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The red-spotted tokay geckoGekko gecko(Linnaeus, 1758) is a widely distributed Asian gecko that has established outside of its native range in Florida, USA. This study used genotypic and phenotypic data to determine whether multiple, distinct forms of red-spotted tokay gecko are present in Florida, specifically the morphologically distinct “G. g. gecko” and “Form B”. Two discrete mitochondrial clades (ND2) were identified in Florida tokay geckos, the native range distributions of which were found to correspond closely with the native ranges ofG. g. gecko(the Malay Archipelago) and Form B (mainland Asia), respectively. Furthermore, each mitochondrial clade was non-randomly associated with a separate nuclear (RAG-1) clade, supporting the existence of two discrete genotypic lineages, representative ofG. g. geckoand Form B. Both lineages were detected in Florida, and population-level morphological structure was non-randomly associated with genotype, confirming a genotype-phenotype link. Multiple lines of evidence thus indicate the introduction of both forms of tokay gecko to Florida, where hybridisation likely also occurs. The link between morphological Form B and a unique genotypic lineage also indicates the existence of a tokay gecko taxon distinct from the recognised subspeciesG. g. azhariMertens, 1955 andG. g. gecko(Linnaeus, 1758).

Aim To investigate whether the frequently advocated climate‐matching species distribution modeling approach could predict the well‐characterized colonization of Florida by the Madagascar giant day gecko Phelsuma grandis. Location Madagascar and Florida, USA. Methods To determine the climatic conditions associated with the native range of P. grandis, we used native‐range presence‐only records and Bioclim climatic data to build a Maxent species distribution model and projected the climatic thresholds of the native range onto Florida. We then built an analogous model using Florida presence‐only data and projected it onto Madagascar. We constructed a third model using native‐range presences for both P. grandis and the closely related parapatric species P. kochi. Results Despite performing well within the native range, our Madagascar Bioclim model failed to identify suitable climatic habitat currently occupied by P. grandis in Florida. The model constructed using Florida presences also failed to reflect the distribution in Madagascar by overpredicting distribution, especially in western areas occupied by P. kochi. The model built using the combined P. kochi/P. grandis dataset modestly improved the prediction of the range of P. grandis in Florida, thereby implying competitive exclusion of P. grandis by P. kochi from habitat within the former's fundamental niche. These findings thus suggest ecological release of P. grandis in Florida. However, because ecological release cannot fully explain the divergent occupied niches of P. grandis in Madagascar versus Florida, our findings also demonstrate some degree of in situ adaptation in Florida. Main conclusions Our models suggest that the discrepancy between the predicted and observed range of P. grandis in Florida is attributable to either in situ adaptation by P. grandis within Florida, or a combination of such in situ adaptation and competition with P. kochi in Madagascar. Our study demonstrates that climate‐matching species distribution models can severely underpredict the establishment risk posed by non‐native herpetofauna., Climate‐matching species distribution models (SDMs) are frequently used to predict biotic invasions. Our manuscript details how both release from native‐range competitors and in situ adaptation within the non‐native range have enabled the day gecko Phelsuma grandis to flourish in Florida under bioclimatic conditions classified as highly unsuitable by an otherwise‐well‐performing climate‐matching SDM. By identifying the large discrepancy between the predicted and observed range of P. grandis in Florida, our study highlights the shortcomings of climate‐matching SDMs as conservation management tools, while also providing valuable empirical evidence of the ecological and evolutionary processes underpinning this discrepancy.

Accurately characterizing the provenance and genetic diversity of non-native populations aids the management of biotic invasions because population-level genetic diversity is potentially correlated with invasive success. We sequenced the mitochondrial DNA of non-native Phelsuma grandis Gray 1870 (Cyt-b, 610 bp) and Gekko gecko (Linnaeus 1758) (ND2, 751 bp) specimens collected from southern Florida, and compared these sequences to those of georeferenced native-range conspecifics. Multiple mtDNA clades were identified in southern Florida populations of both species. In the case of G. gecko these were traceable to geographically distinct native-range locales, confirming that southern Florida’s population ultimately derives from multiple native-range regions. The majority of the P. grandis sequenced were closely allied with a specimen from the far north of Madagascar, while a minority clustered in a well-supported clade with P. grandis derived from northeastern Madagascar. Sympatry of individuals belonging to multiple mtDNA clades was confirmed for both species, and uncorrected pairwise distances as high as 11.41% were detected in sympatric G. gecko, highlighting the potential for interpopulation—and perhaps even interspecific—diversity to be transformed into intrapopulation diversity during invasion events. Our findings provide further evidence that introduced squamate populations are frequently highly heterogeneous and derived from multiple, distinct native-range lineages.

We studied a population of E. atkinsi in eastern Cuba and describe post-reproductive variables (clutch size, eggs, embryonic development, and hatchlings) along with gonadal ultrastructure using microscopic techniques (LM and TEM). We found that most eggs had an advanced stage of embryonic development, with embryos having elongated limbs, noticeable blood vessels, nubs of digits, and in some cases expanded toe discs. In all clutches, we observed adult males or females next to the oviposition sites, suggesting biparental care during embryonic development. Snout–vent length versus oviducal eggs were highly correlated, and CT-scan images of gravid females highlight the number and disposition of the oviducal eggs below the axial skeleton and pelvic girdle. Hatchling coloration was similar to adults, but we also observed highly polymorphic color variation. We describe spermatogonia, spermatocytes I–II, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The mature sperm has an elongated head and tail with an undulating membrane, a st...

The salticid spider Phidippus regius C.L. Koch, 1846 is documented preying on small frogs (Hyla spp., Osteopilus septentrionalis) and lizards (Anolis carolinensis and Anolis sagrei) in Florida, USA. Female as well as male P. regius were engaged in feeding on this type of vertebrate prey. A total of eight incidents of P. regius devouring vertebrates have been witnessed in seven Florida counties. Furthermore, we report an incident of a large unidentified Phidippus sp. (possibly P. bidentatus F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1901) preying on an immature anole lizard in Costa Rica. P. regius, otherwise known to feed almost exclusively on insects and spiders, is one of the world's largest salticid spiders reaching a maximum recorded body length of 2.2 cm. Most other salticid spiders appear to be too small in body size to overcome vertebrate prey. Vertebrate predation by salticid spiders has not been previously documented in the scientific literature. Together with Salticidae, spiders from 27 of 114 families (24%) are currently known to occasionally consume vertebrate prey.

More nonindigenous species occur in Florida, USA, than any other region worldwide and may threaten many of Florida’s natural resources. The frequency of new reports mandates the need for regular updates. Herein, we use photographic and specimen vouchers in addition to literature records to provide updated information on verified nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida. Between our most recent summary in 2012 and the end of 2015, 38 additional species are known to have been intercepted (n = 2) or introduced (n = 36). We also update the invasion stage of seven species previously reported from Florida and report that five additional taxa are now established. In total, 191 independent known introductions of 180 herpetofaunal taxa led to the establishment of 63 taxa. This suggests that one in three introduced herpetofaunal species becomes established in Florida. The pet trade represents the most common introduction pathway among these species animal importer in Hollywood, Broward County, is the probable source for introduction of a quarter of all herpetofauna introduced to Florida.

Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon; with five currently recognized species) occur from northern Argentina, northward to the United States in southern Texas and eastward in disjunct populations in Florida and Georgia. Based on this known allopatry and a difference in supralabial morphology the two United States taxa previously considered as subspecies within D. corais (Boie 1827), the Western Indigo Snake, D. melanurus erebennus (Cope 1860), and Eastern Indigo Snake, D. couperi (Holbrook 1842), are currently recognized as separate species. Drymarchon couperi is a Federally-designated Threatened species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act, and currently being incorporated into a translocation program. This, combined with its disjunct distribution makes it a prime candidate for studying speciation and genetic divergence. In this study, we (1) test the hypothesis that D. m. erebennus and D. couperi are distinct lineages by analyzing 2411 base pairs (bp) of two mitochondrial (mtDNA) loci and one single copy nuclear (scnDNA) locus; (2) estimate the timing of speciation using a relaxed phylogenetics method to determine if Milankovitch cycles during the Pleistocene might have had an influence on lineage diversifications; (3) examine historical population demography to determine if identified lineages have undergone population declines, expansions, or remained stable during the most recent Milankovitch cycles; and (4) use this information to assist in an effective and scientifically sound translocation program. Our molecular data support the initial hypothesis that D. melanurus and D. couperi should be recognized as distinct species, but further illustrate that D. couperi is split into two distinct genetic lineages that correspond to historical biogeography and sea level changes in peninsular Florida. These two well-supported genetic lineages (herein termed Atlantic and Gulf lineages) illustrate a common biogeographic distributional break previously identified for other plants and animals, suggesting that these organisms might have shared a common evolutionary history related to historic sea level changes caused by Milankovitch cycles. Our estimated divergence times suggest that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) between D. melanurus and southeastern United States Drymarchon occurred ca. 5.9Ma (95% HPD=2.5-9.8Ma; during the late Blancan of the Pleistocene through the Hemphillian of the Miocene), whereas the MRCA between the Atlantic and Gulf lineages in the southeastern United States occurred ca. 2.0Ma (95% HPD=0.7-3.7Ma; during the Irvingtonian of the Pleistocene through the Blancan of the Pliocene). During one or more glacial intervals within these times, these two lineages must have become separated and evolved independently. Despite numerous Milankovitch cycles along with associated forming of physical barriers (i.e., sea level fluctuations, high elevation sand ridges, clayey soils, and/or insufficient habitats) since their initial lineage diversification, these two lineages have likely come in and out of contact with each other many times, yet today they still illustrate near discrete geographic distributions. Although the Atlantic and Gulf lineages appear to be cryptic, a thorough study examining morphological characters should be conducted. We believe that our molecular data is crucial and should be incorporated in making conscious decisions in the management of a translocation program. We suggest that source populations for translocations include maintaining the integrity of the known genetic lineages found herein, as well as those coming from the closest areas that currently support sizable Drymarchon populations.

The Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, is a well-established invasive species in the greater Everglades ecosystem of southern Florida, USA. Most research on its ecological impacts focuses on its role as a predator and its trophic interactions with native vertebrate species, particularly mammals. Beyond predation, there is little known about the ecological interactions between P. bivittatus and native faunal communities. It is likely that established populations of P. bivittatus in southern Florida serve as hosts for native mosquito communities. To test this concept, we used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I DNA barcoding to determine the hosts of blood fed mosquitoes collected at a research facility in northern Florida where captive P. bivittatus and Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae (Duméril and Bibron), are maintained in outdoor enclosures, accessible to local mosquitoes. We recovered python DNA from the blood meals of three species of Culex mosquitoes: Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab), Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and Culex pilosus (Dyar and Knab). Culex erraticus conclusively (P = 0.001; Fisher's Exact Test) took more blood meals from P. bivittatus than from any other available host. While the majority of mosquito blood meals in our sample were derived from P. bivittatus, only one was derived from S. merianae. These results demonstrate that local mosquitoes will feed on invasive P. bivittatus, a recently introduced host. If these interactions also occur in southern Florida, P. bivittatus may be involved in the transmission networks of mosquito-vectored pathogens. Our results also illustrate the potential of detecting the presence of P. bivittatus in the field through screening mosquito blood meals for their DNA.

Invaded species often can rapidly expand and establish in novel environments through adaptive evolution, resulting in devastating effects on native communities. However, it is unclear if genetic variation at whole-genomic levels is actually reduced in the introduced populations and which genetic changes have occurred responding to adaptation to new environments. In the 1960s, Anolis carolinensis was introduced onto one of the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, and subsequently expanded its range rapidly throughout two of the islands. Morphological comparison showed that lower hindlimb length in the introduced populations tended to be longer than those in its native Florida populations. Using re-sequenced whole genomic data, we estimated that the effective population size at the time of introduction was actually small (less than 50). We also inferred putative genomic regions subject to natural selection after this introduction event using SweeD and a method based on Tajima’s D, π and F ST . Five candidate genes that were potentially subject to selection were estimated by both methods. The results suggest that there were standing variations that could potentially contribute to adaptation to nonnative environments despite the founder population being small.

Crown-giant anole ecomorphs have evolved independently across the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico), but only a few of these species have well documented life histories. Herein we report previously undocumented observations of copulation, oviposition, and hatchlings for the Green-blotched Giant Anole (Anolis smallwoodi) of southeastern Cuba. We observed eight mating events (three with A. s. smallwoodi and five with A. s. palardis) along the coastline between Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo Province during June 2010 and September 2011. One female A. s. palardis mated with two males in the same territory. Females dig a hole with their snouts, oviposit single eggs, and cover them with substrate. We monitored eight eggs incubated in slightly moist vermiculite. The minimum incubation times were 54-69 days (varying with temperature). Juveniles usually are colored like adults, bright green with white spots on the body, pale postlabial bands, and suprascapular stripes.

We report an intertidal, bone-rich peat deposit on the windward (Atlantic Ocean) coast of Abaco, The Bahamas. The age of the Gilpin Point peat ( c. 950–900 cal. yr BP) is based on five overlapping radiocarbon dates (one each from single pieces of wood of buttonwood Conocarpus erectus and sabal palm Sabal palmetto, and single bones of the Cuban crocodile Crocodylus rhombifer, Albury’s tortoise Chelonoidis alburyorum, and green turtle Chelonia mydas). The short time interval represented by the charcoal-rich peat suggests rapid sedimentation following initial anthropogenic fires on Abaco. The site’s diverse snail assemblage is dominated by terrestrial and freshwater species. The peat is exposed today only during exceptionally low tides, suggesting a lower sea level at the time of deposition as well as a degrading shoreline during the past millennium. Fossils from Gilpin Point represent a late-Holocene vertebrate community at the time of first human presence; only 10 of the 17 identified species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals still live on Abaco. Numerous unhealed bite marks on the inside of the thick carapaces of the green turtle attest to consumption by Cuban crocodiles, which probably scavenged turtles butchered by humans. This concept, along with the dense concentration of bones in the peat, and charring on some bones of the green turtle and Abaco tortoise, suggests a cultural origin of the bone deposit at Gilpin Point, where the only Amerindian artifact recovered thus far is a shell bead.

Kingsnakes of the Lampropeltis getula complex range throughout much of temperate and subtropical North America. Studies over the last century have used morphology and color pattern to describe numerous subspecies. More recently, DNA analyses have made invaluable contributions to our understanding of their evolution and taxonomy. We use genetic and ecological methods to test previous hypotheses of distinct evolutionary lineages by examining 66 total snakes and 1) analyzing phylogeographic structure using 2 mtDNA loci and 1 nuclear locus, 2) estimating divergence dates and historical demography among lineages in a Bayesian coalescent framework, and 3) applying ecological niche modeling (ENM). Our molecular data and ENMs illustrate that 3 previously recognized subspecies in the eastern United States comprise well-supported monophyletic lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene. The geographic boundaries of these 3 lineages correspond closely to known biogeographic barriers (Florida peninsula, Appalachian Mountains, and Apalachicola River) previously identified for other plants and animals, indicating shared geographic influences on evolutionary history. We conclude that genetic, ecological, and morphological data support recognition of these 3 lineages as distinct species (Lampropeltis floridana, Lampropeltis getula, and Lampropeltis meansi).

The endemic Antillean family Leiocephalidae includes 28 currently recognized extant species in the genus Leiocephalus. These are distributed across Hispaniola, Cuba, and various islands and cays in the Bahamas. Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is a fundamental and widespread biological phenomenon generally attributed to sexual differences in relationships between body size, survival, fecunditty, and mating success. Six species with 40 subspecies are known from Cuba. Few data are available regarding SSD and reproduction. Herein we report new life-history data and the sexual size dimorphism index (SSDI) in Leiocephalus macropus asbolomus. Fieldwork was performed during mid-August 2009 iin La Melba (Alexander von Humboldt National Park), HolguinProvince, Cuba. All males were larger in size then females and the SSDI (1.44) is the highest reported ffor any species of Leiocephalus. Egg measurments averaged 18.2 x 12.7 mml mean clutch size was 3. Eggs took 61-72 days to hatch; mean incubation time was 66.5 days, and mean hatchling SVL was 30.1 mm.

Efts and adult specimens (n = 142) of the red-spotted newt Notophthalmus viridescens from various locations in Canada and USA were analyzed for the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and of its analogues 6-epitetrodotoxin and 11-oxotetrodotoxin. Considerable individual variations in toxin levels were found within and among populations from New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia ranging from non-detectable to 69 μg TTX per g newt. TTX and its analogues were absent in efts and adults from various locations in the Canadian province Nova Scotia, the northernmost distribution of the newt, and in adults from Florida. Newts kept in captivity for several years and reared on toxin-free diet lost their toxicity. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of specimens from the various populations using three phylogenetic markers (COI, ND2 and 16S RNA) revealed that populations from the northern states of the USA and Canada are genetically homogenous, whereas the newts from Florida exhibited a much higher level of genetic divergence. An exogenous source of TTX in the newts either via the food chain or by synthesis of symbiotic bacteria is suggested to explain the high variability and lack of TTX in certain populations.

Natural history data through all stages of an animal’s life cycle are necessary for making sound management decisions, which are especially critical in Florida, where developmental pressure often comes at the cost of species and their habitats. Despite being locally abundant, relatively little was known about ontogenetic behavioral shifts in habitat utilization for many hylid treefrogs. In this study, we used polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to survey treefrogs in the localized, but habitat- and species-diverse University of Florida Natural Areas Teaching Lab (NATL) in north-central Florida. A variety of habitat variables were tested over multiple trapping seasons. We found that treefrog species were primarily limited by the presence of some water source or moisture, although some species were more tolerant of drier conditions than others. Ontogenetic shifts in habitat exploitation were detected only in limited instances, with juvenile Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) demonstrating a narrower niche than adults, and juvenile Squirrel Treefrogs (Hyla squirella) being most commonly captured during winter and spring. The non-native Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) ranked third in species detection, and its distribution was highly limited by both season and habitat type. With much to be learned about amphibian biology and natural history, efforts should be made to continue local studies such as this to enable conscious management and conservation decisions.

A new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtopodion brachykolon is described from a series of specimens collected in 1991 from Manshera and lower Swat districts, Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan. Specimens were examined for 45 morphological characters and measurements. Cyrtopodion brachykolon is distinguished from the morphologically similar species, Cyrtopodion walli (Ingoldby 1922), by the former's relatively shorter limbs, smaller dorsal tubercles relative to the surrounding granular scales, indistinct longitudinal rows of enlarged dorsal tubercles, and fewer number of transverse color bands. Another morphologically similar species, Alsophylax (Altiphylax) tokobajvi Eremschenko and Szczerbak 1984, can be separated from this new species by its larger supranasal scales and less angularly bent or straight digits. We also provide a brief review of the taxonomic history of the bent-toed geckos of Pakistan, herein assigned to Cyrtopodion (s. l.).

Florida presently has a large number (44) of established non-native amphibians and reptiles, 36 of which are lizards. There are currently one native and four non-native teiid lizards in Florida, and difficulty arises when trying to distinguish them from other similar species, especially in small individuals and/or deteriorated or faded preserved specimens. Because of the potential for their misidentifications in both the field and laboratory, we present a key to the established teiid species in Florida along with their current geographic distributions.

We document the first specimen of a dipsadid snake from the Anguilla Cays, Cay Sal Bank, The Bahamas. We analyze 3,426 base pairs (bp) of sequence data derived from five mitochondrial loci and one nuclear locus using Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) methods. Our molecular data agree with some aspects of morphology (e.g., scale counts, dentition, and color pattern) supporting identification of this specimen as the Cuban Racer, Cubophis cantherigerus cantherigerus (Bibron 1840), a species previously regarded as endemic to Cuba. This discovery provides another example of the strong Cuban affinities of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Bahamian islands.

Kingsnakes of the Lampropeltis getula complex range throughout much of North America. Using morphology and color pattern, Blaney made the last revision of this species complex nearly 30 years ago and recognized seven subspecies. Furthermore, Blaney hypothesized that populations in the eastern United States consist of two closely related taxa, L. g. getula & L. g. floridana, whichare morphologically divergent from all other subspecies. At the same time, Means hypothesized that an undescribed taxon existed in the Eastern Apalachicola Lowlands in the Florida panhandle. To test these hypotheses as well as help better understand phylogenetic relationships, we examine morphological characters and color pattern of L. getula throughout its range, particularly those populations in the eastern United States, and make comparisons to molecular data. We find that populations in the eastern United States represent a well-supported monophyletic group. Although some infraspecific clades (i.e., subspecies) within the L. getula complex may be weakly supported by homoplasious characters, at least one synapomorphy supports the monophyly of each group, including the two currently recognized subspecies in the eastern United States and the unnamed entity in the Eastern Apalachicola Lowlands, described herein as L. g. meansi. Justification for naming this natural clade at the infraspecific level (rather than species level) is provided. Furthermore, this panhandle clade is diagnosed by more synapomorphies than any other currently recognized taxon of L. getula, and overlaps in distribution with numerous other endemic plants and animals. All molecular analyses produced very similar tree topologies as our morphological dataset.

Feeding behaviour of the Madagascar leaf‐nosed snake (Langaha madagascariensis) is described and an alternative use for its unusual nasal appendage is hypothesized. Langaha madagascariensis employs a sit‐and‐wait foraging strategy and stalking prey is initiated once a snake is conscious of potential prey. Stalking is preceded by hooding, swaying anterior portion of its body laterally, tongue flicking, and advancing toward prey. Strikes are typically made at an extremely close distance, sometimes while a snake places its nasal extension directly onto the back of the prey's head. Prey was always grasped anterior to the pectoral girdle behind the head or neck region. Once prey is seized, it may be coiled around and is usually pulled off its perch and left to dangle in mid‐air, while being worked into the back of the mouth toward the snake's rear fangs. Langaha madagascariensis also exhibits hooding while stalking prey. These hooding and swaying behaviours along with its cryptic colour patterns, migh...

Iguana iguana is a well-established introduced species in southern Florida, including a large population on Key Biscayne. In its native range, I. iguana is known to be almost strictly herbivorous. Juveniles are often reported to be some- what omnivorous, but prey items are rarely identified. The tree snail Drymaeus multilineatus is common in southern Florida, where it is found on stems and leaves and in edificarian habitats. The examination of I. iguana stomachs from Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, resulted in the discovery of D. multilineatus in two lizards, including 12 snails in one juvenile I. iguana. The large and rapidly growing I. iguana populations in southern Florida may have the potential to devas- tate some highly localized native species of tree snails.

The Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus), the longest lizard in Africa, was first observed in southwestern peninsular Florida in the Cape Coral area of Lee County ca. 1990. From April 2001 through 7 July 2003, we compiled 146 sightings or captures of this species by local residents or ourselves. Numerous individuals of all size classes have been observed or collected, suggesting the occurrence of a reproducing population. Although our records are mostly confined to Cape Coral, our data indicate that V. niloticus has recently expanded its range northwards and to nearby islands. Because this large lizard has the potential to disperse into nearby ecologically sensitive areas and preserves where it could pose a serious threat to waterbirds, Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia), sea turtles, and other native wildlife, population monitoring and eradication are warranted.

Hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) populations have received considerable attention over the last few decades and recent studies show declines. We compared C. alleganiensis populations and habitat characteristics of the Little River (LR) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) of Tennessee, with those of the North Fork of the White River (NFWR), Missouri. We also compared the results of two different sampling methods for obtaining small individuals < 20 cm total length (TL) and gilled larvae. There was no significant difference in the frequency of larvae and adults in LR. There were highly significant differences in the frequency of larvae and adults in the NFWR population and in the proportion of larvae and adults between LR and NFWR. The stream bottom substrate, especially the deep gravel beds of the NFWR, provided a more secure larval habitat than in the LR. We believe this secure larval habitat was a major factor in maintaining large adult populations in NFWR. The...

Aspects of reproduction including courtship behaviour, ovipositioning, egg characteristics, and hatchling descriptions are documented for the Madagascar leaf‐nosed snake (Langaha madagascariensis). Courtship behaviour is described from laboratory settings and takes place in vegetation above ground. Oviposition occurred at night time in August and September. Clutch sizes averaged 11 eggs. Fertile eggs measured a mean 22.6 mm long and 12.0 mm wide at oviposition, and 25.6 mm long and 15.4 mm wide one to three days before hatching. Incubation of eggs at 28 °C lasted a mean 65.3 days. Offspring consisted of eight live hatchlings and one dead full‐term baby, yielding of a sex ratio of 7:2 (Male:Female). Sexual dimorphism in both nasal extensions and colour patterns were evident immediately after hatching. Hatchlings weighed a mean 1.40 g, and measured 134.3 mm SVL and 92.9 mm TL. The first ecdysis occurred eight to 12 days after hatching. Hatchlings consumed only arboreal prey items including Anolis s...

Wereview the wide array of techniques and their variants used in studying a cryptobranchid salamander and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Electroshocking surveys are strongly discouraged because of the great potential for damaging reproductive success, immune systems, and their questionable effectiveness. Because successful Cryptobranchus alleganiensis nesting sites appear to be quite limited, the use of Peavy hooks and crowbars to breakup bedrock or dislodge large cover rocks should be restricted. Currently, skin-diving surveys coupled with turning objects is the only method shown to obtain all sizes of gilled larvae and multiple age groups of non-gilled and adult C. alleganiensis in brief periods.

During a 2 y study (February 1993–January 1995) I searched a total of 519.4 km of canal and levee banks in 304.4 h to study Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) activity. I gathered and compared data on seasonal activity patterns of two populations in southern peninsular Florida, around Lake Okeechobee and southern Dade County. Snakes from both populations exhibited two activity peaks, one in spring and one in fall. The highest frequency of encounters was in March and April during the peak of the breeding season. During this time males were encountered more often than females, possibly because they are actively searching for mates. Encounter rates are constrained by temperature rather than precipitation. The majority of snakes were found in the open aboveground between 24 C to 29 C, with the highest frequency at 27 C. At lower and higher temperatures encounter rates decreased as snakes may retreat into refugia. Adults were encountered more often than juveniles. Adults are primarily d...

The Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macrochelys temminckii, is a large, aquatic turtle limited to river systems that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. Previous molecular analyses using both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA suggested that Macrochelys exhibits significant genetic variation across its range that includes three distinct genetic assemblages (western, central, and eastern = Suwannee). However, no taxonomic revision or morphological analyses have been conducted previously. In this study, we test previous hypotheses of distinct geographic assemblages by examining morphology, reanalyzing phylogeographic genetic structure, and estimating divergence dating among lineages in a coalescent framework using Bayesian inference. We reviewed the fossil record and discuss phylogeographic and taxonomic implications of the existence of three distinct evolutionary lineages. We measured cranial (n=145) and post-cranial (n=104) material on field-captured individuals and museum specimens. We analyzed 420 base pairs (bp) of mitochondrial DNA sequence data for 158 Macrochelys. We examined fossil Macrochelys from ca. 15-16 million years ago (Ma) to the present to better assess historical distributions and evaluate named fossil taxa. The morphological and molecular data both indicate significant geographical variation and suggest three species-level breaks among genetic lineages that correspond to previously hypothesized genetic assemblages. The holotype of Macrochelys temminckii is from the western lineage. Therefore, we describe two new species as Macrochelys apalachicolae sp. nov. from the central lineage and Macrochelys suwanniensis sp. nov. from the eastern lineage (Suwannee River drainage). Our estimates of divergence times suggest that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of M. temminckii (western) and M. apalachicolae (central) existed 3.2-8.9 Ma during the late Miocene to late Pliocene, whereas M. temminckii-M. apalachicolae and M. suwanniensis last shared a MRCA 5.5-13.4 Ma during the mid-Miocene to early Pliocene. Examination of fossil material revealed that the fossil taxon M. floridana is actually a large Chelydra. Our taxonomic revision of Macrochelys has conservation and management implications in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.