Morphology Of Hemipenes Research Articles

Morphology of hemipenes and its taxonomic implication in the fused eyelids species of the genus Ablepharus (Squamata: Scincidae)

The representatives of the genus Ablepharus Fitzinger, 1824 have not been studied in detail from a morphological and taxonomic perspective. The morphology of hemipenes of 14 taxa of the fused eyelids species of the genus was studied. Manual eversion and inflation with absolute ethanol was used for preparation of the organs. The results indicate that the Ablepharus hemipenes show little variation in general shape and main structures: all hemipenes are deeply bifurcated, without large external calcified or keratinous spines or similar structures. Based on hemipenial morphology, the studied taxa can be separated into two clades: 1) with long, slender and 2) with short, robust lobes of the hemipenis. The morphology of this structure demonstrates close relationships between the fused eyelids ablepharine skinks, points out unresolved taxonomic problems, and shows general congruence with available molecular phylogenies. Hemipenial characteristics appear to be a useful tool for the identification of the species within the genus. Problems associated with the real taxonomic status of the Ablepharus budaki anatolicus paratypes and the distribution of other taxa are discussed. The morphology of the hemipenis of the family Scincidae and the related, inconsistent use of terminology are also commented on.

<b>On two little-known terrestrial South Asian geckoes <I>Hemidactylus reticulatus</I> and <I>Hemidactylus scabriceps</I> (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)</b>

We studied two poorly known terrestrial geckoes inhabiting peninsular India namely, Hemidactylus reticulatus Beddome, 1870 and H. scabriceps (Annandale, 1906). We present data on their morphometry, scalation, colouration and field observations based on both studies in the field and on voucher specimens. Hemipenal morphology for H. scabriceps is presented herein for the first time. Seen in light of some recent cases of misidentification between these two ecologically-similar parapatric species, the present work aids in precise identification and presents landscape clues that help understand their ecology.

First Report of Hemiclitores in Females of South American Liolaemid Lizards

Abstract Studies about copulatory organs in Squamata were restricted to the morphology of hemipenes until Bohme reported homologous paired structures in females of a species of Varanus, which he called hemiclitores. We report the presence of hemiclitores in females of Phymaturus and of two species of Liolaemus and describe observations on the interspecific variation in hemipenis morphology in Phymaturus. Phymaturus and Liolaemus belong to Liolaemidae, a species-rich family of lizards; research about hemipenis morphology is scarce and limited to a few species of those genera. We found the retractor clitoridis magnus in all of the species analyzed; however, the transverse penis was not present in all of them. The general structure of hemiclitores of Phymaturus and Liolaemus females resembled that described for other squamate species; they were smaller than hemipenes and exhibited a sulcus spermaticus. The variation found in different features of these organs (shape, size, pigmentation), as well as the gener...

Contributions to the herpetofauna of the Albertine Rift: Two new species ofchameleon (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae) from an isolated montane forest,south eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Two new species of chameleons from the genera Rhampholeon and Kinyongia are described from an isolated montane forest remnant situated toward the southern end of the Albertine Rift bordering Lake Tanganyika. The closest known localities of species from these genera are 200km and 400km to the north respectively, separated by large intervening tracts of lowland savannah and Brachystegia (Miombo) woodland - habitats not normally inhabited by species of these genera. Rhampholeon hattinghi sp. nov. and Kinyongia mulyai sp. nov. bear superficial resemblances to previously described species (Rh. boulengeri Steindachner and K. adolfifriderici (Sternfeld)). Rhampholeon hattinghi sp. nov. has a relatively smooth supra-orbital ridge, deep axillary but absent inguinal mite pockets, prominent white spots on the base of the tail and a uniquely derived hemipenal morphology with billowing parasulcal evaginations. Like K. adolfifriderici, Kinyongia mulyai sp. nov. is devoid of a rostral appendage but differs in having a longer and narrower head, a higher upper labial scale count and by the absence of a dorsal crest in the male. To place these new chameleons within the context of their respective genera, Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were carried out utilising two mitochondrial (ND2 and 16S) and one nuclear marker (RAG1). Both chameleons were found to have morphological features that distinguish them from other congeners. Based on phylogenetic analysis they are clearly separate evolutionary lineages and are described as new species.

Genitals evolve faster than other traits in Anolis lizards

AbstractMale genitalia are thought to be particularly rapidly evolving morphological structures, but there have been few quantitative interspecific comparisons between the evolutionary rates of genital and nongenital traits. We characterize the morphology of hemipenes in 25 Caribbean Anolis lizard species, and compare rates of hemipenial evolution to those of traits related to ecology or visual signaling. Using phylogenetically based comparisons of rates of evolutionary divergence, we show that genital traits evolve more rapidly than nongenital traits in anoles.

Hemipeneal Morphology of Sri Lankan Dragon Lizards (Sauria: Agamidae)

The morphology of hemipenes, the male external genitalia of reptiles, is considered to be a character of taxonomic importance. It has, however, until recently been used only rarely in agamid systematics. Phylogenies of Sri Lankan Agamidae, constructed using mitochondrial DNA and hemipeneal morphology, have shown remarkable convergence, highlighting the importance of hemipeneal morphology in the taxonomy of these lizards. Here we present descriptions and illustrations of the hemipenes of 17 of the 18 species of Sri Lankan Agamidae and provide a key to the identification of species groups based on this character. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 41 (2): 111-123, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v41i2.5381

The Hemipenes of Some Snakes of the Semifossorial Genus Atractus, with Comments on Variation in the Genus

The hemipenes of seven species of Atractus (Atractus emigdioi, Atractus major, Atractus mariselae, Atractus poeppigi, Atractus torquatus, Atractus univittatus, and Atractus ventrimaculatus) are described. Hemipenial morphology in this poorly known genus of snakes is found to be particularly variable among the species studied. Additionally, the primitive unicapitate hemipenal condition is more widespread among Atractus than was previously thought. Given the drastic variation in hemipenal morphology observed in Atractus, it is likely that characters derived from studying this organ may prove especially useful for future work on intrageneric relationships among members of this genus.

A new dwarf forest chameleon (Squamata:RhampholeonGünther 1874) from Tanzania, East Africa with notes on its infrageneric and Zoogeographie relationships

Tanzania forms the epicentre of chameleon speciation in Africa for both Chamaeleo Laurenti 1768 and Rhampholeon Günther 1874, with six of the 11 known taxa of the latter genus represented. A further new species is described from the montane forests of the Uluguru mountains. The hemipenal morphology is described and compared with other species of Rhampholeon. Distribution patterns within the genus are discussed, and the association of a sub-group within the genus with the Afromontane Archipelago is emphasized.

A new species ofChamaeleoLaurenti 1768 (Reptilia Chamaeleonidae) from a relict montane forest in northern Kenya

A new chameleon is described from Marsabit Mountain in the northern frontier district of Kenya. On the basis of external morphology it becomes an additional member of the Chamaeleo bitaeniatus complex as defined by RAND (1963). However an annulated rostral horn which is present in male specimens, provides further evidence of the close relationship between this group and the east and central African three horned chameleons, a hypothesis suggested by HILLENIUS (1959), and supported by studies on lung and hemipenal morphology by BÖHME & KLAVER (1980), KLAVER (1981), and KLAVER & BÖHME (1986).

HEMIPENAL MORPHOLOGY OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN SNAKES: A TAXONOMIC REVIEW

HEMIPENAL MORPHOLOGY OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN SNAKES: A TAXONOMIC REVIEW

Evidence for multiple insemination in the common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis.

Morph frequencies in litters of naturally mated female Thamnophis sirtalis from populations containing a recessive allele for melanism were found to deviate significantly from simple Mendelian values. These deviations are attributed to multiple male parentage. It is argued that multiple insemination and the resultant sperm competition are viewed most profitably together with copulatory plugs, hemipenal morphology, and aspects of male and female reproductive behavior as consequences of intense intrasexual selection among males.