of the Bi-Week: Graham SP, Kline R, Steen DA, Kelehear C. 2018. Description of an extant salamander from the Gulf Coastal Plain of North America: The Reticulated Siren, Siren reticulata. PLOS ONE 13:e0207460. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207460. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com

Animals have to adapt to all sorts of changes, but urbanisation is perhaps one of the most drastic. Urban noise can majorly interfere with communication, so how do frogs overcome the noise and busyness of the big city? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Halfwerk W, Blaas M, Kramer L, Hijner N, Trillo PA, Bernal XE, Page RA, Goutte S, Ryan MJ, Ellers J. 2018. Adaptive changes in sexual signalling in response to urbanization. Nature Ecology & Evolution. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0751-8. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Halfwerk W, Jones PL, Taylor RC, Ryan MJ, Page RA. 2014. Risky Ripples Allow Bats and Frogs to Eavesdrop on a Multisensory Sexual Display. Science 343:413–416. DOI: 10.1126/science.1244812. Graitson, E., & Taymans, J. 2022. Impacts des lâchers massifs de faisans de Colchide (Phasianus colchicus L.) sur les squamates (Reptilia Squamata). Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr, 180. Kaczmarek,

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s a Plethodontid Salamander, more specifically Aneides vagrans AKA the wandering salamander. As strange as it sounds we look at a gliding salamander this episode. Species of the Bi-week is an elegant wine-gum-looking beast. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brown CE, Sathe EA, Dudley R, Deban SM. 2022. Gliding and parachuting by arboreal salamanders. Current Biology 32:R453–R454. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.033. Species of the Bi-Week: Dahinten-Bailey H, Serrano MJ, Alonso-Ascencio M, Cruz-Font JJ, Rosito-Prado I, Ruiz-Villanueva KJA, Vásquez-Almazan C, Ariano-Sánchez D. 2021. A new species of Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) of the Bolitoglossa franklini group from an isolated cloud forest in northern Guatemala. Zootaxa 4966:202–214. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4966.2.7. Other Links/Mentions: Gliding salamanders video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5w1

Many large animals have gone extinct in the last 50,000 years - but not Komodo dragons. We explore a paper detailing why they have survived while other megafauna have not.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Shine R, Somaweera R. 2019. Last lizard standing: The enigmatic persistence of the Komodo dragon. Global Ecology and Conservation 18:e00624. DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00624. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com

Snakes are often thought of as totally solitary, but this isn't always the case. We talk about a new study detailing snake social behaviour, and follow it up with two recently described frog species from Central Africa. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Skinner M, Miller N. 2020. Aggregation and social interaction in garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 74. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-2827-0. Species of the Bi-Week: Greenbaum E, Allen KE, Vaughan ER, Badjedjea G, Barej MF, Behangana M, Conkey N, Dumbo B, Gonwouo L, Hirschfeld M, Hughes DF, Igunzi F, Kusamba C, Lukwago W, Masudi FM, Penner J, Rödel M, Roelke CE, Romero S, Dehling JM. 2022. Systematics of the Central African Spiny Reed Frog Afrixalus laevis (Anura: Hyperoliidae), with the description of two new species from the Albertine Rift. Zootaxa 5174:201–232. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Alexa

Foxsnakes are widely distributed and with an apparently tumultuous taxonomic history, but we can still take a look at the habitats they prefer and their ability to traverse fragmented landscapes. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Row JR, Blouin-Demers G, Lougheed SC. 2012. Movements and Habitat Use of Eastern Foxsnakes (Pantherophis gloydi) in Two Areas Varying in Size and Fragmentation. Journal of Herpetology 46:94–99. DOI: 10.1670/10-262. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Chambers EA, Hillis DM. 2019. The Multispecies Coalescent Over-splits Species in the Case of Geographically Widespread Taxa. Systematic Biology:syz042. DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syz042. Conant, R. (1940). A new subspecies of the Fox Snake, Elaphe vulpina Baird and Girard. Herpetologica, 2(1), 1-14. Crother, B. I., White, M. E., Savage, J. M., Eckstut, M. E., Graham, M. R., & Gardner, D. W. (2011). A Reevaluation of the Stat