Herpetological Highlights

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

Who doesn't love blue tongue skinks? In this episode we discuss their ability to learn complex tasks, and finally discover why that tongue is so blue. Our Species of the Bi-Week is beautiful in more ways than one. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Badiane, A., Carazo, P., Price-Rees, S. J., Ferrando-Bernal, M., & Whiting, M. J. (2018). Why blue tongue? A potential UV-based deimatic display in a lizard. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 72(7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-018-2512-8 Szabo, B., Noble, D. W. A., Byrne, R. W., Tait, D. S., & Whiting, M. J. (2019). Precocial juvenile lizards show adult level learning and behavioural flexibility. Animal Behaviour, 154, 75–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.06.003 Species of the Bi-Week: Vanderduys, E., Hoskin, C. J., Kutt, A. S., Wright, J. M., & Zozaya, S. M. (2020). Beauty in the eye of the beholder: A new species of gecko (

Frogs come in all shapes and sizes, but some frogs are particularly odd. Rain frogs with their globus bodies are the topic for this episode. Why are they living with mole-rats? And what do people living side-by-side with them think? Species of the Bi-week is a fresh rain frog, with remarkable colour variation. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brom P, Anderson P, Channing A, Underhill LG. 2020. The role of cultural norms in shaping attitudes towards amphibians in Cape Town, South Africa. PLOS ONE 15:e0219331. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219331. Šklíba J, Jirků M, Šumbera R. 2016. Burrow systems of mole-rats as refuges for frogs in the Miombo woodlands of south-east Africa. Journal of Tropical Ecology 32:158–161. DOI: 10.1017/S0266467415000644. Species of the Bi-Week: Nielsen SV, Conradie W, Ceríaco LMP, Bauer AM, Heinicke MP, Stanley EL, Blackburn DC. 2020. A new species of Rain Frog (Brevicipiti

Hello 2021! We are back and this time discussing genetic rescue - can isolated, dwindling populations be assisted by adding individuals from elsewhere? After that, our Species of the Bi-Week has a dewlap but it isn't an anole. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Madsen, T., Loman, J., Anderberg, L., Anderberg, H., Georges, A., & Ujvari, B. (2020). Genetic rescue restores long-term viability of an isolated population of adders (Vipera berus). Current Biology, 30(21), R1297–R1299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.08.059 Scott, P. A., Allison, L. J., Field, K. J., Averill-Murray, R. C., & Shaffer, H. B. (2020). Individual heterozygosity predicts translocation success in threatened desert tortoises. Science, 370(6520), 1086–1089. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abb0421  Species of the Bi-Week: Sadasivan, K., Ramesh, M. B., Palot, M. J., Ambekar, M., & Mirza, Z. A. (2018). A new species o

This week’s episode is a bit jumbled as we focus on whether birds are using alligators to help protect nests. For the Species of the Bi-week we have a tiny tiny toad. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Burtner BF, Frederick PC. 2017. Attraction of Nesting Wading Birds to Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Testing the ‘Nest Protector’ Hypothesis. Wetlands 37:697–704. DOI: 10.1007/s13157-017-0900-x. Species of the Bi-Week: Li S-Z, Liu J, Wei G, Wang B. 2020. A new species of the Asian leaf litter toad genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from southwest China. ZooKeys 943:91–118. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.943.51572. Other Links/Mentions: Alligator eating ducks: https://bit.ly/36VyJZi  Alligators regrowing tails: https://bit.ly/3lXtz3k Music: Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Mike Mooney Other Music – The Passion HiFi, www.thepassionhifi.com

Greater earless lizards use their tail for all manner of things - but how has this shaped its evolution? We delve into this mystery and find out how horny toads (the lizards) cope with life at hot and cold extremes. Our Species of the Bi-Week is a colourful new desert dweller. Ross McGibbon's 2021 calendar: https://bit.ly/3f93mgp  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Gilbert, A. L., Brooks, O. L., & Lattanzio, M. S. (2020). Multiple behavioral contexts of a melanized tail display in a desert lizard. Ethology, 126(3), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.12975 Parlin, A. F., Schaeffer, P. J., & Jezkova, T. (2020). Modelling the effect of environmental temperatures, microhabitat and behavioural thermoregulation on predicted activity patterns in a desert lizard across its thermally diverse distribution. Journal of Biogeography, January, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13936 Species of the Bi

A rainy night in a tropical forest; the sound of frog battle calls ring out –but who will be victorious? This episode we dive into the details of frog battles for supremacy, where tiny strawberry frogs of all colours are fierce combatants. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Magalhães, R. F. de, Lacerda, J. V. A., Reis, L. de P., Garcia, P. C. A., & Pinheiro, P. D. P. (2018). Sexual Dimorphism in Bokermannohyla martinsi (Bokermann, 1964) (Anura, Hylidae) with a Report of Male–Male Combat. South American Journal of Herpetology, 13(2), 202. doi: 10.2994/SAJH-D-17-00039.1 Yang, Y., Prémel, V., & Richards‐Zawacki, C. L. (2020). Prior residence effect determines success of male–male territorial competition in a color polymorphic poison frog. Ethology, eth.13093. doi: 10.1111/eth.13093 Species of the Bi-Week: Rowley, J. J. L., Le, D. T. T., Hoang, H. D., Cao, T. T., & Dau, V. Q. (2020). ­A new

They don't come greener than this - but what are they up to? We discuss the behaviour of some (mostly green) pit vipers, and we even have a brand new green species.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Strine, C., Brown, A., Barnes, C., Major, T., Artchawakom, T., Hill, J., & Suwanwaree, P. (2018). Arboreal mating behaviors of the big-eyed green pit viper (Trimeresurus macrops) in Northeast Thailand (Reptilia: Viperidae). Current Herpetology, 37(1), 81–87. https://doi.org/10.5358/hsj.37.81 Barnes, C. H., Farren, W., Strine, C. T., & Suwanwaree, P. (2020). Social behavior displayed by the Green Pit Viper Trimeresurus (Cryptelytrops) macrops. Tropical Natural History, 20(1), 95–103. Bhaisare, D., & Pelling, E. (2015). Trimeresurus malabaricus (Malabar pit viper): Diving behaviour and underwater apnoea duration. Herpetological Bulletin, 134, 33–34. Species of the Bi-Week: Chen, Z., Yu, J

In a mixed episode, we explore some gruesome ways to eat a toad practiced by kukri snakes, how the reptile trade looks to be a lot larger than what international trade databases report, and the description of a new cylindrical snake. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Bringsøe, H., Suthanthangjai, M., Suthanthangjai, W., & Nimnuam, K. (2020). Eviscerated alive: Novel and macabre feeding strategy in Oligodon fasciolatus (Günther, 1864) eating organs of Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) in Thailand. Herpetozoa, 33, 157. Marshall, BM., Strine, CT., Hughes, AC. (2020). Thousands of reptile species threatened by under-regulated global trade. Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18523-4 Species of the Bi-Week: Bernstein, J. M., Bauer, A. M., Mcguire, J. A., Arida, E., Kaiser, H., Kieckbusch, M., & Mecke, S. (2020). Molecular phylogeny of Asian pipesnakes, genus Cylindrophis W

This bi-week we are talking about some underwater cannibals, with a very stylish new species of salamander thrown in too. We also answer a patreon question about arboreal snakes, and how they avoid blood rushing out of their heads.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights FULL REFERENCE LIST AVAILABLE AT: herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: McLean, K. I., Stockwell, C. A., & Mushet, D. M. (2016). Cannibalistic-morph Tiger Salamanders in Unexpected Ecological Contexts. The American Midland Naturalist, 175(1), 64-72. Species of the Bi-Week: Palacios-Aguilar, R., Cisneros-Bernal, A. Y., Arias-Montiel, J. D., & Parra-Olea, G. (2020). A new species of Bolitoglossa (Amphibia: Plethodontidae) from the central highlands of Guerrero, Mexico. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 98(6), 359-365. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Seymour, R. S., & Lillywhite, H. B. (1976). Blood pressure in snakes from different habitats. Nature, 264(5587), 664-666. Seymour, R. S., & Arndt,