Herpetological Highlights

Slow worm combat and snake fungal disease are the topics of this episode - turns out slow worms are savages.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Capula, M., Anibaldi, C., Filippi, E., & Luiselli, L. (1998). Sexual combats, matings, and reproductive phenology in an alpine population of the slow worm, Anguis fragilis. Herpetological Natural History, 6(1), 33–39. Romer, A. S., Grinath, J. B., Moe, K. C., & Walker, D. M. (2022). Host microbiome responses to the Snake Fungal Disease pathogen (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola) are driven by changes in microbial richness. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 3078. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07042-5 Species of the Bi-Week: Trivalairat, P., Sumontha, M., Kunya, K., & Chiangkul, K. (2022). Acanthosaura meridiona sp. nov. (Squamata: Agamidae), a new short-horned lizard from southern Thailand. Herpetological Journal, 32(1), 34–50. https://doi.org/10.33256/

One of our favourite groups of lizards is the topic of this episode. They are truly incredible beasts capable of learning, adapting, and apparently creating fantastic metropolis fir for all sorts of creatures to co-exist. Of course Species of the Bi-week is back, this time with a stunning South American lizard. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Doody JS, Soennichsen KF, James H, McHenry C, Clulow S. 2021. Ecosystem engineering by deep‐nesting monitor lizards. Ecology 102. DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3271. Pettit L, Ward-Fear G, Shine R. 2021. Invasion of cane toads (Rhinella marina) affects the problem-solving performance of vulnerable predators (monitor lizards, Varanus varius). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 75:39. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-02978-6. Species of the Bi-Week: García-Vázquez UO, Clause AG, Gutiérrez-Rodríguez J, Cazares-Hernández E, Torre-Loranca MÁ de la. 2022. A New Species of Abronia (

It's episode 100! We talk a bit about the effects of pesticides on frogs before having some fun testing our knowledge of herpetofauna. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hua, J., Wuerthner, V. P., Jones, D. K., Mattes, B., Cothran, R. D., Relyea, R. A., & Hoverman, J. T. (2017). Evolved pesticide tolerance influences susceptibility to parasites in amphibians. Evolutionary Applications, 10(8), 802–812. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12500 Music: Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Mike Mooney Other Music – The Passion HiFi, www.thepassionhifi.com

Snakes can bite; and when venomous, these bites can cause serious harm. But how frequently do snakes actually deploy that venom? We look at a review breaking down current knowledge. We also check out a paper looking at local names for herpetofauna, and whether that is connected to the danger those species pose. Species of the Bi-week returns with another venomous beastie. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Farooq, H., Bero, C., Guilengue, Y., Elias, C., Massingue, Y., Mucopote, I., Nanvonamuquitxo, C., Marais, J., Antonelli, A., & Faurby, S. (2021). Species perceived to be dangerous are more likely to have distinctive local names. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 17(69), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-021-00493-6 Pucca, M. B., Knudsen, C., Oliveira, I. S., Rimbault, C., Cerni, F. A., Wen, F. H., Sachett, J., Sartim, M. A., Laustsen, A. H., & Monteiro, W. M. (2020). Current K

Renowned for their habit of eating other snakes, just how do colourful kingsnakes manage to tackle prey almost their own size? We delve into this mystery, and find out just how much these snakes can eat. To top it off, there is a serpentine Species of the Bi-Week.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Penning DA, Moon BR. (2017). The king of snakes: performance and morphology of intraguild predators (Lampropeltis) and their prey (Pantherophis). Journal of Experimental Biology 220:1154–1161. DOI: 10.1242/jeb.147082. Penning DA. 2017. The gluttonous king: the effects of prey size and repeated feeding on predatory performance in kingsnakes. Journal of Zoology 302:119–125. DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12437. Species of the Bi-Week: Entiauspe-Neto, O. M., Abegg, A. D., Koch, C., Nuñez, L. P., Azevedo, W. D. S., Moraes, L. J., Tiutenko, A., Bialves, T. S., & Loebmann, D. (2021). A new species of Erythrolamprus (

Chameleons! Specifically Panther Chameleons. We look at the decisions made by female chameleons, what are they looking for in a male chameleon, are they capable of forward planning? And a double-species Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Dollion, A. Y., Herrel, A., Marquis, O., Leroux-Coyau, M., & Meylan, S. (2020). The colour of success: Does female mate choice rely on male colour change in the chameleon Furcifer pardalis ? Journal of Experimental Biology, jeb.224550. doi: 10.1242/jeb.224550 Eppley, T. M. (2019). Evidence of spatiotemporal planning in a panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) on the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar. Herpetology Notes, 12. Species of the Bi-Week: Shi, J.-S., Liu, J.-C., Giri, R., Owens, J. B., Santra, V., Kuttalam, S., … Malhotra, A. (2021). Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus Gloydius (Squamata, Viperidae, Crotalinae), with descri

This time we chat about the mighty Australian dragons of genus Ctenophorus. These little dragons have some serious personality, but how does it affect their lives, and can their colour give us clues about how aggro they can be? There's also a brand new dragon species. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Johnstone, K. C., McArthur, C., & Banks, P. B. (2021). Catch me if you can: Personality drives technique-specific biases during live-capture trapping. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR20121 Yewers, M. S. C., Pryke, S., & Stuart-Fox, D. (2016). Behavioural differences across contexts may indicate morph-specific strategies in the lizard Ctenophorus decresii. Animal Behaviour, 111, 329–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.10.029 Species of the Bi-Week: Sadlier, R. A., Colgan, D., Beatson, C. A., & Cogger, H. G. (2019). Ctenophorus spinodomus sp. nov., a new species of dr

Spraying salt while chilling next to the shoreline –the M.O. of marine iguanas. But how do they cope with the harsh reality of life in 2021, like dramatic climate fluctuations and the increased pressures from humans? We also check out a tiny new Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: French SS, Neuman-Lee LA, Terletzky PA, Kiriazis NM, Taylor EN, DeNardo DF. 2017. Too much of a good thing? Human disturbance linked to ecotourism has a “dose-dependent” impact on innate immunity and oxidative stress in marine iguanas, Amblyrhynchus cristatus. Biological Conservation 210:37–47. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.04.006. Wikelski M, Thom C. 2000. Marine iguanas shrink to survive El Niño. Nature 403:37–38. DOI: 10.1038/47396. Species of the Bi-Week: Torres-Carvajal O, Parra V, Sales Nunes PM, Koch C. 2021. A New Species of Microtegu Lizard (Gymnophthalmidae: Cercosaurinae) from Amazonian Ec

Hognose snakes - famous for their funny expressions and death-feigning, but why do Eastern hognoses come in different colours, and are some populations smaller than others? We find out, followed up by a brand new species of amphibian. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Lattanzio, M. S., & Buontempo, M. J. (2021). Ecogeographic Divergence Linked to Dorsal Coloration in Eastern Hog-Nosed Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos). Herpetologica, 77(2), 134–145. https://doi.org/10.1655/Herpetologica-D-19-00031.1 Vanek, J. P., & Burke, R. L. (2020). Insular dwarfism in female eastern hog-nosed snakes (Heterodon platirhinos; dipsadidae) on a barrier island. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 98(3), 157–164. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2019-0137 Species of the Bi-Week: De Oliveira, R. F., de Medeiros Magalhães, F., da Veiga Teixeira, B. F., de Moura, G. J. B., Porto, C. R., Guimarães, F. P. B. B., Giaretta, A. A

How social are tortoises? This episode we look at a paper investigating tortoises’ preference for faces, and a second on whether they stick together. While neither provide definitive answers, they both pose questions about how tortoises interact.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Versace E, Damini S, Stancher G. 2020. Early preference for face-like stimuli in solitary species as revealed by tortoise hatchlings. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 117:24047–24049. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011453117. Ward M, Marshall BM, Hodges CW, Montano Y, Artchawakom T, Waengsothorn S, Strine CT. 2021. Nonchalant neighbors: Space use and overlap of the critically endangered Elongated Tortoise. Biotropica:btp.12981. DOI: 10.1111/btp.12981. Species of the Bi-Week: David P, Vogel G, Nguyen TQ, Orlov NL, Pauwels OSG, Teynié A, Ziegler T. 2021. A revision of the dark-bellied, stream-dwelling snakes of the ge

In this episode we are talking about the life and times of one of the world’s largest snakes - the Burmese python. We compare their movements in their native and introduced range, and talk a bit about what they get up to. Our Species of the Bi-Week is a colourful mimic. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Smith, S. N., Jones, M. D., Marshall, B. M., Waengsothorn, S., Gale, G. A., & Strine, C. T. (2021). Native Burmese pythons exhibit site fidelity and preference for aquatic habitats in an agricultural mosaic. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-86640-1 Bartoszek, I. A., Smith, B. J., Reed, R. N., & Hart, K. M. (2021). Spatial ecology of invasive Burmese pythons in southwestern Florida. Ecosphere, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3564 Species of the Bi-Week: Qi, S., Shi, J.-S., Ma, Y.-B., Gao, Y.-F., Bu, S.-H., Grismer, L. L., Li, P.-P., & Wang, Y.-Y.

In the forests of the night, What immortal pit or eye, Could frame thy venomous symmetry? This episode we look at the biting behaviour, and glowing tails of vipers. Species of the Bi-week is a green treat from Southeast Asia. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Mendyk, R. W., & Laurence, P. (2021). Glow and Behold : Biofluorescence and New Insights on the Tails of Pitvipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae) and Other Snakes. Herpetological Review, 52(2), 221-237. Piao, Y., Yao, G., Jiang, H., Huang, S., Huang, F., Tang, Y., Liu, Y., & Qin, C. (2021). Do pit vipers assess their venom? Defensive tactics of Deinagkistrodon acutus shift with changed venom reserve. Toxicon, 199, 101–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.06.003 Species of the Bi-Week: Liu, S., Hou, M., Lwin, Y. H., Wang, Q., & Rao, D. (2021). A new species of Gonyosoma Wagler, 1828 (Serpentes, Colubridae), previously confused wi

Urban snakes - are they more hip than their rural cousins, or do they suffer worse from parasites? We delve into some unexpected outcomes of urban life, followed by a brand new species of amphibian for our Species of the Bi-Week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights T-shirts and other swag: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop  FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Lettoof, D., von Takach, B., Bateman, P. W., Gagnon, M. M., & Aubret, F. (2020). Investigating the role of urbanisation, wetlands and climatic conditions in nematode parasitism in a large Australian elapid snake. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 11, 32–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.11.006 Bury, S., & ZajĄc, B. (2020). The loss of sexual size dimorphism in urban populations of a widespread reptile, the European grass snake Natrix natrix. Current Zoology, 66(2), 217–218. https://doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoz034 Speci

Fluorescing frogs (toadlets) and glowing geckos are topics of discussion this episode. We dig into the whys and ecological context of glowing, but really there remains a lot to learn. Carrying over from last episode is a wonderful Bungarus for the Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Prötzel D, Heß M, Schwager M, Glaw F, Scherz MD. 2021. Neon-green fluorescence in the desert gecko Pachydactylus rangei caused by iridophores. Scientific Reports 11:297. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79706-z. Rebouças R, Carollo AB, Freitas M de O, Lambertini C. 2019. Is the conspicuous dorsal coloration of the Atlantic forest pumpkin toadlets aposematic? Salamandra 55:39–47. Species of the Bi-Week: Chen Z-N, Shi S-C, Vogel G, Ding L, Shi J-S. 2021. Multiple lines of evidence reveal a new species of Krait (Squamata, Elapidae, Bungarus) from Southwestern China and Northern Myanmar. ZooKeys 1025:35–71. D

Kraits! These banded and venomous beasts are still shrouded in mystery, but we cover some of the things we DO know about them in this Patreon special. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hodges, C. W., Barnes, C. H., Patungtaro, P., & Strine, C. T. (2021). Deadly dormmate: A case study on Bungarus candidus living among a student dormitory with implications for human safety. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 2(e12047), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12047 Hodges, C. W., D’souza, A., & Jintapirom, S. (2020). Diurnal observation of a Malayan Krait Bungarus candidus (Reptilia: Elapidae) feeding inside a building in Thailand. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 12(8), 15947–15950. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.5746.12.8.15947-15950 Crane, M., Oliver, K., Silva, I., Aksornneam, A., Artchawakom, T., Suwanwaree, P., & Strine, C. T. (2016). A report of a Malayan Krait snake Bungarus candidus m

Frogs: invasive menace, and victim. We look at two papers showing how frogs are faring in the face of human-caused species invasions. One where the frog is the invader, another where the frogs are facing down a novel threat –mongooses. Species of the Bi-week is a wee salamander from Japan. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kim R, Halstead BJ, Routman EJ, Andersen J. 2021. When introduced prey violates trophic hierarchy: Conservation of an endangered predator. Biological Conservation 256:109019. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109019. Komine H, Iwai N, Kaji K. 2021. Rapid responses in morphology and performance of native frogs induced by predation pressure from invasive mongooses. Biological Invasions 23:1293–1305. DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02440-0. Species of the Bi-Week: Okamiya H, Sugawara H, Nagano M, Poyarkov NA. 2018. An integrative taxonomic analysis reveals a new species of lotic Hynobius salama

In this instalment we are talking tortoises - how clever are they, and how well do they get on with ravens? We follow up the tortoise double header with a miniature Species of the Bi-Week.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Santacà, M., Petrazzini, M. E. M., Agrillo, C., & Wilkinson, A. (2019). Can Reptiles Perceive Visual Illusions? Delboeuf Illusion in Red-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) and Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Comparative Psychology, 133(4), 419–427. https://doi.org/10.1037/com0000176 Segura, A., Jimenez, J., & Acevedo, P. (2020). Predation of young tortoises by ravens: the effect of habitat structure on tortoise detectability and abundance. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-58851-5 Species of the Bi-Week: Loc-Barragán, J. A., Reyes-Velasco, J., Woolrich-Piña, G. A., Grünwald, C. I., de Anaya, M. V., Rangel-Mendoza, J

Lizards live in a world of colour. But how do they react to different colours, and what role does colour play in creating new species of lizard? We dip into papers covering Anoles and Geckos, with a bend-toed Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Fondren A, Swierk L, Putman BJ. 2020. Clothing color mediates lizard responses to humans in a tropical forest. Biotropica 52:172–181. DOI: 10.1111/btp.12744. Fulgione D, Buglione M, Rippa D, Trapanese M, Petrelli S, Monti DM, Aria M, Del Giudice R, Maselli V. 2019. Selection for background matching drives sympatric speciation in Wall Gecko. Scientific Reports 9. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37587-3. Species of the Bi-Week: Liu S, Rao D. 2021. A new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Yunnan, China. ZooKeys 1021:109–126. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1021.60402. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Gould, M. L., Green, L.,

This episode we delve into the problem solving capabilities of some large lizards, and uncover the lifestyle of Guatemalan beaded lizards. We also discuss the mysterious black beasts that inhabit the Caribbean Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Ariano-Sánchez D, Mortensen RM, Reinhardt S, Rosell F. 2020. Escaping drought: Seasonality effects on home range, movement patterns and habitat selection of the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard. Global Ecology and Conservation 23:e01178. DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01178. Cooper T, Liew A, Andrle G, Cafritz E, Dallas H, Niesen T, Slater E, Stockert J, Vold T, Young M, Mendelson J. 2019. Latency in Problem Solving as Evidence for Learning in Varanid and Helodermatid Lizards, with Comments on Foraging Techniques. Copeia 107:78. DOI: 10.1643/CH-18-119. Species of the Bi-Week: Breuil M, Schikorski D, Vuillaume B, Krauss U, Morton MN, Co

Humans and snakes share a long and storied past. In this episode we examine one paper that looks at the prehistoric relationship between humans and cobras (namely their spitting), and a second that looks at how we can mitigate the negative impacts of this relationship today. Our stunning Species of the Bi-week looks to be covered in duck-weed. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kazandjian TD, Petras D, Robinson SD, van Thiel J, Greene HW, Arbuckle K, Barlow A, Carter DA, Wouters RM, Whiteley G, Wagstaff SC, Arias AS, Albulescu L-O, Plettenberg Laing A, Hall C, Heap A, Penrhyn-Lowe S, McCabe CV, Ainsworth S, da Silva RR, Dorrestein PC, Richardson MK, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ, Harrison RA, Vetter I, Undheim EAB, Wüster W, Casewell NR. 2021. Convergent evolution of pain-inducing defensive venom components in spitting cobras. Science 371:386–390. DOI: 10.1126/science.abb9303. Samuel SP, Chinnaraju S, W