Eryx Jaculus Research Articles

The first record of Paraclostridium benzoelyticum and Enterococcus thailandicus bacteria isolated from the Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) snake species distributed in Türkiye

The first record of Paraclostridium benzoelyticum and Enterococcus thailandicus bacteria isolated from the Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) snake species distributed in Türkiye

New data on the distribution of Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Reptilia: Serpentes) in Bulgaria

We report three newly registered localities of the javelin sand boa - Eryx jaculus along the Black Sea Coast. The nearest known localities (outside of the study area) of the species are situated at a considerable distance (100-230 km) from the recently discovered ones. The data presented here confirm the presence of E. jaculus along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and expand the knowledge on its distribution both in the country and in the Balkans.

An assessment of the herpetofauna of the Oriental Sweetgum forests in southwestern Anatolia, Turkey


 
 
 
 Oriental Sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) is a threatened tree species restricted to Rhodes Island (Greece) and southern Anatolia (Turkey), best known for its rare riparian forests. These small patches of forests are severely fragmented and scattered, and are rarely found in southwestern Turkey. Based on field sampling and data compilation, we performed an assessment of the herpetofauna in these forests in southwestern Turkey during the spring of 2019 and 2021. Sampling was carried out using a line-transect method in 13 forests with various habitats, resulting in data at the community and population levels. Sixteen families, including 26 amphibian and reptile species (four anurans, four turtles, nine lizards, and nine snakes), were recorded from these unique forests, based on 1440 individuals. Twenty-two species were recorded for the first time from these forests; in addition, Emys orbicularis and Elaphe sauromates were recorded for the first time from the region. Richness in the forest patches, habitat use by the recorded species, and interspecific interactions are discussed to explain the conspicuous patterns observed in the species distributions. The unique distribution pattern of Phoenicolacerta laevis among the existing forest patches represents the most prominent finding, with implications for a recent introduction. The fossorial species Xerotyphlops vermicularis, Blanus strauchi, and Eryx jaculus are unlikely to occur in the Oriental Sweetgum forest due to annual flooding. The data obtained during this study will be transferred to the Oriental Sweetgum forest conservation action plan (2019–2024) as part of the biodiversity monitoring tools for use in the long-term conservation of these forests.
 
 
 

Annual activity cycle of the Javeline sand Boa Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Sicily.

Annual activity cycle of the Javeline sand Boa Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Sicily.

Food Habits of the Javelin Sand Boa Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus 1758; Serpentes, Erycidae) in Sicily, Italy

The Javelin Sand Boa, Eryx jaculus, is reported to be a predator of mammals, lizards and their eggs, and occasionally of birds and invertebrates, but data on its diet are scarce and fragmentary. Here we describe some aspects of the feeding behavior of E. jaculus on the Mediterranean island of Sicily. A total of 132 individual snakes were examined. Prey remains were found in 43% of them, both in their feces (82.5%) and gut contents (17.5%). The number of snakes observed and their feeding rate decreased in August, probably as a result of the relatively higher temperatures. Feeding rate increases were observed in adult females in September, perhaps to enhance body reserves before hibernation. The overall prey spectrum is dominated by small mammals, with a frequency of occurrence of 71.4%, but also consisted of lizard eggs (30.2%) and lizards (7.9%). Lizards seem to be occasional prey, and our frequent detection of ingested autotomized tails suggests E. jaculus has low efficiency as a saurian predator. We observed a relationship between prey type and snout–vent length of the snakes. Lizard eggs are most frequently eaten by smaller snakes, which could be linked to gape size ontogenetic variation. We found differences in the prey spectrum between sexes and age classes. Our results indicate that juveniles, adult males, and females seem to adopt different foraging strategies. Females probably adopt ambush predation on small mammals, while juveniles are active foragers of lizard eggs. Adult males appear to be slightly more versatile predators, consuming both types of prey, probably because of their high mobility rates during the mating period.

Snake Conservation State in the Reserves of the Volga Basin

There are 23 nature reserves in the Volga basin, all of them in the Russian Federation. According to our data and open access literature sources, ten out of the eleven species of snakes that are reliably known to be found in the Volga basin, inhabit and, therefore, are protected in 22 reserves. No snakes have been recorded in the Vishersky Reserve. One species inhabits the nature reserves “Basegi” and “Tsentralno-Lesnoy”, two species – in the reserves “Bolshaya Kokshaga”, “Darvinsky”, “Kaluzhskie zaseki”, “Kologrivsky forest”, “Nurgush”, “Prioksko-terrasny”, in the reserves “Bashkirsky”, “Visimsky”, “Volzhsko-Kamsky”, “Kerzhensky”, “Mordovsky”, “Oksky”, “Prisursky”, “Shulgan-Tash” and “Yuzhno-Uralsky” there are 3 species each, the reserves “Zhigulevsky” and “Volga forest-steppe” – 4 species each, in the reserves “Astrakhansky” and “Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky” – 5 species each, in the reserve “Chornye Zemli” – 7 species. Eryx jaculus was not found in the reserves of the Volga basin. Species Eryx miliaris inhabits two reserves, Natrix natrix – 20, Natrix tessellata – 2, Coronella austriaca – 11, Elaphe dione – 4, Elaphe sauromates – 2, Hierophis caspius – 3, Malpolon monspessulanus – 1, Vipera berus – 19, Vipera renardi – 2. The latter species is represented in both reserves (Volga forest-steppe and Astrakhansky) only by the nominative subspecies Vipera r. renardi, and in the Volga Basin, by the endemic subspecies V. r. bashkirovi, which has no conservation status in regional reserves. Three species of snakes are the least prosperous in terms conservation in the Volga basin: Eryx jaculus, Eryx miliaris, and Vipera renardi.

Snakes of the Volga basin in the Red Data Books of Differnt Levels

Currently, 11 species of snakes are reliably known to be found in the Volga River basin. Vipera renardi has been assigned the Vulnerable (VU) category on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The authors analyze the representation of snakes in the Volga basin in the latest editions of the Red Data Book (RDB) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the RDB of the Russian Federation and the RDBs of Russian Oblasts, which are fully or partially related to the Volga basin. The species Hierophis caspius is included in the list of protected species in the RDB of Kazakhstan in the interfluve of the Volga and the Urals. The RDB of the Russian Federation considers rare and threatened three ophidiofauna species of the Volga basin: Eryx jaculus, Eryx miliaris, and Elaphe sauromates. Coronella austriaca is the most listed species in the Red Data Books of the constituent entities of Russia in the Volga Basin (35 Red Data Books); it is widespread but rare. The RDB of the Republic of Kalmykia protects the world’s northernmost population of Eryx jaculus. The RDBs of the Republic of Bashkortostan and Samara Oblast protect the world’s northernmost populations of Natrix tessellata, the RDB of Tatarstan protects the world’s northernmost population of Vipera renardi. The RDB of Volgograd Oblast protects the world’s northernmost population of Hierophis caspius, and the RDB of Samara Oblast – the northernmost population of Elaphe dione in Europe. Anthropogenic transformation of habitats, traffic-related deaths and actual killing of snakes are the main limiting factors in the RDBs. The authors believe that an effective measure of conservation is the creation of protected areas in the habitats of species, and, first of all, the preservation of winter brumation sites.

AN OVERVIEW ON THE LATE MIOCENE VERTEBRATES FROM THE FISSURE FILLINGS OF MONTICINO QUARRY (BRISIGHELLA, ITALY), WITH NEW DATA ON NON-MAMMALIAN TAXA

The latest Messinian Monticino Quarry fissure fillings, near Brisighella in Italy, are well known for their diverse mammal fauna. Conversely, little is known about other vertebrates from this rich site. Beside presenting an overview of the mammals, here we describe fish, amphibian, reptile, and bird remains, identifying three, eight, at least 18, and five taxa, respectively. Some of these represent the oldest occurrences either worldwide (an erycine snake related to Eryx jaculus, Malpolon, and otidids birds) or locally (common toads in the Apennine Peninsula and eremiadine lacertids in Europe, the latter being also the only known occurrence of these lizards in Italy). Altogether, the vertebrate fauna from Monticino Quarry is indicative of a complex palaeoenvironment, which was warm and somehow dry. Water bodies were indeed present though, as well as a patchy set of habitats with loose or sandy soils, rocky outcrops, open biotopes, and (even though maybe to a lesser extent) wooded areas. Furthermore, estuarine or lagoonal conditions were likely present near the depositional site. From a palaeobiogeographical point of view, the non-mammal vertebrate assemblage from Monticino Quarry shows considerable Afro-Asian affinities at least for some components. In the context of the Italian late Miocene continental vertebrate assemblages, that of Monticino is remarkably similar to those from the Piedmont Basin, especially if compared with the Tusco-Sardinian area, Apulian Platform, Calabrian Arc and Sicily. This is consistent with the palaeobiogeographic scenario defined by mammal assemblages, with northcentral Italy, Tuscany and Sardinia, Apulian Platform, and Calabria and Sicily representing separated bioprovinces.

Morphological variation of the newly confirmed population of the javelin sand boa, Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Serpentes, erycidae) in Sicily, Italy

The presence of the Javelin sand boa in Sicily has recently been confirmed. Here the morphological characters and sexual dimorphism of the Sicilian population of Eryx jaculus are presented. Seven meristic and six metric characters in 96 specimens from Sicily were examined. The results show that tail length, snout-vent length, the distance between nostrils and the number of ventral and subcaudal scales are different between sexes. The characters found in the Sicilian population of the Javelin sand boa resemble those of the African population (ssp. jaculus) rather than the Eurasian population (ssp. turcicus), but biomolecular studies are necessary to understand its taxonomic identity.

New recording of Kalicephalus sp (nematode) and its histological effect on Eryx jaculus snake in Diwaniyah province / Iraq.

During the period between March 2017 and March 2018, 28 Eryx jaculus snakes were collected by snake-hunting enthusiasts, some by farmers in villages in Diwaniyah, Afak, Hamzah al-Sharqi, Dagara, Nafer and Al-Badair districts of Diwaniyah province. Diagnosis of snake samples in the Museum of Natural History at the University of Baghdad.
 
 The results of the current study on the examination 28 snakes revealed that 21 of them were infected with nematode Kalicephalus sp. with a rate of infection reached %75 , and through study sites where the presence of worm nematode it was noted that most of the infections concentrated in the small intestine compared to the stomach and large intestine.
 
 The results of the reading of the histological sections prepared from the small ,large intestines and stomach of the snakes in the study showed the presence of tissue changes caused by the parasites in their specimens represented by infiltration of inflammatory cell , degeneration of villi,atrophy , necrosis and local death of some affected tissues,and all results of the current study are new and recorded for the first time in Iraq.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Javelin Sand Boa, Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Serpentes: Erycidae), from Western Iran

The Javelin sand boa, Eryx jaculus, is one of the erycid snakes occurring in Iran. In order to investigate sexual dimorphism in this species, 12 morphological characters were examined in 22 adult specimens (10 males and 12 females) from different localities in western Iran. Results showed that the number of sub-caudal scales, the relative tail length, and snout-vent length are different between sexes. Brief comparison of sexual dimorphism among species of Eryx was presented.

Taxonomy and distribution of sand boas of the genus Eryx Daudin, 1803 (Serpentes: Erycidae) in Iran

We review the distribution, morphology and taxonomic status of Eryx elegans, E. jaculus, E. miliaris, E. tataricus and E. johnii in Iran and examine four metric and 10 meristic characters of 94 specimens from different parts of the country. There are significant morphological differences between Eryx tataricus, E. jaculus and E. elegans, mainly in snout vent length, tail length, and number of ventrals, subcaudals and dorsal scales. Eryx jayakari and E. johnii can easily be distinguished based on their morphological traits and limited distribution in Iran. The occurrence of E. miliaris in Iran was not confirmed. The Iranian populations of Eryx jaculus are assigned to the subspecies E. j. turcicus. E. jaculus specimens from southwestern Iran had higher ventral scales than other populations, so evaluating their taxonomic status needs genetic studies in the future. A distribution map and a revised key to the genus Eryx in Iran are presented.

Comparative histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies of the nephron of selected snakes from the Egyptian area

The present study was aimed to compare and contrast the histochemical, histological and ultrastructural variations (microanatomical differences) in the nephrons of selected snake species, Eryx jaculus (Boidae), Psammophis sibilans (Colubridae), Naja haje (Elapidae) and Echis pyramidum (Viperidae) from Egypt. The structural studies were carried out by conventional light and electron microscopy. The nephron, the renal unit of snakes, consists of renal corpuscle, proximal tubule, intermediate segment, distal tubule and collecting tubule. The renal corpuscles have large capillaries with clear and dark fenestrated endothelial cells. The proximal tubule showed long microvilli, cytoplasmic vacuoles, developed endoplasmic reticulum and abundant mitochondria. The intermediate segment was lined by ciliated cells. The lining cells of the distal tubules showed few microvilli, abundant dense mitochondria and clear vesicles of mucous appeared in the terminal portion. The collecting tubules consisted of mucous cells. In summary, the ultra-structure studies of nephrons revealed several interspecies similarities and also some intra-species differences in species of snakes.

Scales Microstructure of Snakes from the Egyptian Area

The morphology of many organisms seems to be related to the environments in which they live. Many snakes are so similar in their morphological patterns that it becomes quite difficult to distinguish any adaptive divergence that may have occurred. Many authors have suggested that the microstructure of the reptile's scales has important functional value. Herein, we investigate variations on the micromorphology of the external surface of dorsal scales on the head, the mid-body region (trunk), and the tail of Rhomphotyphlops braminus (Typhlopidae), Eryx jaculus (Boidae), Psammophis sibilans (Colubridae), Naja haje (Elapidae) and Echis carinatus (Viperidae). The specimens were metallized and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. All species displayed unique dorsal scale surface microstructures of the investigated regions. The microstructural pattern of the scales of head, trunk, and tail differs in different species of these snakes. In conclusion, we detected ecomorphologic relationships between extant dorsal scale microstructures and snake microhabitat, enabling us to hypothesize that environmental pressures have significant influences not only on these animals' macrostructure, but also on its microstructure as well.

Eryx jaculus (Reptilia, Boidae) north of Danube: a road-killed specimen from Romania

In September 2011 we identified a killed specimen of Eryx jaculus on the road between the towns of Turnu Magurele and Corabia, in southern Romania. This seems to be the first record of the species north of the Danube. Although surprising, the identification of E. jaculus in the area is interpreted in the light of the presence of other species of herpetofauna in the Danube floodplain with similar ecological requirements, reaching here their northern distribution limit. Survival of the species appears to be favoured by the existence of some protected areas in the region.

Armées en marche et découvertes herpétologiques dans l'Antiquité*

Expeditionary forces and herpetological discoveries in AntiquityA number of impressive cases of armies confronted by venomous serpents in remote parts of the world are mentioned in ancient texts: from the eastern campaigns of Alexander and of Pompey to the expeditions led in Northern Africa, the Levant and Arabia, several recurring themes raise questions about the epistemological function of these military episodes. As well as traditional fears about the potential dangers of unknown territory, various aspects of these accounts are related to the discovery of knowledge about ophidians: an exploratory mission, the behaviour of the group, unfavourable circumstances, the presence or absence of medical specialists, information supplied by native people. This paper offers an overview of these different expeditions and of the ophidians discovered and explores the boundaries between legend, history and science. The study reveals that two types of situation generally occur: the armies are either confronted with truly dangerous species (Bungarus, Eristicophis macmahonii, Cerastes cerastes, Cerastes vipera), or they consider serpents which are in fact harmless to be harmful (Eryx jaculus, Coluber elegantissimus). Both situations serve to exaggerate the portrayal of this kind of encounter as catastrophic.

Systematics, distribution and ecology of the snakes of Jordan

The present study consists of both locality records and of literary data for 37 species and subspecies of snakes reported from Jordan. Within the past decade snake taxonomy was re-evaluated employing molecular techniques that resulted in reconsideration of several taxa. Thus, it is imperative now to revise the taxonomic status of snakes in Jordan to update workers in Jordan and the surrounding countries with these nomenclatural changes. The snake fauna of Jordan consists of 37 species and subspecies belonging to seven families (Typhlopidae, Leptotyphlopidae, Boidae, Colubridae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae and Viperidae). Families Leptotyphlopidae, Boidae and Elapidae are represented by a single species each, Leptotyphlops macrorhynchus, Eryx jaculus and Walterinnesia aegyptia respectively. The families Typhlopidae and Atractaspididae are represented by two and three species respectively. Species of the former genus Coluber were updated and the newly adopted names are included. Family Colubridae is represented by twelve genera (Dolichophis, Eirenis, Hemorrhois, Lytorhynchus, Malpolon, Natrix, Platyceps, Psammophis, Rhagerhis, Rhynchocalamus, Spalerosophis and Telescopus) and includes 24 species. Family Viperidae includes fi ve genera (Cerastes, Daboia, Echis, Macrovipera and Pseudocerastes), each of which is represented by a single species, except the genus Cerastes which is represented by two subspecies. We also included distributional data for all species. Scale counts and body measurements are given for most species. Notes on biology and ecology as well as distribution maps and a complete listing for all previous and recent records are provided for each species. Zoogeographic analysis for the snake fauna of Jordan is also given, along with notes on species status and conservation.

Species Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles in the Special Protected Area “Besaparski Ridove”, Southern Bulgaria

ABSTRACTWe present briefly the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the Special Protected Area “Besaparski ridove” in southwestern Bulgaria, based on a 2 × 2 km UTM grid. Between 1998 and 2008, we identified 24 species, and failed to verify the literature data only for a fossorial boa, Eryx jaculus. We documented five new amphibian species for the region (Salamandra salamandra, Triturus karelinii, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, Rana dalmatina, and R. graeca) and four species of reptiles (Testudo graeca, T. hermanni, Ablepharus kitaibelii, and Zamenis longissimus). The least common amphibians in the protected area were S. salamandra, R. graeca, and T. karelinii (number of squares in which these species are present from the total, A = 1.85%) and the most common were Pelophylax ridibundus (A = 35.19%), B. bufo (A = 20.37%), and Epidalea viridis (A = 18.52%). The least common reptiles were T. graeca, T. hermanni, Z. longissimus, Platyceps najadum (A = 1.85%) and A. kitaibelii and E. jaculus (A = 3.7%). The most common reptiles were Podarcis tauricus (A = 44.44%), Lacerta trilineata (A = 42.59%), and L. viridis (A = 29.63%).