Herpetological Highlights

Caecilians are well adapted to a life underground, but a serious threat lives under there with them. All over the world, they have evolved the same means to fight this subterranean threat. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Mancuso M, Zaman S, Maddock ST, Kamei RG, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Wilkinson M, Roelants K, Fry BG. 2023. Resistance Is Not Futile: Widespread Convergent Evolution of Resistance to Alpha-Neurotoxic Snake Venoms in Caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona). International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24:11353. DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411353. Other Links/Mentions: https://www.threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/8336/9359  https://asianturtleprogram.org/healthy-big-headed-turtles-found-in-the-wild-four-years-after-release-into-the-wild-highlights-the-importance-of-conservation-activities/?fbclid=IwAR1lTt0zpuf8n5VardZeX

We chat about some new research on the social behaviour of rattlesnakes. Plus a brand new snake species just described from Australia. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Martin CE, Fox GA, Putman BJ, Hayes WK. 2023. Social security: can rattlesnakes reduce acute stress through social buffering? Frontiers in Ethology 2:1181774. DOI: 10.3389/fetho.2023.1181774. Species of the Bi-Week: Nankivell JH, Maryan B, Bush BG, Hutchinson MN. 2023. Whip it into shape: Revision of the Demansia psammophis (Schlegel, 1837) complex (Squamata: Elapidae), with a description of a new species from central Australia. Zootaxa 5311:301–339. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.3.1. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Tian, L., Preisser, E. L., Haynes, K. F., & Zhou, X. 2017. Social buffering in a eusocial invertebrate: termite soldiers reduce the lethal impact of co

Two toad species are wreaking havoc as invaders, but which is worse - and why? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kelly, C. L., Schwarzkopf, L., Christy, T. M., & Kennedy, M. S. (2023). The toad less travelled: Comparing life histories, ecological niches, and potential habitat of Asian black-spined toads and cane toads. Wildlife Research. doi: 10.1071/WR22111 Other Links/Mentions: Ingerophrynus parvus call by Zaharil Dzulkafly from: http://bitly.ws/LcAv  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

Humans get in the way of snakes finding love over long distances, and then we talk about a cool new gecko that glides, or does it paraglide? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Bauder, J. M., Peterman, W. E., Spear, S. F., Jenkins, C. L., Whiteley, A. R., & McGarigal, K. (2021). Multiscale assessment of functional connectivity: Landscape genetics of eastern indigo snakes in an anthropogenically fragmented landscape in central Florida. Molecular Ecology, 30(14), 3422–3438. doi: 10.1111/mec.15979 Species of the Bi-Week: Lalremsanga, H. T., Muansanga, L., Vabeiryureilai, M., & Mirza, Z. A. (2023). A new species of Parachute Gecko of the subgenus Ptychozoon (Sauria: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from the Indo-Burma region. Salamandra, 59(2). Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse

When surviving in the wilds, maximising all your senses is wise. When you can’t see a threat, maybe you’ll hear one… or smell one? We look at a wonderfully smart gecko looking to dodge snakes using the power of smell. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hammond, J. E., Witkowski, S., Wilson, T., Zouvi, C. A., Goetz, N. L., Eck, N. F., & Clark, R. W. (2020). Know Thine Enemy: Predator Identity Influences the Response of Western Banded Geckos (Coleonyx variegatus) to Chemosensory Cues. Journal of Herpetology, 54(4). doi: 10.1670/19-131 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 make all sorts of noises for all sorts of reasons. Working out what they mean is difficult, especially if the animal is less than honest. This episode is all about the truthfulness of the screams of a little lacertid. Our Species of the Bi-week is a delicate frog. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Baeckens, S., Llusia, D., García-Roa, R., & Martín, J. (2019). Lizard calls convey honest information on body size and bite performance: A role in predator deterrence? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 73(6), 87. doi: 10.1007/s00265-019-2695-7 Species of the Bi-Week: Köhler, J., Venegas, P. J., Castillo-Urbina, E., Glaw, F., Aguilar-Puntriano, C., & Vences, M. (2023). A third species of glassfrog in the genus Chimerella (Anura, Centrolenidae) from central Peru, discovered by an integrative taxonomic approach. Evolution

Colour morphs exist in many species, but are those colours linked to differences in behaviour or success? We look at a polymorphic lizard and whether combat success is linked to three different colour morphs, and maybe why. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Brock KM, Chelini M-C, Ayton C, Madden IE, Ramos C, Blois JL, Pafilis P, Edwards DL. 2022. Colour morph predicts social behaviour and contest outcomes in a polymorphic lizard (Podarcis erhardii). Animal Behaviour 191:91–103. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.017. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Boruah B, Raj P, Dutta SK, Das A. 2018. Redescription and geographic distribution of Raorchestes shillongensis (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Phyllomedusa: Journal of Herpetology 17:3. DOI: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v17i1p3-20. Other Links/Mentions: Raorchestes shillo

This episode we explore the weird world of glowing salamanders and speculate about the possible reasons behind this adaptation. Species of the Bi-week returns with a small seepage specialist. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Cox JL, Fitzpatrick BM. 2023. Biofluorescent sexual dimorphism revealed in a southern Appalachian endemic salamander, Plethodon metcalfi. Scientific Reports 13:3588. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29051-8. Species of the Bi-Week: Fedler MT, Enge KM, Moler PE. 2023. Unraveling Siren (Caudata: Sirenidae) systematics and description of a small, seepage specialist. Zootaxa 5258:351–378. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5258.4.1. 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.thepassi

Everyone thinks turtles are chill, but they aren't always. They can be competitive when they need to be.    Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Schofield G, Papafitsoros K, Chapman C, Shah A, Westover L, Dickson LCD, Katselidis KA. 2022. More aggressive sea turtles win fights over foraging resources independent of body size and years of presence. Animal Behaviour 190:209–219. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.05.006. Other Links/Mentions: Kuta S.Lizard Remains Found Inside 2,500-Year-Old Coffins from Ancient Egypt. Available at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/lizard-remains-found-inside-2500-year-old-coffins-from-ancient-egypt-180982032/ (accessed April 25, 2023). 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 – T

New research on crocodiles sheds light on how these massive beasts interact with each other.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Barham KE, Baker CJ, Franklin CE, Campbell HA, Frére CH, Irwin TR, Dwyer RG. 2023. Conditional alternative movement tactics in male crocodiles. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 77:31. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-023-03303-z. Species of the Bi-Week: Richards SJ, Donnellan SC, Oliver PM. 2023. Five new species of the pelodryadid genus Litoria Tschudi from the southern versant of Papua New Guinea’s Central Cordillera, with observations on the diversification of reproductive strategies in Melanesian treefrogs. Zootaxa 5263:151–190. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5263.2.1. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiverr.com/emmyk10  Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy

Bushmasters are massive vipers that remain somewhat of a mystery. This episode we look at a paper investigating their spatial ecology and habitat preferences. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Padrón DF, Mebert K, Pareja-Mejía D, Bauer A, Fernandes Vasconcelos LD, Correia D, Fernandez Giné GA, Solé M. 2022. Living in a mosaic of Brazilian Atlantic Forest and plantations: spatial ecology of five bushmaster Lachesis muta (Viperidae Crotalinae). Ethology Ecology & Evolution:1–21. DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2022.2123860. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Guedes P, Alves-Martins F, Arribas JM, Chatterjee S, Santos AMC, Lewin A, Bako L, Webala PW, Correia RA, Rocha R, Ladle RJ. 2023. Eponyms have no place in 21st-century biological nomenclature. Nature Ecology & Evolution. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02022-y. Quah ESH, Grismer LL, Anuar MS

Stress can come from many places, loud noises are one example. So how do lizards react when their home is constantly bombarded by loud noises? We also have a new gecko for Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kepas ME, Sermersheim LO, Hudson SB, Lehmicke AJJ, French SS, Aubry LM. 2023. Behavior, stress and metabolism of a parthenogenic lizard in response to flyover noise. Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science 1:1129253. DOI: 10.3389/famrs.2023.1129253. Species of the Bi-Week: Chan KO, Grismer LL, Santana F, Pinto P, Loke FW, Conaboy N. 2023. Scratching the surface: a new species of Bent-toed gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Cyrtodactylus) from Timor-Leste of the darmandvillei group marks the potential for future discoveries. ZooKeys 1139:107–126. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1139.96508. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies

It's a commonly held belief that snakes can't hear, or can't hear very well, because they have no external ear openings. Some clever new research puts that myth to bed. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Zdenek CN, Staples T, Hay C, Bourke LN, Candusso D. 2023. Sound garden: How snakes respond to airborne and groundborne sounds. PLOS ONE 18:e0281285. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281285. Other Links/Mentions: Zdenek et al video of snakes reacting to noise - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnNzinwwItk  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

Some animals can escape the attention of ants with special chemical cues. We discuss a nice example of this and follow up with a brand new frog species.  Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: de Lima Barros A, López-Lozano JL, Lima AP. 2016. The frog Lithodytes lineatus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) uses chemical recognition to live in colonies of leaf-cutting ants of the genus Atta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 70:2195–2201. DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2223-y. Species of the Bi-Week: Griesbaum F, Jongsma GFM, Penner J, Kouamé NG, Doumbia J, Gonwouo NL, Hillers A, Glos J, Blackburn DC, Rödel M-O. 2023. The smallest of its kind: Description of a new cryptic Amnirana species (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from West African rainforests. Zootaxa 5254:301–339. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5254.3.1. Editing and Music: Podcast ed

Toads are wonderful creatures, and their exceptional adaptability makes them superb invaders when transported to new lands by humans. Unfortunately, this can be bad news for the creatures already present –see Cane Toads in Australia. We check in on the progress of Asian Common Toads in Madagascar this episode. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Licata F, Ficetola GF, Falaschi M, Muller BJ, Andreone F, Harison RF, Freeman K, Monteiro AT, Rosa S, Crottini A. 2023. Spatial ecology of the invasive Asian common toad in Madagascar and its implications for invasion dynamics. Scientific Reports 13:3526. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29467-2. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Vences M, Brown JL, Lathrop A, Rosa GM, Cameron A, Crottini A, Dolch R, Edmonds D, Freeman KLM, Glaw F, Grismer LL, Litvinchuk S, Milne MG, Moore M, Solofo JF, Noël J, Nguyen

We have previously talked about pythons in Florida eating everything they can fit in their mouths; but are there any creatures that eat them? We follow up the chat of python predators with a new tiny Species of the Bi-week. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Currylow A, Fitzgerald A, Goetz M, Draxler J, Anderson G, McCollister M, Romagosa C, Yackel Adams A. 2023. Natives bite back: depredation and mortality of invasive juvenile Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Management of Biological Invasions 14:107–122. DOI: 10.3391/mbi.2023.14.1.06. Species of the Bi-Week: Menegon M, Lyakurwa JV, Loader SP, Tolley KA. 2022. Cryptic diversity in pygmy chameleons (Chamaeleonidae: Rhampholeon) of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, with description of six new species. Acta Herpetologica 17:85–113. DOI: 10

Some frogs can make themselves virtually invisible to would-be predators - we find out how. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Taboada C, Delia J, Chen M, Ma C, Peng X, Zhu X, Jiang L, Vu T, Zhou Q, Yao J, O’Connell L, Johnsen S. 2022. Glassfrogs conceal blood in their liver to maintain transparency. Science 378:1315–1320. DOI: 10.1126/science.abl6620. Other Links/Mentions: Frog call: https://bit.ly/3xKrmRf  Article about snake in the garden: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/gran-79-who-cant-see-28946676  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

New techniques allow unprecedented insight into the underwater behaviour of Australia's flatback sea turtles. Then we chat about some newly described spiny lizards from Peru. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Hounslow JL, Fossette S, Byrnes EE, Whiting SD, Lambourne RN, Armstrong NJ, Tucker AD, Richardson AR, Gleiss AC. 2022. Multivariate analysis of biologging data reveals the environmental determinants of diving behaviour in a marine reptile. Royal Society Open Science 9:211860. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211860. Species of the Bi-Week: Venegas PJ, García-Ayachi LA, Chávez-Arribasplata JC, García-Bravo A. 2022. Four new species of polychromatic spiny-tailed iguanian lizards, genus Stenocercus (Iguania: Tropiduridae), from Peru. Zootaxa 5115:1–28. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5115.1.1. Editing and Music: Podcast edited by Emmy – https://www.fiver

Brightly coloured frogs warn predators of their toxicity, but can tadpoles stop this message from being delivered? Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Toro-Gómez MP, Carvajal-Castro JD, Casas-Cardona S, Vargas-Salinas F. 2022. Experimental evidence in a poison frog model suggests that tadpole transport on the dorsum may affects warning signal effectiveness in poison frogs. Evolutionary Ecology. DOI: 10.1007/s10682-022-10219-z. Other Links/Mentions: Dendrobates leucomelas call recorded by Matthias Klethe from: http://www.dendrowiki.org/dendrobates-leucomelas.html  Other information about D. leucomelas from: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Dendrobates_leucomelas/  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 – Th

Eating without appendages is hard, and sometimes snakes make a meal of it. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Kornilev YV, Natchev ND, Lillywhite HB. 2023. Perils of ingesting harmful prey by advanced snakes. Biological Reviews 98:263–283. DOI: 10.1111/brv.12906. Species of the Bi-Week: Das S, Greenbaum E, Meiri S, Bauer AM, Burbrink FT, Raxworthy CJ, Weinell JL, Brown RM, Brecko J, Pauwels OSG, Rabibisoa N, Raselimanana AP, Merilä J. 2023. Ultraconserved elements-based phylogenomic systematics of the snake superfamily Elapoidea, with the description of a new Afro-Asian family. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 180:107700. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107700. 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