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We provide a detailed and first description of the skull, hyoid apparatus, and trachea of the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, Cyclura carinata (Squamata: Iguanidae). Cyclura is a radiation of iguanas restricted to islands of the Caribbean Sea. Species of Cyclura have high rates of endemism, and all species are severely threatened with extinction. Our anatomical description of this threatened iguana is based on high-resolution computed tomography scans of one adult, one putative adult or near adult, and one juvenile specimen, and includes three-dimensional segmented renderings and visualizations. We discuss some observations of intraspecific and ontogenetic variation, and provide a brief comparison with specimens of another species of Cyclura and published descriptions of other iguanas. Our study provides a cranial osteological framework for Cyclura and augments the body of knowledge on iguana anatomy generally. Finally, we posit that our description and future studies may facilitate identification of fossil Cyclura, which could help understand the paleobiogeography of the genus.

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Snakes represent a wide and diverse group of species and have anatomical particularities, such as the renal sexual segment (RSS), a structure located in the kidneys and formed from the hypertrophy of the urinary ducts and nephrons. This study aims at describing the histological aspects of the RSS of Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria and Corallus hortulanus, all of which are Brazilian snake species from the Boidae family. The reproductive system and kidneys of five male specimens of E. cenchria, three male specimens of C. hortulanus and two male specimens of B. constrictor were obtained. Tissue samples were processed histologically and different stains used (Toluidine Blue, Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid Schiff). The histological evaluation of the RSS of E. cenchria, C. hortulanus and B. constrictor shows that the RSS in these species varies when comparing individuals in the reproductive period with those which are not. It also allows for the observation of the segment's secretory activity in animals in the reproductive stage (mature sperm in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules) as well as in those which are not. Finally, the histological evaluation also reveals the variation of the secretion product in individuals in the reproductive period, in those which are not, and also among individuals within the same reproductive stage.

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The skull anatomy of amphisbaenians directly influences their capacity to burrow and is crucial for the study of their systematics, which ultimately contributes to our comprehension of their evolution and ecology. In this study, we employed three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography to provide a detailed description and comprehensive comparison of the skull anatomy of two amphisbaenian species with similar external morphology, Amphisbaena arda and Amphisbaena vermicularis. Our findings revealed some differences between the species, especially in the sagittal crest of the parietal bone, the ascendant process, and the transverse occipital crest of the occipital complex. We also found intraspecific variation within A. vermicularis, with some specimens displaying morphology that differed from their conspecifics but not from A. arda. The observed intraspecific variation within A. vermicularis cannot be attributed to soil features because all specimens came from the same locality. Specimen size and soil type may play a role in the observed differences between A. arda and A. vermicularis, as the single A. arda specimen is the largest of our sample and soil type and texture differ between the collection sites of the two species.

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Ectotherms that maintain thermal balance in the face of varying climates should be able to colonise a wide range of habitats. In lizards, thermoregulation usually appears as a variety of behaviours that buffer external influences over physiology. Basking species rely on solar radiation to raise body temperatures and usually show high thermoregulatory precision. By contrast, species that do not bask are often constrained by climatic conditions in their habitats, thus having lower thermoregulatory precision. While much focus has been given to the effects of mean habitat temperatures, relatively less is known about how seasonality affects the thermal biology of lizards on a macroecological scale. Considering the current climate crisis, assessing how lizards cope with temporal variations in environmental temperature is essential to understand better how these organisms will fare under climate change. Activity body temperatures (Tb ) represent the internal temperature of an animal measured in nature during its active period (i.e. realised thermal niche), and preferred body temperatures (Tpref ) are those selected by an animal in a laboratory thermal gradient that lacks thermoregulatory costs (i.e. fundamental thermal niche). Both traits form the bulk of thermal ecology research and are often studied in the context of seasonality. In this study, we used a meta-analysis to test how environmental temperature seasonality influences the seasonal variation in the Tb and Tpref of lizards that differ in thermoregulatory strategy (basking versus non-basking). Based on 333 effect sizes from 137 species, we found that Tb varied over a greater magnitude than Tpref across seasons. Variations in Tb were not influenced by environmental temperature seasonality; however, body size and thermoregulatory strategy mediated Tb responses. Specifically, larger species were subjected to greater seasonal variations in Tb , and basking species endured greater seasonal variations in Tb compared to non-basking species. On the other hand, the seasonal variation in Tpref increased with environmental temperature seasonality regardless of body size. Thermoregulatory strategy also influenced Tpref , suggesting that behaviour has an important role in mediating Tpref responses to seasonal variations in the thermal landscape. After controlling for phylogenetic effects, we showed that Tb and Tpref varied significantly across lizard families. Taken together, our results support the notion that the relationship between thermal biology responses and climatic parameters can be taxon and trait dependent. Our results also showcase the importance of considering ecological and behavioural aspects in macroecological studies. We further highlight current systematic, geographical, and knowledge gaps in thermal ecology research. Our work should benefit those who aim to understand more fully how seasonality shapes thermal biology in lizards, ultimately contributing to the goal of elucidating the evolution of temperature-sensitive traits in ectotherms.

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Anilius scytale is the sister lineage of all other alethinophidian snakes. Morphology of the hind limb complex in adult A. scytale (Aniliidae) has been documented. We herein, for the first time, describe the embryology of the skeletal elements of its hind limb and pelvic girdle and contextualize the evolution of these structures. We identified pregnant females of A. scytale in the Herpetology Collection of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi and separated 40 embryos. The embryos were sequentially staged using external and internal anatomy, collectively comprising a developmental series representing six stages. We cleared-stained one specimen of stages 31, 34, 36, and 37. Using the embryological information gleaned from A. scytale, we reinterpret evidence relating to the ossification of the pelvis and hindlimbs. In A. scytale hindlimb buds develop as transient structures that developed before Stage 30 and regresses in subsequent stages. There is no external or internal evidence of the forelimb or scapular girdle. From Stage 31 onwards the ischium, pubis, ilium, femur and zeugopodial cartilages are visible. Pubis and femur ossify towards the end of embryonic life, and cloacal spurs do not develop in the embryo. Skeletal elements of the hindlimb and pelvic girdle develop initially in the ventral zone of the cloaca-tail region. In subsequent stages the hindlimb and pelvic girdle elements migrate dorsally, with the pubis/ischium positioned medial to the ribs. A similar process may be associated with the achievement of the condition of the pelvic girdle in adults of scolecophidians, pythonids and boids.

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ABSTRACT The auditory systems and sound dynamics in snakes are frequent objects of debate. The known frequency of sounds produced by snakes ranges from 0.2 to 9.5 kHz. Here we report the first record of a vocalization by the South American snake Dipsas catesbyi. The call was recorded oportunistically in June 2021 upon manipulation, and had a duration of 0.06 seconds, reaching 3036 Hz in its peak frequency with a modulated note, emitted through exhalation of air through the larynx. We hypothesize that structured vocal emissions such as this are a reaction to a predation attempt and may be a feature shared by other species of Dipsadidae and other snakes.

RESUMO Os sistemas auditivos e a dinâmica do som em cobras são objetos frequentes de debate. A frequência conhecida dos sons produzidos pelas cobras varia de 0,2 a 9,5 kHz. Aqui relatamos o primeiro registro de vocalização da cobra sul-americana Dipsas catesbyi. O canto foi gravado oportunisticamente em junho de 2021 mediante manuseio, e teve duração de 0,06 segundos, atingindo 3036 Hz em sua frequência de pico com nota modulada, emitida por meio da exalação de ar pela laringe. Nossa hipótese é que emissões vocais estruturadas como esta são uma reação a uma tentativa de predação e podem ser uma característica compartilhada por outras espécies de Dipsadidae e outras serpentes.

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Few studies considered the anatomy of the nerve plexuses and musculature associated with them in ectothermic sauropsids. Based on differentiated Sudan Black B staining and conventional dissections, we describe the neuroanatomy of the brachial plexus, its main associated nerves, and muscles. For that, representatives of the genera Diplolaemus, Liolaemus, Phymaturus, and Tropidurus were selected. Based on this, potentially useful characters for phylogenetic analysis were described. Our results show that the brachial plexus can be formed by four, five, or six nerve branches. The brachial flexor trunk, circumflex, interosseous, median, radial, subscapulocoracoid, supracoracoid, and ulnar nerves were identified. Regarding the muscles innervated by the main nerves, the following muscles were identified: biceps brachii, deltoideus scapularis, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, pectoralis, serratus thoracis, trapezius, triceps longus caudalis, and triceps longus lateralis. Phylogenetic analyzes revealed 31 potential synapomorphies. There exists evidence that neuroanatomy studies in a phylogenetic context could provide useful information helping to elucidate the relationships between taxonomic groups.

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Spiny lizards (genus Sceloporus) have long served as important systems for studies of behavior, thermal physiology, dietary ecology, vector biology, speciation, and biogeography. The western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, is found across most of the major biogeographical regions in the western United States and northern Baja California, Mexico, inhabiting a wide range of habitats, from grassland to chaparral to open woodlands. As small ectotherms, Sceloporus lizards are particularly vulnerable to climate change, and S. occidentalis has also become an important system for studying the impacts of land use change and urbanization on small vertebrates. Here, we report a new reference genome assembly for S. occidentalis, as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP). Consistent with the reference genomics strategy of the CCGP, we used Pacific Biosciences HiFi long reads and Hi-C chromatin-proximity sequencing technology to produce a de novo assembled genome. The assembly comprises a total of 608 scaffolds spanning 2,856 Mb, has a contig N50 of 18.9 Mb, a scaffold N50 of 98.4 Mb, and BUSCO completeness score of 98.1% based on the tetrapod gene set. This reference genome will be valuable for understanding ecological and evolutionary dynamics in S. occidentalis, the species status of the California endemic island fence lizard (S. becki), and the spectacular radiation of Sceloporus lizards.

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A molecular phylogeny of the Neotropical snail-eating snakes (tribe Dipsadini Bonaparte, 1838) is presented that includes 60 of the 133 species currently recognized. There is morphological and phylogenetic support for four new species of Sibon Fitzinger, 1826 and one of Dipsas Laurenti, 1768, which are described here based on their unique combination of molecular, meristic, and color pattern characteristics. PlesiodipsasHarvey et al., 2008 is designated as a junior synonym of Dipsas and additional evidence is presented to support the transfer of the genus Geophis Wagler, 1830 to the tribe Dipsadini. Two of the subspecies of S.nebulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) are elevated to full species status. Insight into additional undescribed cryptic diversity within the S.nebulatus species complex is provided. Evidence that supports the existence of an undescribed species previously confused with D.temporalis is provided, as well as the first country record of S.ayerbeorum Vera-Pérez, 2019 in Ecuador with a comment on the ontogenetic variation of the latter. Finally, photographs of Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Panamanian snail-eating snakes are provided.

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Reptiles, as well as other vertebrate groups, harbour a significant diversity of parasitic organisms, from nematodes and other helminths to viruses and bacteria. The Northeast is one of the richest regions in Brazil in terms of the reptile diversity, number of species and endemism. Parasites are diverse organisms and knowledge about the parasitic fauna of vertebrates is an important factor in understanding the ecological relationships between hosts and the environment. Studies on the parasitic fauna of reptiles in South America have increased in the past few years. The present review is a compilation of 122 studies published from 1924 to 2021. We present information on 101 species of reptiles from five groups (amphisbaenians, crocodile, testudines, snakes and lizards) and 183 parasitic taxa belonging to four phyla: Nematoda; Arthropoda; Platyhelminthes; and Acanthocephala. Nematodes were the most frequently recorded species. Lizards and snakes had more records of parasitism and higher levels of parasite richness and diversity. Ceará was the state with most studies and recorded cases of parasite-host association. The Caatinga and Atlantic Forest were the most investigated environments. The objective of this review was to contribute knowledge on the parasitic biodiversity in reptiles from Northeast Brazil, which may help identify gaps in our knowledge and guide future studies.

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The aim of the present study was to report on the occurrence of parasitism by Amblyomma rotundatum ticks on two species of Teiidae lizards and test the presence of rickettsiae in the collected ticks, in the western Brazilian Amazon region. Ticks were collected in July 2019, from a fragment of terra firme forest in the municipality of Senador Guiomard, Acre, Brazil. Two lizards that were infested by immature stages of ticks were caught using mist net and Tomahawk traps. Ectoparasites were collected manually, and the lizard specimens were identified and released at the same location where they had been caught. Three nymphs and 49 larvae were collected from Ameiva ameiva, while 25 nymphs and nine larvae were collected from Tupinambis cuzcoensis, which are both in the family Teiidae. The ticks were identified morphologically as belonging to the genus Amblyomma. Nymphs were identified at species level through molecular analysis, resulting in the tick species Amblyomma rotundatum. This is the first record of parasitism by the tick A. rotundatum on T. cuzcoensis lizard, and the first report of an association between A. rotundatum and the lizard species A. ameiva and T. cuzcoensis in Acre, in the western part of the Amazon region.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi relatar a ocorrência de parasitismo por carrapatos Amblyomma rotundatum em duas espécies de lagartos Teiidae, e testar a presença de riquétsias nos carrapatos coletados, na região da Amazônia Ocidental brasileira. Os carrapatos foram coletados em julho de 2019, em um fragmento de floresta de terra firme no município de Senador Guiomard, Acre, Brasil. Dois lagartos infestados por estágios imaturos de carrapatos foram capturados com rede de neblina e armadilhas Tomahawk. Os ectoparasitos foram coletados manualmente, e os espécimes de lagartos foram identificados e soltos no mesmo local onde foram capturados. Três ninfas e 49 larvas foram coletadas de Ameiva ameiva, enquanto 25 ninfas e nove larvas foram coletadas de Tupinambis cuzcoensis, ambas da família Teiidae. Os carrapatos foram identificados morfologicamente como pertencentes ao gênero Amblyomma. As ninfas foram identificadas em nível de espécie por meio de análise molecular, resultando na espécie de carrapato Amblyomma rotundatum. Este é o primeiro registro de parasitismo pelo carrapato A. rotundatum em lagarto T. cuzcoensis, e o primeiro relato de associação entre A. rotundatum e as espécies de lagartos A. ameiva e T. cuzcoensis, no Acre, na parte ocidental da região amazônica.(AU)

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Mimicry is a topic widely studied since the last century, firstly mentioned by the naturalists Henry Walter Bates and Alfred Russel Wallace, the studies were mainly about insects. Currently, mimicry research comprises both vertebrate and invertebrate. But there are few that mention a possible mimicry complex between snakes and invertebrates. This work aims to realize a bibliography review about possible mimicry complexes that comprises both snakes and invertebrates, comment about these researches and correlate with distribution data. The surveys were made using digital magazines and libraries, as well as databases for geographic distribution references. Nine publications were found that suggest possible evidence for a mimicry complex between species of invertebrates with snakes. However, there are not, at the present moment, works that indicate datation or origin of the groups here presented so that we can infer who is the mimic and who is the model. Therefore, the conclusions were that more research is necessary, mainly focused to datation analysis.

O Mimetismo é um tema amplamente estudado desde o século passado, iniciado pelos pesquisadores naturalistas Henry Walter Bates e Alfred Russel Wallace, onde os estudos foram principalmente sobre insetos. Atualmente os estudos de mimetismo englobam tanto vertebrados quanto invertebrados, mas são poucos trabalhos que mencionam um possível complexo mimético entre serpentes e invertebrados. Este trabalho objetiva realizar um levantamento bibliográfico acerca de possíveis complexos miméticos que englobam serpentes e invertebrados, discorrer sobre essas pesquisas e relacioná-los com dados de distribuição geográfica. O levantamento foi feito através de pesquisas em bibliotecas e revistas digitais, bem como bancos de dados de espécies para referências de distribuição geográfica. Foram achados no total nove publicações que apontam possíveis evidências para um possível complexo mimético entre espécies de invertebrados com serpentes. No entanto, não existem, até o momento, trabalhos que indiquem a datação ou origem dos grupos aqui apresentados para que possamos inferir quem seria o mímico e quem seria o modelo. Sendo assim, as conclusões do trabalho foram de que são necessárias mais pesquisas, sobretudo voltadas para as análises de datação.

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Abstract: Currently the Atlantic Forest hotspot has less than 11% of its original coverage. However approximately 300 species of reptiles are known to inhabit this ecoregion, of which 34% are endemic. The creation of protected areas represents a strategy for preserving ecosystems and managing land use, and for attaining the proper management of these protected areas, information on local biodiversity is essential. Herein we provide the first list of reptile species for the Estação Ecológica and Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, two overlapping protected areas located in the state of Alagoas, one of the most important sets of forest remnants for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest in the northeast of Brazil. The species list was constructed based on expeditions and occasional encounters in the area between 1994 and 2022. A total of 89 reptile species were obtained during the 28 years of collection, being two species of Crocodylia, three species of Testudines and 84 species of Squamata. This richness is by far one of the greatest ever documented for the Atlantic Forest. Additionally, two species registered in the area are considered threatened according to the national list (Amerotyphlops paucisquamus and Bothrops muriciensis) and six are defined as data deficient for the assessment of their conservation status. Three species are recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River: Dipsas indica, Trilepida salgueiroi and Cercophis auratus. We claim that the species list provided here will serve as a starting point for further studies in this rich reptile "hotspot" within the Atlantic Forest.

Resumo: Atualmente o hotspot da Mata Atlântica tem menos de 11% de sua cobertura original. Porém aproximadamente 300 espécies de répteis são conhecidas por habitar esta ecorregião, das quais 34% são endêmicas. A criação de unidades de conservação representa uma estratégia de preservação de ecossistemas e gestão do uso do solo, e para o manejo adequado dessas áreas protegidas é fundamental a informação sobre a biodiversidade local. Apresentamos aqui a primeira lista de espécies de répteis para a Estação Ecológica e Área de Proteção Ambiental de Murici, duas unidades de conservação parcialmente sobrepostas localizadas no estado de Alagoas, um dos conjuntos de remanescentes florestais mais importantes para a conservação da Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil. A lista de espécies foi construída com base em expedições e encontros ocasionais na área entre 1994 e 2022. Um total de 89 espécies de répteis foram registradas durante os 28 anos de coleta, sendo duas espécies de Crocodylia, três espécies de Testudines e 84 espécies de Squamata. Essa riqueza é de longe uma das maiores já documentadas para a Mata Atlântica. Além disso, duas espécies registradas na área são consideradas ameaçadas segundo a lista nacional (Amerotyphlops paucisquamus e Bothrops muriciensis) e seis são definidas como dados insuficientes para a avaliação de seu status de conservação. Três espécies são registradas pela primeira vez na Mata Atlântica ao norte do rio São Francisco: Dipsas indica, Trilepida salgueiroi e Cercophis auratus. Afirmamos que a lista de espécies aqui fornecida servirá como ponto de partida para novos estudos neste rico "hotspot" de répteis dentro da Mata Atlântica.

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Here we present a three-year survey of amphibian and reptile species registered in the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR), located in the north of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. The VNR, along with the Sooretama Biological Reserve (SBR) and other surrounding areas, form a forest block that constitutes one of the largest remnants of continuous forest in the Atlantic Forest biome. We systematically sampled the herpetofauna community from 2015 to 2018, using the method of active search method in 27 plots of RAPELD distributed in the different types of vegetation present in the area. We recorded 39 species of amphibians belonging to the order Anura, distributed in seven families and 40 species of reptiles belonging to 20 families distributed in three orders: Crocodylia, Testudines and Squamata. The supplementation the samplings with those records from occasional encounters was important for the survey of the region's herpetofauna, mainly for reptiles. We added four species (two lizards, one amphisbaenid and one snake) to the known list for the VNR-SBR forest block: Micrablepharus maximiliani, Strobilurus torquatus, Amphisbaena alba and Tantilla sp. We demonstrated that VNR contains a high species richness of amphibians and reptiles, with a high number of anurans being endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome. The present species inventory provided the most current approximation of known the richness and composition of species of the existing herpetofauna at Vale Natural Reserve, since the period of the gathering of records is quite recent (2015-2018). Also, it brings the knowledge of some community parameters as species richness and composition not only for the whole area of the Vale Natural Reserve, but also for its different vegetation types, with no inclusion of environments outside this reserve. Furthermore, the presence of threatened species, the addition of four species to the current list, and the potential for new species to occur, reinforce the role of VNR as an important area for the protection of amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest.(AU)

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Snakes have a wide variety of color patterns that can be related to specific ecological and physiological functions. However, genetic mutations can lead to the appearance of anomalous color patterns, which can directly interfere with the fitness of individuals. Leucism is a chromatic anomaly characterized by the almost total absence of epidermal and dermal chromatophores that produce the color. Corallus hortulana is an arboreal snake with nocturnal habits, widely distributed throughout South America, with a wide range of color patterns, known as polychromatism. Here we report the first case of leucism in Corallus hortulana and discuss the potential ecological implications of this anomaly in this species.(AU)

As cobras possuem uma grande variedade de padrões de coloração que podem estar relacionadas a funções ecológicas e fisiológicas específicas. No entanto, mutações genéticas podem levar ao aparecimento de padrões de coloração anômalos que podem interferir diretamente na fitness do indivíduo. O leucismo é uma anomalia cromática caracterizada pela ausência quase total de cromatóforos epidérmicos e dérmicos que produzem a cor. Corallus hortulana é uma serpente arborícola de hábitos noturnos, amplamente distribuída pela América do Sul, com grande variação de padrões de cor, conhecida como policromatismo. Aqui nós relatamos o primeiro caso de leucismo em Corallus hortulana e discutimos as potenciais implicações ecológicas desta anomalia para a espécie.(AU)

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Considerable the scientific productions that contemplate the importance of the fauna as patrimony, emphasizing the wealth for humanity economically or through affectivity. However, a large part of society does not seem to recognize such importance, substantially to the point of disregarding such values. In order to help the population and institutional bodies, the Butantan Institute is qualified to receive venomous animals, aiming at their identification and taxonomic classification, whether alive or dead. This service provision is the responsibility of the Animal Reception Sector, at the Zoological Collections Laboratory (LCZ), that has existed since its foundation in 1901. specimens, classifying them in relation to dangerousness, assigning them to laboratories of interest to IBSP, as well as receiving and safeguarding animals received from apprehensions, carried out by Organs competent municipal, state and federal bodies. This work presents data on apprehensions received from 2012 to 2021. The data were obtained from the electronic system of the Animal Reception of the LCZ and as a result we obtained 1374 animals apprehended and duly taxonomically classified, of which 988 from the Brazilian fauna for foreign and 386 from abroad and apprehended entering the country. The species most trafficked into the country were the snake Pantherophis guttatus (corn snake) and the oligochaete Rhinodrilus alatus (minhocuçu). Among the native species, the most smuggled were the caterpillar Lonomia obliqua and the spider Lasiodora parahybana.

Considerável as produções científicas que contemplam a importância da fauna como patrimônio, salientando a riqueza para humanidade economicamente ou por meio da afetividade. Não obstante, grande parte da sociedade parece não reconhecer tal importância, de forma substancial a ponto de desconsiderar tais valores. Com intuito de auxiliar a população e órgãos institucionais, o Instituto Butantan está capacitado para receber animais peçonhentos, visando a identificação e classificação taxonômica dos mesmos, vivos ou mortos. Esta prestação de serviço é de responsabilidade do Setor de Recepção de Animais, no Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas (LCZ), que existe desde sua fundação em 1901. As atividades deste Setor visam cadastrar os fornecedores e os animais recebidos, identificar ao menor nível possível estes exemplares, classificar em relação a periculosidade, destinar os mesmos aos laboratórios de interesse no IBSP, assim como receber e salvaguardar os animais recebidos de apreensões, realizadas pelos órgãos competentes municipais, estaduais e federais. Este trabalho apresenta os dados de apreensões recebidas desde o ano de 2012 até 2021. Os dados foram obtidos junto ao sistema eletrônico da Recepção de Animais do LCZ e como resultados obtivemos 1374 animais apreendidos e devidamente classificados taxonomicamente, dos quais 988 da fauna brasileira para exterior e 386 oriundos do exterior e apreendidos entrando no país. As espécies mais traficadas para o país foram a serpente Pantherophis guttatus (cobra do milho) e o oligoqueta Rhinodrilus alatus (minhocuçu). Entre as espécies autóctones, as mais contrabandeadas foram a lagarta Lonomia obliqua e aranha Lasiodora parahybana.

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Apostolepis albicollaris and A. cerradoensis are two Elapomorphini snake species, described within a short timespan, from the Cerrado of central Brazil. In their brief descriptions, these two species were diagnosed from congeners largely based on highly variable external morphological characters. Interestingly enough, A. cerradoensis has remained known based on a single specimen since its description. Here, we present a reanalysis of both type specimens, as well as a careful examination of a large series of specimens formerly assigned to these species, based on the comparison of internal and external morphology. We conclude that both species are synonymous, providing evidence for the recognition of A. cerradoensis as a junior synonym of A. albicollaris. Furthermore, an account of its updated diagnosis, morphological variation, geographic distribution, hemipenial morphology, phylogenetic relationships and an osteological description are also provided. We also discuss its conservation status, suggesting that the species is under threat and qualifies to be listed as Vulnerable (VU ab(iii)), considering its rarity, small geographic range, and persistent environmental threats.

RESUMO

Intraspecific predation or cannibalism is a phenomenon characterized by the total or partial consumption of another individual belonging to the same species. In maternal cannibalism, the parent female ingests items from the litter such as eggs, embryos, embryonic attachments or young, shortly after parturition or laying. This behavior can be considered as a framework of parental care, avoiding drawing the attention of predators and the proliferation of pathogens to healthy offspring, or the replacement of nutrients for the puerperal female, since eggs and neonates are rich in nutrients and pregnancy demands extremely high energy consumption. The purpose of the present study is to provide general information about reproduction, through video recordings, focusing on maternal cannibalism observed in snakes of the Boidae family. Videos of two females of the genus Epicrates, E. assisi (caatinga rainbow boa) and E. cenchria (amazônia rainbow boa), puerperal from the same breeding site on different dates, were analyzed. Seven videos from the internet, filmed between 2010 and 2022, were also analyzed. Three videos contained females of E. cenchria, three contained females of Eunectes murinus (green anaconda) and one contained a female of E. notaeus (yellow anaconda). We conclude that there is cannibalism of unviable offspring by the progenitors of the analyzed species. However, there are still controversies regarding the hypotheses related to this behavior. The strongest hypothesis concerns the utilization of nutrients. On the other hand, the literature substantially supports the hypothesis of parental care.

Predação intraespecífica ou canibalismo é um fenômeno caracterizado pelo consumo total ou parcial de outro indivíduo pertencente à mesma espécie. No canibalismo materno, a fêmea progenitora ingere itens da ninhada como ovos, embriões, anexos embrionários ou filhotes, logo após o parto ou a postura. Esse comportamento pode ser considerado como um quadro de cuidado parental, evitando chamar a atenção de predadores e a proliferação de patógenos para os descendentes saudáveis, ou a reposição de nutrientes para a fêmea puérpera, visto que ovos e neonatos são ricos em nutrientes e a gestação demanda um consumo extremamente alto de energia. O propósito do presente estudo é fornecer informações gerais sobre a reprodução, por intermédio de registros de vídeo, focando no canibalismo materno observado em serpentes da família Boidae. Foram analisados vídeos de duas fêmeas do gênero Epicrates, E. assisi (jiboia arco-íris da caatinga) e E. cenchria (jiboia arco-íris da amazônia) puérperas do mesmo criadouro em diferentes datas. Também foram analisados sete vídeos oriundos da internet, filmados entre os anos de 2010 a 2022. Três vídeos continham imagens de fêmeas de E. cenchria, três continham imagens de fêmeas de Eunectes murinus (sucuri-verde) e um continha imagens de uma fêmea de E. notaeus (sucuri-amarela). Concluímos que há canibalismo de descendentes inviáveis pelas progenitoras das espécies analisadas. No entanto, ainda há controvérsias quanto às hipóteses relacionadas a esse comportamento. A hipótese mais forte diz respeito ao aproveitamento de nutrientes. Em contrapartida, a literatura corrobora substancialmente com a hipótese de cuidado parental.

RESUMO

O presente estudo tem como objetivo principal investigar a paternidade de ninhadas de Erythrolamprus miliaris (Squamata: Serpentes) nascidas em cativeiro, empregando marcadores moleculares do tipo microssatélites amplificados a partir de primers heterólogos, isto é, obtidos de outras espécies de serpentes. Os estudos foram realizados em três casais de seus respectivos filhotes (16 no total), que nasceram após procedimentos de inseminação artificial. O DNA de cada indivíduo foi extraído de fragmentos de fígado e/ou escamas ventrais e cada amostra foi submetida à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), empregando os primers de microssatélites originalmente desenvolvidos para as serpentes Agkistrodon contortrix, Boa constrictor imperator, Epicrates subflavus, Bothrops marmoratus, B. pauloensis, B. insularis e Diadophis punctatus. Após reação de PCR, o DNA amplificado foi submetido à eletroforese em gel de agarose e, de todos os primers utilizados e testados com base em diferentes parâmetros, somente um resultou na correlação de parentesco em cada uma das famílias. As bandas geradas em gel de agarose evidenciaram possível paternidade múltipla em cada uma das três famílias, uma vez que cada um dos casais é homozigoto e teve filhos que (i) compartilham única e exclusivamente a mesma banda dos pais e, adicionalmente, (ii) filhos com duas bandas (heterozigotos), uma das quais não é compartilhada com nenhum dos parentais. O presente estudo é inédito para E. miliaris e obteve resultados preliminares promissores para a compreensão da reprodução da espécie, a partir de um par de primers desenhados para Bothrops insularis; indicou também que outros sete pares de primers heterólogos não funcionaram para espécie. Como essas informações foram obtidas para somente um marcador, o presente estudo será continuado para testar primers desenhados para uma espécie filogeneticamente mais próxima de E. miliaris.

RESUMO

We describe a new species of Neotropical spiny-lizard of the genus Echinosaura from the Imbabura and Carchi Provinces on the western slopes of the Andes in northwestern Ecuador. The new species mostly resembles E. horrida. However, it can be distinguished from all congeners by having keeled enlarged dorsal scales forming a paired vertebral row, two paravertebral series of short oblique rows of projecting scales, and a pair of spine-like scales on temporal and nuchal regions. We also provide a detailed description of the osteology of the skull and pectoral girdle of the new species and present a phylogenetic hypothesis for Echinosaura based on three mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, ND4) and one nuclear gene (c-mos).