PHYLLOMEDUSA publishes original research articles, short communications and review papers concerning the whole field of Herpetology. PHYLLOMEDUSA also maintains sections for Book Reviews. Manuscripts will be considered on condition that they have not been published elsewhere or are not under consideration for publication, in whole or in part, in another journal or book. Publication in PHYLLOMEDUSA, including color pictures, is free of charge. All manuscripts are subject to peer review. This process averages 90 days. Authors receive pdf proofs before publication. Full-text pdf versions of all articles are available for free download in this homepage. Scope Manuscripts must contain significant new findings of fundamental and general herpetological interest and may not be considered if they do not meet these criteria. Surveys and descriptions of new species are published only where there is sufficient new biological information or taxonomic revision also involved to render the paper of general herpetological interest. Low priority is given to confirmatory studies, works that are primarily descriptive in nature, investigations primarily of local or regional interest, techniques unless of broad application, species range extensions, and descriptions of phenomena based on scanty data. Manuscripts should include a clear statement of purpose and/or hypothesis to be tested by the work, and may be rejected if this is lacking Articles published in PHYLLOMEDUSA are indexed by Web of Science, SCOPUS, Dimensions, Zoological Records, BIOSIS Previews, CABI Publishing, Current Contents (Agriculture, Biology & Environmental Sciences), and DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals). Ethics Policy and Regulation PHYLLOMEDUSA adheres to the Codes of Conduct and Good Practice set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) (https://publicationethics.org/), and all submissions must adhere to these guidelines. For further information, the original English text is accessible at: https://publicationethics.org/files/Code_of_conduct_for_journal_editors_1.pdf. Plagiarism PHYLLOMEDUSA employs iThenticate, a service provided by CrossRef, to detect text similarity within previously published scientific documents. For additional details, please visit: https://app.ethenticate.com. Generative Artificial Intelligences In accordance with COPE guidelines, PHYLLOMEDUSA does not allow generative Artificial Intelligences to be included as authors of submissions, as they do not meet the authorship requirements in scientific productions, as they cannot assume responsibility for the content of the text. Additionally, the journal does not allow excerpts of submitted texts to have been generated by generative Artificial Intelligences, as authors are fully responsible for the content of their manuscripts. Access the COPE guidelines here: https://publicationethics.org/cope-position-statements/ai-author. Ethical principles Decisions made by the Editors and Editorial Board will not be influenced by revenue sources.
Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiróz
All material originally published in Phyllomedusa belongs to Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz - Universidade de São Paulo. All contents are under a license of Creative Commons BY-NC-ND.
First record of dicephalism in Epicrates cenchria (Serpentes: Boidae) from Brazil
Copyright (c) 2025 ESALQ-USP https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Contribution to the natural history of Ninia sebae (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from an urban area in Veracruz, Mexico
Rediscovery of Dipsas peruana (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Bolivia and extension of its distribution
Notes on saxicolous habits of Aspidoscelis communis (Squamata: Teiidae) in an isolated population
Discovery of a new species of Gegeneophis (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) highlights hidden diversity and implications for regional endemism in the Western Ghats, India
A new species of Gegeneophis is described from the base of the lateritic plateaus of Satara, Maharashtra, India. The new species is described based on morphological characters, metric and meristic measurements, phylogenetic analysis, genetic distances, ASAP analysis, and geographic isolation. Phylogenetic and ASAP analyses suggest the presence of an additional six lineages representing potential new species from the northern and central Western Ghats. The affinities of spatial and temporal distribution of Gegeneophis in the northern and central Western Ghats are discussed.
Population observations and microhabitat use of Isthmohyla tica (Anura: Hylidae) in San Ramón, Costa Rica
Isthmohyla tica, the Tica Frog, is a critically endangered species endemic to Costa Rica and supposedly Panama that has only been seen in a few sites in recent decades. To aid in its conservation, we assessed the population status and microhabitat preferences of this frog in a section of the Danta stream at Rancho Alegre farm, San Ramón, Costa Rica. We conducted 18 nocturnal surveys and collected data on perch types, vegetation associations, stream characteristics, and environmental variables for each sighting of the Tica Frog. To identify potential microhabitat preferences, we compared these features between sites with or without frogs as well as between sites with juvenile or adult individuals. We recorded 13 individuals, comprising three juveniles and 10 adults. Nine adults were male and one female, with the disparity likely due to the conspicuous vocalizations of males. Juvenile and adult frogs occupied areas with similar stream widths (t = 0.91; p = 0.38). However, juveniles were found closer to the water (t = 5.14, p = 0.01) and adjacent to shallower areas of the stream compared to adults (t = 2.50, p = 0.03). Frogs predominantly perched on Piper sp. (30.7%) and on the upper surface of leaves (69.2%). The height at which the Tica Frog was recorded (0.1 to 2.2 m) was similar for both age groups (t = 0.86, p = 0.44). We did not find significant differences in canopy cover (average = 74.6%), diameter at breast height (≤ 3.14 cm), vegetation density (5.0 plants/m2), or plant richness (1–4 species) between juveniles and adults. Similarly, we did not observe differences in environmental variables between these groups. Furthermore, vegetation characteristics and environmental variables did not differ between sites with the Tica Frog and nearby sites without them. Our findings suggest that the measured variables do not significantly influence the microhabitat selection of the Tica Frog. This novel information on the population status and microhabitat use of I. tica is needed for the development of management strategies for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
Notes on the distribution and advertisement call of Nymphargus buenaventura (Anura: Centrolenidae), with comments on its natural history and conservation
We provide an update on the distribution of Buenaventura ́s glassfrog (Nymphargus buenaventura), adding a new locality in Peru. We extend the known geographic range of the species 180 km southward. We report for the first time its advertisement call, which consists of a high-pitched note. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of the specimens, with 16S rRNA sequences exhibiting minimal genetic divergence (1.08%) from those of Ecuadorian populations. Additionally, we observed egg clutches exceeding previously reported clutch sizes. Given the extended range and lack of population data, we recommend placing N. buenaventura in the Data Deficient category of the IUCN Red List until further studies are conducted.
Description of the advertisement call of Dendropsophus frosti (Anura: Hylidae) as a phenotypic evidence of its phylogenetic relationships
For amphibians, gaps in knowledge about natural history and geographic distribution are among the major causes that blur our understanding of their diversity. These key pieces of information contribute to our understanding off taxonomy, systematics, ecology, and conservation. Herein, we provide new information on the geographic distribution and describe for the first time the advertisement call of Dendropsophus frosti from western Amazonia. The call consists of two types of short notes, a trilled multipulsed note with a duration ranging from 158 to 297 ms (note type A), and a high-pitched pulsatile note with a duration of about 9 ms (note type B). The dominant frequency of note type A is about 4260 Hz, while that of note type B is around 4330 Hz. The notes are emitted in two call arrangements, a complex call formed by one note type A followed by one or two type B notes or a composite call formed by two to seven type B notes. Overall, the call structure of D. frosti, with those two types of notes emitted in complex or composite calls, is shared with closely related species from the D. parviceps group, showing a phylogenetic signal. Our results suggest that acoustic characters may represent phylogenetic informative traits for the Dendropsophus parviceps group, supporting the current taxonomy. Additionally, our findings extended the known geographic distribution by approximately 700 km eastward. Our results highlight once again the necessity of biological surveys in remote areas of Amazonia, where many knowledge gaps persist.
A partial taxonomic revision of Atelopus (Anura: Bufonidae) from the central and eastern Andes of Colombia
Harlequin toads, genus Atelopus, are a species-rich group of Neotropical anurans. Unparalleled declines and extinctions have hampered a thorough understanding of Atelopus systematics with numerous species only known from few specimens and a single or few localities. Major knowledge gaps particularly remain in the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Oriental of the Colombian Andes. In the central Andes, the names Atelopus angelito, A. ebenoides, and A. eusebianus have caused taxonomic confusion because populations can show vast plasticity, and populations assigned to these names were thought to occur in sympatry and parapatry. The virtual disappearance of all populations has prevented an integrative taxonomic assessment and rendered molecular approaches highly challenging. Based on adult and larval morphology, we propose that these populations correspond to a single polymorphic taxon and establish A. ebenoides as the senior synonym. In contrast, a form from the northern Cordillera Oriental has been considered a subspecies of the latter, A. ebenoides marinkellei. These geographically highly distant populations differ in morphology, particularly in tadpole characters and do not appear to represent conspecifics. We therefore elevate the form marinkellei to species rank and provide detailed morphological redescriptions and tadpole accounts for both A. ebenoides and A. marinkellei.
Cephalic fossae and pits in the parietal shields of caenophidian snakes and their correspondence in the braincase
Anatomical and osteological analyses in several species of ophidians belonging to the clade Caenophidia have led to the identification of differentstructures present in the cephalic shields of these reptiles. These structures are observed expressed mainly in the parietal shields, manifesting themselves in different forms. “Major parietal pits,” generally symmetrical, occur in the center of the parietal shields, more or less medially distanced to each other. These may appear circular, linear, separated, conjunct, or in contact with the lateral margin of the parietal shield by a slit. Together with the pits, a new distinct trait has been observed in the parietal shields of different species of colubroids, here named “parietal fossae.” Parietal pits and fossae are situated in correspondence with the paired foramina on the parietal bone’s dorsal plane, which in turn correspond ventrally with the epiphysis, and the contact between the cephalic hemispheres and the optic lobes. Other fossae may be present in certain species, occurring more posteriorly in the parietal shields, or in the supraocular shields, in correspondence with neurovascular foramina and fossae present in the underlying cranial bones. A second category of pits has also been found, here named “minor pits,” which appear randomly within the cephalic shields, and are also linked to neurovascular foramina present in the corresponding cranial bones. A third type of pit, distinct from the others, is the “medial posterior pit”, which has been found in aquatic snakes. This pit occurs in the posterior half of the medial contact of the parietal shields, and corresponds to a large central foramen in the posterior apex of the parietal bone’s plane, ventrally opening within a canal between the two fossae covering the optic lobes. All of these traits have been observed in a large number of snakes belonging to the families Colubridae, Natricidae, Psammophiidae, Atractaspididae, Pareidae, Xenodermidae, Micrelapidae and Elapidae. These do not occur in all individuals within the examined taxa, but rather affect part of the specimens of a given species. Fossae and pits appear to be sporadic surface structures that correspond to neurovascular foramina present in the underlaying cranial bones.
Spatial distribution models for the Micrurus divaricatus complex (Serpentes: Elapidae) in Nuclear Central America with emphasis on Honduras
This study modeled the distribution of the M. divaricatus complex in Nuclear Central America (NCA) by testing multiple modeling techniques and identifying crucial bioclimatic predictors. We used 178 occurrence records and seven variables selected for ecological relevance and low collinearity. Validating the eight techniques using AUC, TSS, Cohen’s Kappa, sensitivity, specificity, COR, and CA. Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, Generalized Additive Models, and Maximum Entropy Modeling performed best, with Random Forest showing the highest predictive accuracy. Main predictors were temperature seasonality, precipitation of the driest month, and precipitation seasonality. Projections indicated high suitability along the Pacific and Caribbean slopes and in parts of the Mosquitia, and low suitability in the Chortís Block highlands. Lowland and premontane moist forests were identified as critical habitats. The Chortís Block highlands represent a transitional zone for the three subspecies. These results, obtained via a multi-model approach to reduce uncertainty, provide relevant insights for taxonomy and conservation planning of the M. divaricatus complex and the genus Micrurus in NCA.
A new lizard of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) endemic to northern Chile
The Liolaemus walkeri clade comprises small, slender lizards, most species of which exhibit ventral melanism and a fragmented dark vertebral line. These lizards inhabit high Andean zones of Peru, although two field guide include photographs of L. tacnae from northern Chile, without voucher specimens or published scientific studies to support this taxonomic assignment. We recently examined specimens labeled L. cf. tacnae from Quebrada Blanca, Tarapacá Region, Chile, and performed morphological analyses, providing the first taxonomic assessment of a population of the L. walkeri clade outside Peru. Males of this population exhibit melanism on the throat and belly, and both sexes lack precloacal pores, among other diagnostic traits. We propose that this population represents a new species and highlight morphological characters of the L. walkeri clade that do not match those of the subgenus Liolaemus (sensu stricto). The L. walkeri clade lacks two of the three external characters used to diagnose the subgenus and does not exhibit some of the defining characters of the L. alticolor-bibronii group, where this clade is currently been placed by some studies. This observations suggest the need to evaluate the existence of a third subgenus of Liolaemus in future research.
Limb malformations in Leptodactylus rhodomystax (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the Brazilian Amazon
Leptodactylus luctator (Anura: Leptodactylidae) as a host for Centrorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala) cystacanths in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil
First record of the ixodid tick Amblyomma nitidum on Laticauda laticaudata (Serpentes: Elapidae) in Taiwan
The first evidence of viviparity in the lizard Liolaemus reichei (Squamata: Liolaemidae)
Teira dugesii (Squamata: Lacertidae) visiting flowers: new observations and a review
New data on the lack of the occipital scale in Teira dugesii (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Madeira and Selvagens Archipelagos
Trophic and spatial ecology of Pristimantis relictus (Anura: Strabomantidae) in Atlantic Forest remnants of northeastern Brazil
Natural history studies offer insights into the behavior and interactions of species in various environments, which are crucial for conservation and preservation. Pristimantis relictus is a newly described Robber Frog endemic to the isolated mountains of Ceará state, northeast Brazil. Limited information on its ecology is currently available. Herein we describe the feeding habits and microhabitat use of this species from three mountains in Ceará state. We also performed a literature review of the prey items consumed by other species in the genus Pristimantis in the Americas. In general, P. relictus is a generalist in terms of microhabitat use, foraging in herbaceous plants, on the ground, trees, and shrubs, and for diet, consuming a wide range of prey groups, with beetles and larvae the most common prey. This plasticity of dietary and microhabitat use may be crucial for the persistence and geographic distribution of this species, including their response to environmental changes. The large variety of prey categories utilized by species of Pristimantis suggests a generalist diet that may reflect prey diversity in the environment.
Complex courtship of Bokermannohyla capra (Anura: Hylidae), a treefrog that inhabits lotic environments
Bokermannohyla capra is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest whose biology and ecology are poorly understood. We studied the reproductive behavior of this species in an ecotonal Atlantic Forest–Caatinga area in south-central Bahia state. We collected data on habitat use, courtship, and calling behavior. Males of Bokermannohyla capra were observed calling at night, peaking between 19:00 and 21:00 h. We recorded reproductive activity in B. capra non-continuously throughout the period of the study, from February 2020 to September 2021, both in dry and rainy seasons. The number of males calling ranged from one to nine individuals. The vocalization microhabitat is vegetation along stream banks, but the species also uses bromeliads as vocalization sites and shelter. Bokermannohyla capra has an elaborate courtship with acoustic, tactile, and visual signals. The male guides the female to the spawning site, where they perform axillary amplexus; oviposition occurs in small puddles along stream banks. Like many species of the Cophomantini tribe, B. capra also displays a repertoire of elaborate reproductive behaviors related to the occupation of lotic and noisy permanent environments. The data presented here expand our knowledge about the ecology and reproductive biology of B. capra. Our results also contribute to the knowledge of the taxonomic group to which the species belongs.
In-stream movement of Ambystoma altamirani (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) from the Arroyo los Axolotes, Mexico
Knowledge of the movements of amphibians can be useful in developing conservation strategies. We studied the movement of Ambystoma altamirani, a Mexican endemic salamander, in a montane stream near Mexico City, Mexico. We obtained movement estimates from 35 recaptured male, female, and juvenile salamanders. The majority of individuals moved during the study. Mean movements were > 250 m, with several individuals having movements > 500 m. Movements in A. altamirani did not have an upstream or downstream bias. Movement patterns (i.e., direction, mean distance, mean net displacement) did not differ among males, females, and juveniles. However, there was a tendency for the direction of net displacement to differ among males, females, and juveniles. Individuals that moved did not differ in snout–vent length (SVL) growth rate, initial SVL, or initial body mass (BM) from those that did not move; however, they showed greater BM change than those that did not move. We found that A. altamirani moved more than we had predicted. Our results suggest that maintaining aquatic and terrestrial conditions in the Arroyo los Axolotes to allow movements may be crucial in conserving this species.
Variation of groove counts in Caecilia thompsoni (Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) suggests gene flow between distant populations and calls for an updated diagnosis
Caecilia thompsoni is a Colombian endemic species known from the Magdalena Valley that reaches a large body size (1767 mm maximum total length). To clarify some taxonomic concerns, we studied variation of the primary grooves, secondary grooves, grooves interrupted by the vent, total length, body width at mid-body, and length/width. We examined 77 specimens from four populations within the Magdalena Valley and found significant variation in the east–west direction for the humid (north) and dry (south) populations. We provide a redescription for the species and comment on the taxonomic challenges that currently affect the genus Caecilia.
Movement and habitat use of female subadults of Podocnemis expansa (Testudines: Podocnemididae) in northern Brazil
The Giant South American River Turtle, Podocnemis expansa, is recognized for its social interactions across all sexes and age/size groups. Its movement patterns, especially those of subadults, are poorly understood. Movement is a crucial factor for the effective conservation and management of wildlife. From October 2010 to September 2011, using VHF radio-tracking methods, we studied the movements of eight subadult females in the Trombetas River Biological Reserve (REBIO do Rio Trombetas) in Pará State, Brazil. We observed subadult females utilizing lake-channel systems near the Trombetas River with their movement rates positively influenced by their size and negatively by the water level of the river. Individuals remained in the flooded forest (igapó) during flooding, likely feeding on fruits and seeds. During the nesting season, we observed interactions between adult and subadult females near the nesting sandbanks. The proximity of subadult and adult Giant South American River Turtles suggests that social interactions, such as learning reproductive and nesting behaviors, could be vital for the movement of subadult females, going beyond simple resource availability.
Diet composition of Caretta caretta (Testudines: Cheloniidae) in the Gulf of Gabès, southern Tunisia
Investigating fundamental biological aspects, such as the feeding habits of long-distance migratory marine animals like sea turtles, presents significant challenges. These studies are crucial for identifying the feeding grounds and preferred prey of these turtles, thus providing valuable insights to inform habitat protection and management decisions. We analyzed the digestive tract contents of 132 Caretta caretta stranded and/or accidentally captured along the coast of the Gulf of Gabès from 2004 to 2010. Food items were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (IRI), the Food Index of Geistdoerfer (Q), and the Main Food Index (MFI) of Zander. We also categorized the litter and calculated its frequency of occurrence. The loggerhead diet consisted of 46 species from various zoological groups, reflecting their flexible distribution across both pelagic and benthic neritic zones. We noted a common feeding pattern for the species, with bottom-dwelling prey common in shallow environments. Molluscs, arthropods, and poriferans constituted the main prey, while tunicates and fishes were frequent secondary prey. Echinoderms and algae are accessory secondary prey and second-order additional prey, respectively. Molluscs and arthropods were ingested mainly during spring and summer, while tunicates and poriferans were ingested during autumn and winter months. Turtle size had no effect on dietary diversity or biomass percentage. This study emphasizes the value of dietary analysis in uncovering the feeding ecology and habitat use of loggerhead turtles in the Gulf of Gabès. Protecting and managing this region, and ensuring the presence of trophic resources, could be crucial for maintaining loggerhead turtle populations and enhancing their survival in Tunisian waters.
Book review: Tortoises of the World: Giants to Dwarfs
Copyright (c) 2024 ESALQ-USP https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Defensive repertoire of Leptodactylus rhodomystax (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the Brazilian Amazon
Spawning site plasticity in Cycloramphus boraceiensis (Anura: Cycloramphidae)
An observation on the diving behavior of Cyrtodactylus consobrinus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Borneo
Sexual dimorphism of snout–vent length in Liolaemus nigroviridis (Squamata: Liolaemidae)
Differential antipredator behavioral responses in tadpoles of Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Anura: Bufonidae): an experimental demonstration
In aquatic systems, many prey animals including larval anurans predominantly use chemical cues to assess predation risk. In such systems, a variety of predators (e.g., insects or their larvae, sympatric carnivorous/omnivorous tadpoles) can affect the behavioral responses and life history of prey tadpoles. Many anuran tadpoles are able to discriminate chemical cues of different predators and exhibit differential antipredator behavioral responses according to the perceived risk. The behavioral responses of tadpoles of Duttaphrynus melanostictus to different predators (predaceous insects, Lethocerus sp., omnivorous tadpoles of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, and carnivorous tadpoles of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) were studied in the laboratory. The predator’s diet-derived metabolites released in the excreta of the predators after consumption of conspecific (D. melanostictus) prey tadpoles were used to simulate predation threat. The D. melanostictus tadpoles showed antipredator behavioral responses i.e., reduced swimming movements and overall time spent swimming, and had a higher burst speed in response to water-borne cues released from the excreta of all predators that were fed with conspecific prey. Further, D. melanostictus tadpoles showed the strongest antipredator behavioral responses to cues released by carnivorous, active predatory tadpoles, H. tigerinus, moderate responses to the cues of the sit-and-wait carnivorous insect, Lethocerus sp. and low responses to those of omnivorous E. cyanophlyctis tadpoles. The hierarchy of antipredator behavioral responses in D. melanostictus tadpoles to different predators is H. tigerinus > Lethocerus sp. > E. cyanophlyctis > chemical blank solution. The findings of the present study thus show that tadpoles of D. melanostictus appear to modulate the intensity of their defense behavior in accordance with the level of threat posed by each predator.