Lower Labium Research Articles

A new species of green pitviper of the Trimeresurus macrops complex (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) from South Central Coastal Region of Vietnam

We describe a new species of green pitviper from southern and central parts of coastal Vietnam based on morphological and molecular (2406 bp from cyt b, ND4, and 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes) lines of evidence. Trimeresurus cyanolabris sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: small size, maximum known SVL of 638 mm; dorsal scales in 21 (rarely 23)–21–15 rows, moderately keeled except the outermost rows; ventral scales 166–178; subcaudal scales 52–75, all paired; hemipenis forked, calyculate, reaching the 8th subcaudal; eye bright yellow in both sexes; dorsal surface deep green lacking cross-bands; postocular white stripe missing in both sexes; ventrolateral stripe faintly present on the first few dorsal scale rows in males, absent in females; throat, chin, and lower labials in shades of blue. The new species forms a distinct clade on the phylogenetic tree of the genus Trimeresurus and differs from the morphologically similar T. rubeus by a significant divergence in cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA gene sequences (p = 6.0%). The new species is currently known from low- to mid-elevations (ca. 90–400 m a.s.l.) in tropical forests of central-southern Vietnam. This discovery further underlines the importance of this area as a local center of herpetofaunal diversity and endemism, which is under great threat of deforestation.

Oral and Buccophryngeal Morphology of the Tadpoles of Polypedates maculatus with Notes on their Diet pattern

Oral morphological features and the diet of the tadpoles of Polypedates maculatus were described in this study. The tadpoles were collected from various water bodies of the state of Odisha over three consecutive breeding seasons (2018–2020). Oral and internal buccal characters were analysed independently for Gosner developmental stages 25 to 46. The upper labium has four labial tooth rows with a medial gap in the three rows proximal to the mouth, whereas the lower labium has three rows with a medial gap in the row proximal to the mouth. The order of length of denticle rows is A2>P1>P2>A1>P3>A3>A4 with a dental formula of A4(3)/P3(1). The food spectrum of the tadpoles included mostly phytoplanktons (represented by six classes and 51 genera) followed by zooplankton (two classes and four genera). Three Bacillariophyceae genera (Navicula, Pinnularia, and Synedra) contributed most of the gut contents. Scenedesmus was the major food items in Chlorophyceae family and had the highest numeric frequency (7.63%) among all the food items. Other prevalent food items included Zygnematophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Rotifera, Ulvophyceae and Copepoda.

Breeding Biology of the Bombay Night Frog, Nyctibatrachus humayuni, with Notes on Tadpole Description

Night frogs of the genus Nyctibatrachus are endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India, and these frogs exhibit unique courtship and spawning behavior. Herein, we studied the breeding biology of Nyctibatrachus humayuni and describe its tadpole. Our results show that N. humayuni is a terrestrial breeder that reproduces during the southwestern monsoon. Adults of N. humayuni are sexually dimorphic: females are larger, and males have femoral glands on the ventral surface of their thighs. The operational sex ratio is highly skewed in favor of males during the breeding season, while it is close to 1:1 during the rest of the year. Males choose suitable spawning sites, establish territories, and initiate calling, whereas females approach the vocalizing males and, following a brief courtship, deposit eggs at the sites chosen by males. Males produce amplitude-modulated advertisement calls consisting of single or multiple notes depending on the social situation. Unlike most frogs, females of N. humayuni do not spawn while in amplexus. Instead, spawning occurs after separation of the pair following a brief ‘abbreviated amplexus.’ Eggs are deposited on the moist rocks, boulders, and muddy surfaces in the middle and along the sides of montane streams. Clutch size is larger during the early breeding season, while it decreases with the season's progression. Interestingly, egg size is comparable among the breeding season phases, suggesting the absence of a trade-off between egg size and clutch size. Tadpoles are moderately oval and dorsoventrally flattened with a blunt snout. The mouth is ventral; the oral disc consists of upper and lower labia and jaw sheaths. Teeth are completely absent; the jaw sheaths are keratinized and serrated. The upper and lower labia are surrounded by a single row of marginal papillae and 2–3 rows of sub-marginal papillae.

The Effect of Applied Force on Two-Point Discrimination Threshold in the Trigeminal Region.

To determine the effect of alterations in applied force on the two-point discrimination (TPD) threshold and to evaluate whether these effects were gender- or site-dependent. A total of 62 healthy adults were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups based on gender (men and women, n = 31 each). The TPD test was performed using a modified compass on the forehead, upper labium, and lower labium, and each site was tested with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWMs) of sizes 4.56, 5.07, and 5.46 that exerted bending forces of 6, 10, and 26 g, respectively. The differences in thresholds according to alterations in the applied forces were evaluated for different genders and sites. Both gender groups showed a significant decrease in TPD thresholds with the 5.46-size monofilament than with the 4.56- or 5.07-size monofilaments. This decrease was more apparent on the forehead regardless of gender. These findings suggest that increased intensity of mechanical stimuli could increase tactile acuity as measured by the TPD test.

New insights on the morphology and taxonomy of the gecko Mediodactylus ilamensis (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)

As a recently described species, Mediodactylus ilamensis is one of the least studied species of endemic reptiles of Iran. In this study a total number of 11 specimens of Mediodactylus ilamensis were collected from type locality (Zarin-Abad) as well as a new locality in Dinar-Kooh Preserved area, Abdanan Township approximately 27 km on an aerial line in the east of type locality. To investigate morphological variation and reveal sexual dimorphism we employed 32 metric and meristic characters. The most important morphological characteristics of this species are as follow: all scales of the body, with the exception of intermaxillaries, nasals, chin shields, and upper and lower labials, strongly keeled; postmentals absent, dorsal crossbars broad and equal to, or wider than, interspaces; scales of frontal and supraocular regions toward snout are multi-keeled (in some scales up to six keels) and polyhedral. Of the studied morphological characters only two are different significantly between males and females: number of active precloacal pores and ear diameter (vertical). Based on the new material, the validity of M. ilamensis as a full species, well distinguishable from other species of Mediodactylus, is confirmed. Observations on taxonomy, ecology and behavior are given.

Redescription of the Tadpole ofAmeerega hahneli(Boulenger, 1884) (Anura: Dendrobatidae) with Notes on Ontogenetic Variations and Development Habitats

Ameerega hahneli is a terrestrial dendrobatid frog widely distributed in the Amazon region. The tadpole of this species was formally described based on eight specimens in the early developmental stage 25, when some of the morphological structures were still not fully developed. In this study, the tadpoles of A. hahneli are redescribed based on 78 individuals in 14 different developmental stages. Additionally, we provide data on the ontogenetic variations and development sites of tadpoles. Specimens were collected in streamside ponds and streams of non-flooded forest during the rainy season. The tadpole of A. hahneli at stage 36 is characterized by: body elongate, depressed (lateral view), and oval (dorsal view); small size (mean 23.96 mm, range 21.7-26.2 mm); oral disc anteroventral; labial tooth row formulae 1/2; marginal papillae uniseriate, triangular, and distributed only on the lower labium. Like other tadpoles of the genus, the upper jaw sheath is W-shaped with a ventral notch and the lower jaw sheath is V-shaped, the spiracle is sinistral, and the vent tube is dextral. Ontogenetic variations were observed in body size, number of marginal papillae, lateral line system and ventral coloration. Total length increased gradually from the stage 25 (14.67 mm) to stage 37 (26.70 mm), the latter being the maximum total length observed. The combination of the morphological organization of its labial tooth row formulae and the presence of triangular marginal papillae only at the posterior labium allows the A. hahneli tadpoles to be easily distinguished from all the others species of the genus Ameerega.

New Distributional Record and Intra-Specific Variation Of Cerberus schneiderii In Iyam River, Lucena City, Quezon, Philippines

Cerberus is a genus of semi-aquatic snakes that inhabit a wide range of aquatic habitats including estuarine environments. There are two species belonging to this genus known to occur in the Philippines. However, its distributional record is still not well established since only limited areas are surveyed despite of its wide distributional range in the coastal habitats of the country. This study primarily aims to document the occurrence of Cerberus in Iyam River, Lucena City. The scalation patterns and metric characters were also described to determine the range of individual variability among the species. Samples were collected from different habitat types in the sampling area by systematic transect walking. By close examination, it was revealed that the samples exhibit the established morphological description of Cerberus schneiderii. Moreover, population exhibit high variability in scalation pattern such as anal plate, anterior chin shield, lower labials at the first chin shield, type of scale, prefrontal plate, upper labials at loreal, and ocular ring; and metric characters such as total length, tail length, snout-vent length (SVL) and Tail:SVL ratio (H’ = 0.67-1.0). Statistical analysis further showed a strong significant correlation (P = <0.01) between total length and SVL, total length and weight, SVL and weight, and total length and tail length. The occurrence of different morphotypes is very important in understanding the extent of intra-specific variation within Cerberus schneiderii and the possible role of local adaptations and habitat use.

Descriptions of Two New Species of the Genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Southern Vietnam

Two new species of the gekkonid lizards genus Cyrtodactylus are described from South Vietnam. C. nigroocularis sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the Indochina by the combination of characters: depressed head with wide and depressed snout; body moderately slender, elongate with developed ventrolateral folds; limbs moderately long, digits long; tail longer than snount-vent length, with large undivided subcaudals; 13 – 14 upper labials, 13 – 15 lower labials, 17 – 21 narrow subdigital lamellaes fourth toe, around the midbody is 119 – 145 row of scales; femoral large scales absent. C. badenensis sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the Indochina by the combination of characters: enlarged femoral scales and femoral pores absent; 8 – 10 lower labials, 10 – 13 upper labials, 2 internasal scales; 25 – 28 row of the scales across the belly in the middle of body; 18 – 22 subdigital lamellae on the fouth toe of the hind limb.

The strangest tadpole: the oophagous, tree-hole dwelling tadpole of Rhacophorus vampyrus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Vietnam

The tadpole of the vampire flying frog Rhacophorus vampyrus from Vietnam is one of the strangest tadpoles known. These tadpoles develop from non-pigmented eggs suspended in a foam nest placed on the wall of a tree hole. The elongate, depressed body resembles that of some phytotelmon-breeding frogs, but the mouthparts bear little resemblance to any other tadpole: upper labium reduced to one large papilla-like structure on each side, upper jaw sheath with a few huge, widely spaced, hook-shaped serrations that face backwards into the buccal cavity, lower jaw sheath absent, sinistral spiracle visible only ventrally, and two large, forward facing, keratinized hooks accompanied laterally by two similar sized fleshy papillae on the margin of the reduced lower labium. All evidence suggests that the tadpoles are oophagous and that the mother returns to deposit trophic eggs.

Papular lesions of the genitoanal region

From Fund Conf Corre H EA 41-year-old woman was diagnosed with condylomata acuminata at 19 years of age. This diagnosis, established in young adulthood, had influenced her sexual behaviors and lifestyle considerably, and the condition had not improved despite multiple treatments and interventions. She had undergone ablation under general anesthesia twice, with additional surgery planned. The clinical examination revealed multiple, slightly macerated, whitish-brownish papules involving the vulva, especially the left lower labia majora, as well as the perineal and perianal areas (Fig 1). A biopsy specimen was obtained, and the histologic examination revealed suprabasal acantholysis with prominent intraepidermal clefting and some dyskeratosis (Fig 2). Immunohistochemical staining with p16 was negative.

External morphology, buccopharyngeal anatomy and development rate of the tadpoles of two Asian Ranidae (Amphibia: Anura), Hylarana humeralis (Boulenger, 1887) and Hylarana leptoglossa (Cope, 1868)

Descriptions of external morphology and buccal features are provided together with ontogenetic data of the tadpoles of Hylarana humeralis and Hylarana leptoglossa. These tadpoles are compared to known tadpoles of the genus Hylarana as defined by recent phylogenetic analyses here grouped in subgenera as previously proposed. The content of the subgenus Humerana is re-evaluated. The occurrence of three relevant larval characters (keratodont row formula, presence of long marginal papillae on the lower labium and presence of glands) is examined among the different subgenera and clades inferred from molecular phylogenies to assess their homogeneity regarding larval morphology. The smaller eggs of H. humeralis hatch into larger tadpoles and subsequently larger adults than the bigger eggs of H. leptoglossa. The reasons for the observed shift in size during stage 25 for these two species are briefly discussed in the light of literature data.

A misunderstood new gecko of the genus Hemidactylus from Socotra Island, Yemen (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae)

A new endemic gecko of the genus Hemidactylus is described from Socotra Island (Yemen). It is a rupicolous species characterized by: medium-large size (SVL up to 60 mm), back with large trihedral, raised, strongly keeled tubercles intermixed with small granular scales, males with 6-10 preanal pores arranged in two short rows sepa- rated by 2-3 scales. In East Africa, Arabia, the Middle East and India the only other tuberculated Hemidactylus with preanal pores arranged on two separate rows is the Somali H. granchii Lanza, 1978, which differs for the comparatively deeper and short- er head, the nostril separated from the first upper labial, less preanal pores, less upper and lower labials, more tubercles at midbody and more lamellae under the inner toe.

Habitat, egg‐laying behaviour, eggs and tadpoles of four sympatric species of Pseudopaludicola (Anura, Leiuperidae)

In contrast to most leiuperid frogs, Pseudopaludicola falcipes does not lay eggs in foam nests; this could represent a reversion to the primitive state. We found that in four other Pseudopaludicola species, eggs were also not embedded in foam nests and had a well‐defined outermost jelly layer. The females also constantly moved or dived and males lacked vigorous “wiping/kicking” leg motions while eggs were being laid, features that make foam nesting difficult. The tadpoles of three species have two gaps in the marginal papillae along the lower labium and two posterior rows of labial teeth; the tadpoles of one species had three gaps and three rows, a pattern resembling that of some Physalaemus (Leiuperidae) species. Our data on tadpole morphology and reproductive behaviour do not allow us to rule out the paraphyletic nature of Physalaemus in relation to Pseudopaludicola but they provide some support against the “foam‐loss hypothesis” in Pseudopaludicola.

Larval morphology in four species of Hylarana from Vietnam and Thailand with comments on the taxonomy of H. nigrovittata sensu latu (Anura: Ranidae)

We describe the tadpole morphology of four species of Hylarana based on larval specimens identified by DNA barcoding. Of these, the larvae of Hylarana attigua and H. maosonensis, two species recently recorded from Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam, had not been previously described; in addition, descriptions of the tadpoles of syntopic H. guentheri and H. nigrovitatta are provided as well. The tadpoles of these four species are generalized exotrophic lentic-benthic forms of Orton’s Type 4 with a depressed body shape, dorsolaterally positioned eyes and a moderate height of tail fins. In contrast to the silver-whitish H. guentheri the preserved tadpoles of H. attigua, H. maosonensis and H. nigrovittata are greenish-brown to greyish. The generalized oral discs exhibit a wide gap of marginal papillae on the upper labium and elongated papillae on the lower labium. In general, the keratodont row formulae of the Hylarana species studied herein is 2(2)/3(1) (sometimes 1/3(1) in H. guentheri). Differences between species mainly concern body shape, size in different developmental stages as well as number and shape of oral papillae. H. nigrovittata larvae from near Chiang Mai in northern Thailand mainly differ from Vietnamese specimens in the number and shape of oral papillae. In concert with adult morphological differences and molecular divergences by molecular data this indicates species-level distinctness of the Vietnamese versus the northern Thai populations.

Description of two new species from Venezuela in the highly diverse dipsadine genus Atractus (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Abstract Two new species of Atractus are described from Venezuela uplands and highlands on two northern Andean cordilleras. Atractus acheronius, known only from Sierra de Perijá, can be distinguished from congeners by having 17 dorsal scale rows, presence of preocular scales, seven upper and lower labials, seven maxillary teeth, 166 ventrals in the single female, 23 subcaudals, dorsum brown with small dark brown dots, large body size, huge body diameter, and small tail size. Atractus multidentatus, known only from north versant of the Cordillera de Mérida, can be distinguished from congeners by having 17 dorsal scale rows, eight upper and lower labials, 18 maxillary teeth, 153 ventrals in the single female, nine subcaudals, dorsum reddish brown with five longitudinal dark brown stripes, small body size, small body diameter, and small tail size. Additionally, a discussion concerning the species description of Atractus based on unique specimens is provided.

A New Species of Atractus (Serpentes: Dipsadinae) from a Relictual Forest in Northeastern Brazil

A new species of Atractus is described from Serra de Baturité, an Atlantic Forest enclave in the semiarid Caatinga of the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody, long loreal, two postoculars, seven upper and lower labials, first four infralabials in contact with chinshields, seven maxillary teeth, moderate body and tail sizes, slightly bilobed and semicapitate hemipenis with lateral-tip projections, light dorsal color pattern uniformly scattered with small dark brown dots, and ventral color pattern uniformly creamish white. The new species shares most of the external morphology and hemipenis characters with A. pantostictus, differing from this taxon by general color pattern and number of subcaudal scales.

Descriptions of the Tadpoles of Two Neotropical Microhylid Frogs, Melanophryne Carpish and Nelsonophryne Aequatorialis (Anura: Microhylidae)

The tadpole of Melanophryne carpish is described based on two specimens found in an arboreal, water-filled bromeliad in humid montane forest at 2,870 m in the eastern Andes of northern Peru (Departamento de San Martín). It differs from all known New World microhylid tadpoles in having unpigmented, keratinized, jaw sheaths. The lower labium is expanded and platelike. The body is depressed with eyes located dorsally, and the spiracle is ventral. The presence of jaw sheaths suggests that the larvae might feed while undergoing development in aerial plants. The tadpole of Nelsonophryne aequatorialis is described based on a series of 17 specimens in Gosner Stages 37–42, which were found in a water canal in a pasture at 2,535 m in southern Ecuador (Departamento de Azuay). These tadpoles lack jaw sheaths and have a ventral spiracle with medial subdivision evident anterior to the gut. The tadpoles of M. carpish and N. aequatorialis are compared to one another, as well as other microhylid larvae. The nature of characters used to describe microhylid larvae, especially their mouthparts, is discussed and clarified.

Pedicularis aurantiaca and Pedicularis densiflora (Orobanchaceae): Taxonomy, Phenology and Floral Morphological Variation

ABSTRACT We investigated patterns of infraspecific variation among populations of Pedicularis densiflora, including populations formerly recognized as P. densiflora subsp. aurantiaca. Several statistical analyses (UPGMA, ANOVA, and PCA) were conducted on floral traits measured in the field. All three statistical analyses indicated consistent differences in floral morphology among populations. These differences were confirmed by a review of over 1000 herbarium specimens. Two series of populations were separated, and two species recognized, Pedicularis aurantiaca and P. densiflora. Pedicularis aurantiaca had large calyces with floral tubes included at anthesis, reduced lower labia, and enlarged galea openings. Pedicularis densiflora had short calyces with fully exserted floral tubes, enlarged lower labia, and smaller galea openings. Taxonomy, phenology, and floral differences are discussed in the context of previously published data on pollinator visitation.

Vermilion Border Cheiloplasty

The aging process is, in part, characterized by thinning lips, This is antithetical to our culture, which idolizes youth and the plump, full lips associated with youthfulness. Because the appearance of aging lips is not desirable, and many times aging face techniques accentuate the thinning, techniques have been developed to augment aging oral labia. Substances such as fat tissue and bovine collagen are among the choices for use in injectable augmentation. Use of these products will temporarily fill thinning, wrinkled lips, as well as other perioral structures. The use of Gore-Tex provides more permanent enhancement, but is limited as to results. Vermilion border cheiloplasty is a permanent surgical procedure to augment labial tissue that can create lips of virtually any size or shape, as well as excise perioral rhytids. Herein we review 65 lip-lifts (cheiloplasty), with or without corner lifts, where the incision extends beyond commissure. These procedures may be performed together or independently on both the upper and lower labia. However, poor scar formation, asymmetries, and prolonged healing make this a procedure for those who fail lesser techniques.

Oral disc muscles of anuran tadpoles.

The presence and configurations of the small, extrinsic muscle fibers of the M. mandibulolabialis superior in the upper labium and the M. inferior in the lower labium are described for 24 species in 9 families. Although several species possess only the M. inferior, or both the M. inferior and superior, none has only the M. superior. Some species without tooth rows possess the M. inferior, and microhylid tadpoles have a single-stranded muscle different than the M. mandibulolabialis in each oral flap. The extrinsic oral muscles insert near the bottom of the inter-row valleys behind each tooth ridge and the bases of marginal papillae lateral to the ends of tooth rows. Muscles do not extend to marginal papillae beyond the most distal row of teeth. Muscle contraction is presumed to rotate the teeth distally so that they contact the substrate at the proper working angle. This action probably occurs at full extension of the oral disc just before disc closure starts.