Herpetologia Brasileira es la revista científica oficial de la Sociedad Brasileña de Herpetología, dedicada a la publicación de investigaciones sobre anfibios y reptiles con enfoque en la diversidad brasileña. Los artículos están disponibles en línea y de forma gratuita, con énfasis en artículos originales, comunicaciones breves, notas científicas y revisiones sobre temas como taxonomía, sistemática, ecología, evolución, historia natural y conservación. Mediante evaluación por pares y publicación en flujo continuo, Herpetologia Brasileira se consolida como un canal de referencia para la comunidad herpetológica en Brasil y en el extranjero.
Frugivory in Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) in a white-sand ecosystem of Central Amazonia, Brazil
Observations and natural history records of reptiles are crucial for understanding their ecology, particularly in the context of rapid habitat loss in the Amazon. Although the teiid lizard Ameiva ameiva is an active forager whose diet is well documented as being primarily arthropod‑based, records indicate dietary plasticity that includes the consumption of plant material. Here, we document the first observation of A. ameiva consuming the fruit umari (Poraqueiba sericea) in a white‑sand ecosystem (WSE) of the Central Amazon, Brazil. The lizard was observed actively feeding on the pulp of fallen fruits, suggesting that umari, which is rich in lipids and carotenoids, may serve as an alternative or supplemental energy source. This observation expands the known dietary breadth of A. ameiva and raises the possibility that this species may act as a short‑distance seed disperser, contributing to ecological interactions in understudied habitats such as WSEs.
Derechos de autor 2026 Herpetologia Brasileira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Predation of Amphisbaena darwinii (Duméril and Bibrón, 1839) by Phalotris lemniscatus (Duméril, Bibrón, and Duméril, 1854): a contribution to trophic interaction data in squamate reptiles
Detailed natural history records constitute a fundamental basis for calibrating complex ecological and evolutionary models. Here, we document a predator–prey interaction between the dipsadid snake Phalotris lemniscatus and the fossorial amphisbaenian Amphisbaena darwinii from southern Brazil. The snake ingested the amphisbaenian head‑first; the prey measured more than 50% of the predator’s total length and 68% of its body circumference, confirming the ability of P. lemniscatus to consume relatively large, elongate prey. The meticulous description of this event, together with explicit morphometric and ecological data, provides a crucial empirical record that helps address the Eltonian shortfall—the scarcity of documented species interaction data. Such records are essential for validating the ecological plausibility of interactions in food‑web models, refining evolutionary inferences about squamate diets, and highlighting the enduring value of scientific collections.
Polyandrous reproductive behavior of Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758 (Serpentes, Boidae) in the Brazilian Cerrado, Brazil
Here, we present the first record of polyandrous reproductive behavior in Boa constrictor within the Brazilian Cerrado. On 29 June 2024, at 11:00 h, three adult individuals (two males and one female) were observed engaging in mating behavior in a rural area of the municipality of Pereira Barreto, state of São Paulo. Sex was identified based on tail morphology. Both males copulated alternately with the same female, with no evidence of agonistic interactions. The event lasted approximately 30 minutes and occurred during the dry season, coinciding with the species’ reproductive period. Boa constrictor is viviparous, exhibits size‑dependent sexual maturity, and shows high ecological plasticity. This record expands current knowledge of the species’ reproductive biology in the Brazilian Cerrado.
First record of predation by Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes: Erythrynidae) on Leptodactylus paranaru (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil
Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch, 1794) is a Neotropical predatory fish known for its generalist diet, which includes opportunistic consumption of amphibians. Leptodactylus paraná is a recently described anuran with a restricted distribution in the Atlantic Forest. This study reports the first record of predation by H. malabaricus on L. paraná, observed in a eutrophic stream in the municipality of Praia Grande, state of São Paulo, Brazil. We describe the interaction and discuss how environmental characteristics of the site may have facilitated the observation of the event. This record contributes to the knowledge of the natural history of both species and reinforces the opportunistic feeding behavior of H. malabaricus.
Saurophagy by Brazilian Anura: Trachycephalus mesophaeus (Hensel, 1867) and Itapotihyla langsdorffii (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) prey on Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818)
Anurans play different roles in terrestrial and aquatic food chains and are generally described as opportunistic predators of invertebrates. However, some anuran groups also include vertebrates in their diet. In this study, we report two cases of predation on Hemidactylus mabouia, an invasive gecko species, by Itapotihyla langsdorffii and Trachycephalus mesophaeus, two anurans from the Atlantic Forest. On 27 October 2018, at 08:33 h, an individual of I. langsdorffii was observed preying on a juvenile H. mabouia on the external wall of a house in a rural property in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The second case occurred on 26 February 2025, at 21:51 h, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, when a T. mesophaeus was recorded preying on a H. mabouia on a sidewalk. Occasional observations of natural events such as these provide important information for increasing knowledge about interspecific interactions and expand what is known about the ecology and feeding biology of these groups.
An unpleasant encounter: non-fatal attack by the broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris, on a human in Minas Gerais, Brazil
<div class="___1obcdld f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1i1t7jz fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 fgct6un f1ec1nbe f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h f1d9bsk fmzhlt0 f145l92p fwkyaqm f129obh1 f19la9g f127w39w fr0ux9m fxhidck f1cu4h9j f1wnbo7v f1eueg4z fy9c24f f1h2o91j f1iw08fq"> Human–crocodilian interactions provide important information to guide conservation and public safety strategies. Although attacks on humans are rare, most are interpreted as defensive responses. We report a non-fatal attack by Caiman latirostris in Jaboticatubas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. During a swimming training, the victim was attacked without prior visual detection of the animal. The event involved one bite to the trunk, followed by lateral head movements and contact with hind limbs and tail. After the victim’s defensive reaction, the animal released her, following her for approximately 50 m at the surface. Injuries included thoracic punctures and lacerations, abrasions on the lower limbs, and an axillary wound. The pattern of the marks suggests an individual approximately 150 cm. The characteristics of the incident are consistent with a defensive behavior hypothesis, possibly related to territorial defense. Records like this are relevant to understanding the contexts of these interactions and guiding management and prevention strategies.
Predation on a conspecific by Leptodactylus macrosternum Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926 (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the southern Pantanal, Brazil
Anurans play an important role in food chains, acting both as predators and prey for several animal groups. Due to their opportunistic feeding habits, anurans may occupy a broad trophic niche, which can be influenced by factors such as food availability. The quantity and quality of food resources are affected by environmental variables, including the seasonal flooding regime of the Pantanal region. During the dry season, some anuran species may experience a reduction in trophic resources, which can lead to intraspecific predation. Here, we report an instance of in situ predation involving an adult Leptodactylus macrosternum preying on a conspecific juvenile in the southern Pantanal. The adult approached the juvenile and attempted to swallow the anterior portion of its body, leaving only the hind limbs protruding from the mouth. Such opportunistic and cannibalistic behaviors may be associated with ecological advantages, including the reduction of intraspecific competition and an increase in energetic gain.
Descompasso Global: COP30 e as Implicações para a Herpetofauna Brasileira
<div class="___1obcdld f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1i1t7jz fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 fgct6un f1ec1nbe f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h f1d9bsk fmzhlt0 f145l92p fwkyaqm f129obh1 f19la9g f127w39w fr0ux9m fxhidck f1cu4h9j f1wnbo7v f1eueg4z fy9c24f f1h2o91j f1iw08fq"> As mudanças climáticas afetam profundamente a fisiologia, a reprodução, a sobrevivência e as interações ecológicas de anfíbios e répteis. Apesar do simbolismo da COP30 na Amazônia, bioma com a maior diversidade de herpetofauna do planeta, os compromissos assumidos foram insuficientes diante da urgência da crise climática. Ao reconhecer o descompasso entre os compromissos e políticos como uma ameaça real à biodiversidade, em especial à herpetofauna, aqui defendo que a pesquisa herpetológica deve ir além da descrição da vulnerabilidade de espécies, contribuindo ativamente para políticas públicas, estratégias de manejo e comunicação de riscos.
Notes on defensive behaviors in three Amazonian anurans
<div class="___1obcdld f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1i1t7jz fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 fgct6un f1ec1nbe f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h f1d9bsk fmzhlt0 f145l92p fwkyaqm f129obh1 f19la9g f127w39w fr0ux9m fxhidck f1cu4h9j f1wnbo7v f1eueg4z fy9c24f f1h2o91j f1iw08fq"> The Amazon hosts a high diversity of anuran amphibians that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by serving as prey for a variety of predators, including invertebrates and vertebrates. These amphibians have developed physiological, morphological, and behavioral antipredatory adaptations, which have been primarily studied in Atlantic Forest species, resulting in significant knowledge gaps regarding Amazonian taxa. This study presents behavioral observations of three Amazonian anuran species, Adelphobates quinquevittatus, Dendropsophus marmarotus, and Rhaebo guttatus, in response to human approach and handling. These natural history records provide baseline data on the behavioral repertoires of these species.
<div class="___1obcdld f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1i1t7jz fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 fgct6un f1ec1nbe f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h f1d9bsk fmzhlt0 f145l92p fwkyaqm f129obh1 f19la9g f127w39w fr0ux9m fxhidck f1cu4h9j f1wnbo7v f1eueg4z fy9c24f f1h2o91j f1iw08fq"> The etymologies of the generic names and specific epithets of 1,206 Brazilian amphibian species and their synonyms, are presented. The compilation ranges from Rana pipa, the first Brazilian species described in the 10th edition of the Systema Naturae by Linnaeus (1758), to Osteocephalus melanops, published by Melo-Sampaio et al. on December 20, 2021. Within this range are 18 species named in the XVIII century, followed by 204 in the XIX, 527 in the XX, and 457 in the first 21 years of the XXIth century. A total of 1,706 primary quotations are listed, representing a much larger number if the referred desinenes and variations of a same name were considered.
A note on the reproduction of Amphisbaena anaemariae Vanzolini, 1997 (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae)
Science slam: Uma ideia para o Congresso Brasileiro de Herpetologia?
First record of Dendropsophus anataliasiasi (Bokermann, 1972) (Anura, Hylidae) for the state of Pará, Brazil
This study reports the first record of Dendropsophus anataliasiae from the state of Pará, Brazil, in the municipality of Santana do Araguaia. This finding expands the known geographic distribution of the species, previously recorded in Cerrado areas approximately 229 km northwest of the type locality. The identification of the collected specimens was confirmed through morphological and genetic analyses. Morphologically, the individuals exhibited the diagnostic characters of the species, such as dorsal stripes, with slight variation in head measurements. DNA analyses corroborated the taxonomic identity, grouping the specimens with previously known sequences of the species. This record represents the 196th amphibian species documented for the state of Pará.
Primeiro registro de Rhinella pygmaea (Myers & Carvalho, 1952) para o município do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, e ameaças à sua conservação
Rhinella pygmaea is an endemic anuran of the Atlantic Forest in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, which spends most of its life buried in sandy soils. Little is known about its natural history or the occurrence of populations within its distribution range, especially in areas subject to intense anthropogenic pressure due to human occupation. Here, we report the first record of a population in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, at a locality that was theoretically protected within the Environmental Protection Area of the Serras de Inhoaíba, Cantagalo, and Santa Eugênia. After this record, part of the habitat occupied by this population was removed from the conservation unit by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall. The area was subsequently designated for the establishment of an urban park and other land uses, rendering the future of the species in the municipality uncertain.
Notes on the Natural History of Helicops leopardinus (SCHLEGEL, 1837) (Serpentes: Hydropsini) in a large urban center
Urban centers represent emerging socio‑ecological ecosystems that promote novel interactions, behavioral changes, and, consequently, new evolutionary trajectories. Population projections indicate that more than 60% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas by 2030, leading to habitat reduction and loss of space for wildlife. In this study, we investigated the diet and parasite ecology of an urban population of the water snake Helicops leopardinus. To this end, 50 individuals from scientific collections were analyzed. We recorded the first case of H. leopardinus consuming Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which accounted for 50% of the total prey volume recorded. In addition, we documented the presence of cestode parasites of the genus Ophiotaenia, infecting 16% of the sampled individuals. These findings highlight the ecological flexibility of the species and contribute to a better understanding of wildlife responses to urban environments.
Predation of Eurolophosaurus aff. divaricatus (Sauria: Tropiduridae) by Philodryas nattereri (Serpentes: Colubridae)
This study reports the first record of predation on the lizard Eurolophosaurus aff. divaricatus, with the snake Philodryas nattereri as the predator. The event was observed on October 23, 2023, in the paleodunes of the São Francisco River, in Casa Nova municipality, Bahia, Brazil. We found an adult P. nattereri swallowing an adult E. aff. divaricatus inside a pitfall trap. As we approached, the snake quickly regurgitated its prey and escaped from the trap. Although E. aff. divaricatus has a restricted distribution, its local populations are relatively dense. Consequently, it is not surprising that P. nattereri preys on this lizard, given the relative abundance of E. aff. divaricatus and the generalist feeding habits and wide geographic distribution of this snake. This record highlights the incidental predation that can occur in pitfall traps and emphasizes the importance of frequent trap monitoring to minimize such events, particularly in areas of high endemism.
Defensive behavior of Adelophryne nordestina (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae) in an Atlantic Forest fragment in Northeast Brazil
Predation is one of the most significant selective pressures affecting survival in nature, compelling species to develop crucial defense strategies. Anurans exhibit a diverse repertoire of defensive behaviors aimed at safeguarding individuals across various stages of predation, but the roles of these behaviors differ among species. This study documents defensive behaviors observed in the miniaturized frog Adelophryne nordestina. We observed mouth gaping and death feigning behaviors in a small subset of the sampled individuals, without correlation between individual size and the defensive behaviors. Similar behaviors have been serendipitously observed in other species within the genus and among other miniaturized anurans. Given their low prevalence in this species, alternative defensive strategies such as cryptic coloration may play a more decisive role in species survival. Information about predators of A. nordestina is needed to clarify the role of each strategy in their predator-prey interaction.
O tripé do Instituto Butantan para evitar a extinção da jararacailhoa
<div class="___1obcdld f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1i1t7jz fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 fgct6un f1ec1nbe f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h f1d9bsk fmzhlt0 f145l92p fwkyaqm f129obh1 f19la9g f127w39w fr0ux9m fxhidck f1cu4h9j f1wnbo7v f1eueg4z fy9c24f f1h2o91j f1iw08fq"> The Golden Lancehead, endemic to Queimada Grande Island and critically endangered, requires swift, integrated action. We present the Butantan Institute’s tripod to prevent extinction: research, ex situ conservation, and education. In the research axis, we are consolidating studies and approaches in natural history, behavioral ecology, reproductive physiology, genetics, and microbiota, providing baselines for management, pairings, and assisted-reproduction protocols. For ex situ conservation, the Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução (LEEv) at Instituto Butantan is developing a vivarium designed to replicate, as far as feasible, the island’s Atlantic Forest structure and microclimate, promoting ecological and behavioral health, reducing inbreeding, and building a stock suitable for future reintroductions. In education, initiatives within LEEv facilities and in coastal schools engage teachers, students, and the public through participatory science, strengthening social support and curbing illegal trade. Integrating these axes offers a replicable framework for other Brazilian snakes and increases the species’ population viability.
And the Oscar goes to: Death-feigning behavior in Stenocercus squarrosus Nogueira & Rodrigues, 2006 (Squamata, Tropiduridae)
This study provides the first record of thanatosis (death-feigning behavior) in Stenocercus squarrosus, observed during a herpetofaunal inventory in the municipality of Caldeirão Grande do Piauí, state of Piauí, Brazil. Upon detecting the observer’s approach or following a slight touch, the individual rapidly fled approximately 10–15 cm before abruptly dropping to the ground, pressing its body dorsoventrally against the substrate, and extending its limbs alternately along each side of the body. Such a defensive display occurring without direct handling is particularly rare among lizards. This observation contributes novel behavioral information to the natural history of S. squarrosus, a species regarded as both elusive and rare.
Elementary survival strategy: first record of death-feigning behavior in Atractus pantostictus (Colubridae, Dipsadinae)
This study reports the first record of primary (crypsis) and secondary (behavioral) defensive strategies in a snake of the genus Atractus. During fieldwork conducted in Santana da Vargem, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, a death-feigning (thanatosis) behavior was observed in an individual of Atractus pantostictus. The event allowed the documentation of a sequence of defensive responses exhibited by the snake. When gently touched, the individual initially remained motionless, then performed body contortions, and finally coiled its trunk while simulating death. The entire behavioral sequence lasted approximately twenty seconds and was followed by escape. This record expands the knowledge of defense mechanisms in fossorial species such as A. pantostictus. It contributes to the understanding of antipredator behaviors in the genus Atractus, whose natural history remains poorly known.
First confirmed record of Rhinobothryum lentiginosum (Serpentes: Colubridae) in the state of Tocantins, Brazil
An unexpected encounter: first record of predation on Hemidactylus mabouia (Squamata: Gekkonidae) by a juvenile Mastigodryas boddaerti (Squamata: Colubridae)
Antipredator mechanisms of the hylid tree frog Ololygon trapicheiroi (A. Lutz and B. Lutz, 1954)
Are local crops home to frogs? A case study in the Ibiapaba Plateau, state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil
Studies investigating the impact of agricultural landscapes on amphibian diversity are crucial to understanding their consequences on amphibian population dynamics. Nevertheless, some environments, such as montane ecosystems, are still understudied. Herein, we describe the anuran composition in several agricultural landscapes of the Ibiapaba Plateau, Ceará State, Northeast Brazil. We performed anuran sampling in January and February 2019, with a total sampling effort of 154 hours by 3 researchers in 29 collection days. We found 170 individuals in 20 species and six families, of which 65% were found in the National Park of Ubajara, Ceará, Brazil. The anuran fauna was similar regardless of the crop type, and the Hylidae and Leptodactylidae had the highest species richness and abundance. Overall, we observed that these crops are usually homes for generalist frogs that are more adapted to disturbed environments. This will support awareness of public policies aimed at herpetofaunal preservation and conservation in this mountain due to the increase of anthropogenic disturbances in these areas.
Distress call of Boana geographica (Spix, 1824) recorded in the state of Maranhão, Brazil
Aprimorando o conhecimento sobre espécies exóticas por meio de mídias sociais: 34 novas localidades de ocorrência de Pantherophis guttatus (Serpentes: Colubridae) no Brasil
Utilizando uma abordagem de ciência cidadã que envolveu a combinação de dados obtidos por nós e informações de redes sociais, identificamos 34 novas localidades de Pantherophis guttatus no Brasil. Entre as três plataformas de ciência cidadã analisadas, o Facebook foi a única que retornou registros de P. guttatus no país, com a maioria (69,7%) proveniente do “Grupo do Biólogo Henrique”, atualmente o mais popular do Brasil relacionado à herpetologia. A região Sudeste concentrou a maioria dos registros (82,4%), o que pode ser explicado por fatores socioeconômicos e maior densidade populacional. O aumento expressivo de registros nos últimos dois anos (73,5% da amostra) pode sugerir um crescimento na quantidade de espécimes em vida livre, mas também pode ser resultado do aumento do número de usuários e grupos online relacionados à herpetologia. Dos registros levantados, 29,4% dos espécimes continuaram em vida livre, enquanto 38,3% foram encaminhados para órgãos competentes. No entanto, em ao menos um caso o espécime foi novamente posto em vida livre, atitude que decorre da falta de conhecimento para diferenciar espécies nativas de exóticas pelo público em geral. Finalmente, o ritmo cada vez mais acelerado de novos registros de P. guttatus evidencia a importância de iniciativas adicionais aos artigos científicos, como plataformas de ciência cidadã especializadas, para monitorar os avanços na distribuição de espécies exóticas no Brasil.
Predation of Micrablepharus maximiliani (Reinhardt & Lütken, 1862) by Cercosaura parkeri (Ruibal, 1952) (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae)
Procedures for obtaining tissue samples from amphibian and reptile specimens for museomics
Here we provide the etymologies of all 416 extant reptile genera that occur on the American supercontinent, ranging from Canada to Argentina and Chile, but excluding the Caribbean. The 416 genera make up one third of all 1,250 reptile genera worldwide. Most of these names are still based on Greek and Latin terms (316 and 79, respectively), and about 20 names each are based on local terms, eponyms, and actual localities. The origin of some names remains mysterious (e.g. Farancia, Ficimia, Ninia), although we do offer speculations about them. More than half of all American reptile genera were coined by just 10 individuals, two of whom are still alive. The vast majority of names were coined in an intense period of discovery from around 1820 to 1880 (when many authors did not explain the origin of their names). However, a significant increase of new genus descriptions has begun in the 21st century with the advent of molecular taxonomy.
The Etymology of the Gymnophiona of the World
The etymologies of the generic names and specific epithets of all the Gymnophiona described between 1758 and 2023 are presented, pinpointing their current taxonomic standing. Each reference includes illuminating excerpts from the original descriptions, or from the directly transcribed original etymology, to shed light on the nomenclatural origins.