Lepidodactylus Lugubris Research Articles

The terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the krakatau islands, sunda strait, 1883-1986

The results of terrestrial vertebrate collecting on the Krakatau Islands, Sunda Strait, during La Trobe University-L.I.P.I. expeditions in 1984, 1985 and 1986 are reported and previous records from the islands are consolidated and reviewed. Since the 1883 eruption of Krakatau, 15 species of terrestrial vertebrates (13 reptiles and 2 mammals) have been recorded from the Krakatau Group. Two of the species records (Crocodylus porosusandCosymbotus platyursareonly incidental but the remaining thirteen species have at some stage established breeding populations on one or more islands. In the first 50 years up to 1933, ten species (eight reptiles and two mammals) reached the islands, eight of which (Hemidactylus frenatus, Lepidodactylus lugubris, Emoia atrocostata, Mabuya multifasciata,Varanus salvator, Python reticulatus, Rattus rattusandRattus tiomanicus) had established breeding populations. Results of collections made over the period 1982-1986 showed that two of the species (L. lugubris and E. atrocostata) with breeding populations in 1933 had become extinct, whereas five new species (Gekko gecko, Gekko monarchus, Hemiphyllodactylus typus, Chrysopelea paradisiandRamphotyphlops braminus) have reached the islands and established breeding populations. Therefore at the end of 100 years, eleven species of terrestrial vertebrates have extant breeding populations on one or more islands in the Krakatau group; two species have become extinct; and two species have incidental records. Significant ecological changes in the development of the present day terrestrial fauna are discussed. These include canopy closure of the forests and continual marine erosion of the coasts that together have eliminated most of the open habitats on Rakata, Sertung and Panjang; heavy ash falls from volcanic eruptions on Anak Krakatau that have periodically disrupted successional stages and habitats on Sertung, Panjang and Anak Krakatau. The dispersal of terrestrial vertebrates in the Sunda Strait is discussed in the light of the heavy boat traffic and the predominant southwest ocean currents. It is concluded that dispersal by human agency on boats is highly significant, seven of the 15 recorded species (46%) being most likely to have reached the islands in this way; and the prevailing southwest flow of water in Sunda Strait makes Sebesi and Sumatra the probable source areas for the eight species most likely to have dispersed on ocean currents by swimming or rafting. Anak Krakatau, the volcanic island that became permanent in Aug. 1930, has three species of terrestrial vertebrates (H. frenatus, V. salvator. andC. paradisi) all of which have established breeding populations on Rakata, Sertung and Panjang. The early arrival ofH. frenatusandV. salvatorand their present abundance on all four islands distinguishes them as the most successful terrestrial vertebrate colonizers of the Krakatau group.

Dominance Behavior in Asexual Gecko, Lepidodac lugubris, and its Possible Relationship to Calcium

Investigations of dominance behavior and its relationship to calcium gland size were conducted in the asexual gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris. In an initial study, geckos,immediately after laying eggs, were randomly assigned to one of six groups where time of social contact (2 vs. 7 days) and type of social contact (direct experience with a gravid or non-gravid gecko or indirect experience) were varied in a 2 X 3 factorial design. Behaviors displayed by geckos in social contact were system atically recorded. Dominance hierarchies were readily formed between gecko dyads that received 7 days of social contact with each other. Dominance was not related to gecko size or reproductive state. A second study examined the relationship between dominance, calcium gland size and egg development. Geckos were housed in groups of 4 for 28 days and were subsequently transferred into either dyads or housed individually for an additional 28 days. During the final 28 days, half of the geckos received extra calcium. Dominance, size of calcium glands and egg development were recorded. Dominant geckos developed a greater number of eggs and had larger initial calcium glands than subordinates, but extra calcium was not related o gland size. The function of dominance in L. lugubris populations may be two-fold: it may act as a spacing mechanism in low density environments and may facilitate the development and laying of eggs by more nutritionally fit individuals in high density environments.

Qualitative Analysis of the Development of Endolymphatic Sacs by a Gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris) in French Polynesia

Une recherche qualitative du stockage de calcium dans les sacs endolymphatiques a ete menee chez L. lugubris.L'hypertrophie des sacs endolymphatiques n'existe que chez les femelles et a ete associee etroitement au developpement des oeufs dans l'oviducte.Des differences siginificatives dans la taille des sacs entre les populations des differentes iles et dans des clones a l'interieur des iles ont ete attribuees a des variations saisonnieres de l'oviposition

Thermal Biology of Nocturnal Ectotherms: Is Sprint Performance of Geckos Maximal at Low Body Temperatures?

Nocturnal geckos are active with body temperatures Tb that are low and variable relative to those of diurnal lizards. If the physiology of geckos is evolutionarily adapted to these low and variable Tb's, then the physiology of geckos should function best at relatively low and variable temperatures. We tested a specific prediction of this hypothesis by comparing the thermal dependence of sprint speed of nocturnal geckos versus diurnal lizards. In fact, optimal temperatures and performance breadths for sprinting of several geckos (Coleonyx brevis, C. variegatus, Hemidactylus frenatus, H. turcicus, Lepidodactylus lugubris) do not differ substantially from those of diurnal lizards from other families. As a result geckos normally forage at night at Tb that should be suboptimal for sprinting. Potential evolutionary explanations (e.g., evolutionary inertia of thermal physiology, possible selection pressures favoring high optimal temperatures) for the similarity of the thermal dependence of sprinting of geckos an...

Presumptive sex chromosomes of a unisexual homomorphic species of lizards, Lepidodactylus lugubris.

Incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in prometaphasic chromosomes allows active from inactivated X chromosomes in female mammalian cells to be distinguished. We have applied the technique to the all-female, chromosomally homomorphic gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris. Similar differences to those obtained between the two female sex chromosomes of mammals are observed in the patterns of chromosome pair 1. It is argued that this is more likely to reflect incipient ZW heterogamety than female (XX) homogamety.

Social Experience and Egg Development in the Parthenogenic Gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris

AbstractThe present study examined the influence of social experience on egg development in the parthenogenic gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris. 16 individuals were first housed in communal enclosures. After initial egg development half (N = 8) were removed and placed in isolated conditions. Once isolated individuals laid or miscarried/absorbed their eggs, half of them (N = 4) remained in isolation and the rest were returned to communal cages. Data of inter‐individual distances and behavior were obtained systematically during the study. Dominant animals developed eggs more frequently than subordinate animals, and animals returned to communal cages after isolation developed eggs faster than those that remained in isolation. Pseudocopulations were not observed. The social environment of L. lugubris may be related to egg development in two ways: (1) Greater productivity by dominant individuals may increase not only their personal fitness but also the inclusive fitness of the subordinate individuals; and (2) The presence of other geckos may indicate an environment with the resources necessary to support reproduction and thus facilitate egg development.

HISTOCOMPATIBILITY IN HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN POPULATIONS OF THE PARTHENOGENETIC GECKO LEPIDODACTYLUS LUGUBRIS.

Journal Article HISTOCOMPATIBILITY IN HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN POPULATIONS OF THE PARTHENOGENETIC GECKO LEPIDODACTYLUS LUGUBRIS Get access Orlando Cuellar Orlando Cuellar Department of Biology University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah 84112 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Evolution, Volume 38, Issue 1, 1 January 1984, Pages 176–185, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1558-5646.1984.tb00270.x Published: 01 January 1984 Article history Received: 17 June 1982 Revision received: 21 February 1983 Published: 01 January 1984

Further Observations on Arginine Vasotocin-Induced Oviposition and Parturition in Lizards

Further Observations on Arginine Vasotocin-Induced Oviposition and Parturition in Lizards

Gekkonid Lizards of Guam, Mariana Islands: Reproduction and Habitat Preference

Five sympatric geckos are found on Guam: Perochirus articulatus, Gehyra oceanica, G. mutilata, Lepidodactylus lugubris and Hemidactylus frenatus. Lepidodactylus matures at approximately 35 mm SV; Hemidactylus at 37 mm SV; G. mutilata at 42 mm SV; Perochirus at 47 mm SV; and G. oceanica at 72 mm SV. All five species produce an average of two eggs in a clutch but the number is not constant. Perochirus and G. oceanica are closely associated with relatively undisturbed habitat. G. mutilata is found in all major habitat types but is most common in native forest. Both Hemidactylus and Lepidodactylus are tolerant of human activity and reach highest density in the newly constructed urban complex with well lighted buildings and other foraging surfaces.

Diel Variation of Oxygen Consumption in Three Species of Philippine Gekkonid Lizards

Three species of nocturnal Philippine geckos, Cosymbotus platyurus, Hemidactylus frenatus and Lepidodactylus lugubris, were examined to determine the extent of correlation between diel variation in rate of oxygen consumption (TVo) and activity state. Standard V0, of the three species are indistinguishable after adjustment for differences in body size. A single equation predicts standard o, for all three species: Standard Vo, = 131.9 Weight0709, where To, is in dl-h-' and weight is in g. Standard V~o is lower than rates previously reported for most other reptiles, but similar to rates for other geckos. Routine rV0 varied significantly throughout the day in H. frenatus and L. lugubris; in these two species routine VTo is higher at night than during the day. The three species differ in the duration and timing of maxima and minima in routine ro,. Diel variation in Vo, is sometimes correlated with activity state, but often is not.

Apparent Homosexual Behaviour in an All‐female Population of a Lizard, Lepidodactylus lugubris and its Probable Interpretation

AbstractA case of apparent homosexual behaviour between female lizards is described and photographed in an all‐female, parthenogenetic population of Lepidodactylus lugubris (Gekkonidae) in Hawau. Although other hypothetical explanations are offered, it appears most reasonable that this behaviour constitutes a demonstration of social rank. Briefly reviewed are homosexuality in lizards and the status of the L. lugubris population in Hawaii.ZusammenfassungHomosexuelles, kopulations‐ähnliches Verhalten wurde unter Weibchen einer nur weiblichen, parthenogenetischen Population des tropischen Geckos Lepidodactylus lugubris auf der Insel Oahu, Hawaii, beobachtet. Die beobachtete und photographierte Haltung ähnelte der Kopulationshaltung der bisexuellen Geckos. Dies scheint die erste Mitteilung über Homosexualität weiblicher Echsen in der Natur zu sein.In diesem Fall scheint der Grund der Homosexualität nicht zu sein (1) das Nicht‐Erkennen des Geschlechtes oder (2) Wirkung von männlichen Geschlechtshormonen, die wegen Hermaphroditismus oder teilweisem Geschlechtswechsel vorhanden sind. Anscheinend repräsentiert es auch nicht (1) eine Ersatz‐Befriedigung, da das andere Geschlecht nicht vorhanden ist, oder (2) eine wirkliche Bevorzugung von Partnern desselben Geschlechts.Das homosexuelle Benehmen der “männlichen” Geckoweibchen scheint ihren sozialen Rang oder ihre territoriale Überlegenheit zu demonstrieren, wie bei manchen anderen Vertebraten.

Quantitative analysis of the ovarian cycle of the lizard Lepidodactylus lugubris

Patterns of ovarian follicular growth and atresia, as well as changes in number of oogonia, primary oocytes, and primordial follicles, were studied in the gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris. Sizes of larger, growing follicles increased at the stage in the ovarian cycle when yolking of the largest follicle occurred. Atretic follicles were replaced by new growing follicles recruited into the follicular size hierarchy. The single germinal bed in each ovary, containing oogonia, oocytes, and primordial follicles, was most active during the vitellogenic period. The two ovaries of this species each ovulate one egg simultaneously, and each contains only five growing follicles, about 17% of which are atretic. In contrast, each ovary of other lizard species that ovulate two eggs simultaneously contains two germinal beds and a relatively high number of growing follicles. Extensive follicular atresia (>50%) reduces the number of ovulations to one in these species.

Six New Species and Additional Records of Chiggers from the Central Pacific (Acarina: Trombiculidae)

Described are 6 new species: Schoengastia pobsa from nesting area, seabirds, and European rabbit; Schoengastia saurella from lizards, Cryptoblepharus boutoni and Lepidodactylus lugubris; Microtrombicula nesiota from Sula dactylata; Toritrombicula gygis from Gygis alba; Toritrombicula oceanica from Pluvialis dominica; Toritrombicula thalassa from Nesofregetta albigularis. New host and locality records are given for Blankaartia amersoni, Neoschoengastia atollensis, N. carveri, N. ewingi, N. nr. gallinarum (with description and comments), N. namrui, Neoschoengastoides nr. archaea, Guntherana domrowi, and Guntherana sp. Brennan (1965) identified four species of chiggers in a meager 12 collections from a few seabirds and lizard on four islands of the north central Pacific. Described were Blankaartia amersoni and Guntherana domrowi, and listed were Schoengastia philipi (here revealed to be a new species) and a lone specimen of the peculiar Womersia strandtmanni, a first and only record of its occurrence in the Pacific. This report derives from 111 lots of chiggers collected as that part of the Smithsonian Institution's Pacific Ocean Biological Survey Program to determine species, numbers, host associations, and ecology of all ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates in the primary area of interest. General collections were made from 96 host species on 42 islands. Chiggers were identified from 17 hosts plus man (one specimen attached) on 15 islands and three positions at sea, the 18 locations lying within approximately 26? N to 12? S and 167? E to 159? W. Fifteen species including six new are recorded. Sixteen species of chiggers in seven genera are now recognized in the central Pacific. Schoengastia pobsa sp. n. (Fig. 1) Type data: Holotype and 3 paratypes, RML 46987, larvae, from nesting area, McKean Island, 1 May 1966, N. Heryford; 9 paratypes off Psittarostra cantans, Laysan Island, 11 June 1966, Amerson; 4 paratypes off Phaethon rubricauda and 1 off Puffinus nativitatis, Phoenix Island, 15 April 1966, Heryford; 8 paratypes off Oryctolagus cuniculus, Phoenix Island, 26 May 1965, Amerson. Received for publication 18 May 1971. Holotype and some paratypes in the Rocky Mountain Laboratory, other paratypes in the National Museum of Natural History, Bishop Museum, British Museum (Natural History), and Field Museum of Natural History. Diagnosis: S. pobsa and the following species, S. saurella, superficially resemble S. philipi Womersley and Kohls (off skink, Goodenough Island, New Guinea) but are distinguished by 2 mastitarsalae III and dorsal formula 2-10-8-8-6-2, 1 mastitarsala III and 2-8-6-6-4-2 in S. philipi. Body: Ovate, length and width of holotype, unfed, 215 by 110' u. Eyes 2/2, in a plate, diameter of anterior eye, 8 Am. Anus between fourth and fifth rows of ventral setae. Gnathosoma: Mildly punctate. Cheliceral blades with tricuspid cap and a row of 4 to 6 small dorsal teeth. Galeal seta nude. Palpal setae B/N/NNB, rarely the genual with 1 or 2 branches; tarsus with 7 branched setae, a subterminala and a tarsala; tibial claw trifurcate. Scutum: As figured. With deeply convex and mildly sinuous posterior margin and sinuous anterior margin. Sparsely punctate. Sensillae broadobovate, their bases barely posterior to posterolateral setae. AM less than half as long as the subequal AL and PL. Scutal measurements of holotype: AW 49, PW 67, SB 17, ASB 17, PSB 22, AP 20, AM 28, AL 61, PL 62, S 22 X 13. Legs: Moderately to sparsely punctate. Specialized setae as figured: 3 genualae I, genuala II and III, tibiala III, 2 nude mastitarsalae III. Nonspecialized setae heavily to sparsely branched. Coxal III seta anteromediomarginal. Leg index 660 (sum of lengths of legs I to III on one side). Body setae: Dorsal setae arranged 2-10-8-8-6-2; humerals 41 Au, posthumerals 26 to 40 A, becoming smaller posteriorly. Ventral setae 2-2 sternals plus 28 to 32, postanals similar to dorsals. Schoengastia saurella sp. n. Type data: Holotype and 7 paratypes, RML 45540, larvae, off Cryptoblepharus boutoni, Baker Island, 9 July 1963 (this series was referred to

A Lizard Population on Tinian

THE abundant geckos in the vicinity of an army encampment on Tinian, an island of the Mariana Group, were studied during the period March to July, 1945. My objective was to accumulate data on the life cycles, to determine the approximate population of selected areas, and the extent of individual range. Opportunity for field study was limited but fragmentary information was secured on each of these topics. Three species of geckos collected and designated as Forms A, B, and C were subsequently identified at the Chicago Museum of Natural History as Lepidodactylus lugubris (Dumeril and Bibron), Hemidactylus garnotii Dumeril and Bibron, and Peropus mutilatus (Wiegmann). Hemidactylus, the most abundant form, was studied by marking.