Phrynocephalus Helioscopus Research Articles

Further description of the poorly known zooparasitic nematode Abbreviata baltazardi Chabaud, 1953 (Spirurida: Physalopteridae).

Abbreviata baltazardi Chabaud, 1953 (Nematoda: Physalopteridae) is a hitherto poorly known parasitic nematode species reported from Phrynocephalus helioscopus Pallas (Squamata: Agamidae) in Iran. The current knowledge on the morphology of A. baltazardi is still very limited. In the present study, the detailed morphology of A. baltazardi was studied using light microscopy and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy, based on newly collected specimens from the yarkand toad-headed agama P. axillaris Blanford Pallas (Squamata: Agamidae) in China. Some erroneous or previously unreported morphological features of A. baltazardi were observed using SEM, which include the presence of one large semicircular protrusion and 20-30 denticles on each pseudolabium, the absence of precloacal medioventral papilla in some individuals and the presence of 4-5 postcloacal medioventral papillae in males. SEM observations also clearly showed the detailed morphology of deirids, cloacal ornamentation, caudal papillae, vulva and egg. Abbreviata baltazardi represents the first species of Abbreviata Travassos, 1920 reported in China.

Интродукция и реинтродукция такырной круглоголовки – Phrynocephalus helioscopus (Agamidae, Reptilia) в Алтайском крае

Information is provided on the introduction and reintroduction of the takyr roundhead (Phrynocephalus helioscopus) in the Altai region under the “Program of Comprehensive Study of the Methods of Keeping and Breeding in Captivity of the Takyr roundhead (Phryno-cephalus helioscopus)”.

Geography and past climate changes have shaped the evolution of a widespread lizard in arid Central Asia

The complex orogenic history and structure of Central Asia, coupled with Pleistocene glacial cycles have generated its stepwise aridification. Such events would have significantly influenced the evolution of many mid-latitude species in arid Central Asia (ACA). In this study, we employed two mitochondrial genes (CO1 and ND2) and genome-wide SNPs, coupled with ecological niche modeling, to investigate the lineage diversification and historical demography within a widespread lizard Phrynocephalus helioscopus, and their associations with geography and past climate change. We obtained the mtDNA dataset for 300 individuals from 96 localities within the known range of the lizard, among which 51 individuals from 27 localities were selected for generating the SNP dataset via the genotyping-by-sequencing approach. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated mtDNA dataset revealed eight geographically correlated lineages that diverged by 4.21–10.41% for the CO1 gene, which were estimated to have coalesced ∼4.47 million years ago. However, we observed mito-nuclear discordance pattern regarding the population of Clade V (P. helioscopus sergeevi) from Tajikistan. Ancestral area estimations suggested that P. helioscopus originated from the Fergana Valley and then dispersed into the adjacent areas in ACA along with a history of multiple allopatric divergence processes, suggesting that Fergana may have been the cradle of diversification of P. helioscopus. The intensification of aridification across Central Asia during the Late Pliocene may have facilitated the rapid radiation of this arid-adapted lizard throughout this vast territory. Subsequently, the geological events (e.g., uplift of the Hissar-Alay, transgressions of the Caspian Sea) and geographic barriers (e.g., Amu Darya River, Zeravshan River) during the Pleistocene triggered the progressive diversification of P. helioscopus. Interestingly, Clade VIII (P. helioscopus varius) experienced rapid population growth coupled with range expansion while Clade IV (P. helioscopus cameranoi) underwent drastic population expansion associated with range contraction during the Last Glacial Maximum. In Clade IV, but not in Clade VIII, environmental turnover contributes more to mitochondrial genetic distinctiveness than geographic distance. Overall, the SNP dataset demonstrates that geographic distance plays a greater role than environmental distance. Both the mtDNA dataset and the SNP dataset suggest local-scale genetic differentiation in Clade IV and Clade VIII, revealing potential geographic barriers in the Ili River Valley and the Junggar Basin, respectively. Twenty-seven outlier SNPs associated with environmental factors (precipitation and temperature) were identified, which supports the signature of local adaptation to the arid desert environment. Finally, our finding suggests taxonomic implications, such as support for full species status for P. saidalievi (Clade II) and P. meridionalis (Clade I). Future analyses based on further evidence and increased taxon and geographic sampling should be carried out to corroborate our findings.

Распространение (Pallas, 1771) (Agamidae, Reptilia) в Западно-Казахстанской и Атырауской областях Республики Казахстан

Based on the results of our 2017–2021 field research, the coordinates of 17 meeting points of the sunwatcher toadhead agama (Phrynocephalus helioscopus) (Pallas, 1771) in the West Kazakhstan and Atyrau regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan are given, from 49°17.256'N, 48°14.048'E in the North to 46°34.330'N, 55°49.319'E in the South. The northern limit of the modern distribution in the Volga-Ural (Volga-Zhaiyk) interfluve is the saline in the Aral-sor lacustrine-saline depression and the Baigutta sor-liman depression in the left bank of the Ural (Zhaiyk) River. The sunwatcher toadhead agama habitats are confined to open spaces with salt lakes and sors. The dependence of the body’s upper side colour of sunwatcher toadhead agamas on the general background of the substrate is illustrated, namely: the colour is brown or dark grey on dark substrates, and light grey or ashy on light substrates. The history of the description of the species by P. S. Pallas and I. I. Lepekhin is briefly considered. According to the original and literary data the modern north-western border of the habitat, passing through the West Kazakhstan and the adjacent regions of the Russian Federation, has been clarified. It goes from the northern coast of the Caspian Sea, through Makhambet district of the Atyrau region, Krasnoyarsk and Kharabalinsky districts of the Astrakhan region, Kurmangazinsky district of the Atyrau region, Akhtubinsky district of the Astrakhan region, Bokeyordinsky district of the West Kazakhstan region, Pallasovsky district of the Volgograd region, and Kaztalovsky and Akzhayik districts of the West Kazakhstan region.

New data on reptiles and birds in the North Ustyurt

Periodic inventory of species composition of fauna is one of the first tasks in the conservation of biodiversity. The North Ustyurt is one of the natural areas with a weak spatial-temporal study of herpetofauna and avifauna in the Western Kazakhstan. According to 2020 field studies and literary sources, a reliable habitation of one species of amphibians [European green toad Bufotes viridis (Laurenti, 1768)] and six reptile species [grey gecko Mediodactylus russowii (Strauch, 1887), takir agama Phrynocephalus helioscopus (Pallas, 1771), desert sand boa Eryx miliaris (Pallas, 1773), steppe ratsnake Elaphe dione (Pallas, 1773), blotched snake Elaphe sauromates (Pallas, 1814), Halys viper Gloydius halys (Pallas, 1776)]. As a result of the study of avifauna of late migratory and nomadic birds on the cliffs of the Doniztau and Zheltau mountains, 7 species of birds were identified that had not previously been recorded in the area [Tarsiger cyanurus, Ficedula parva red-breasted flycatcher, Eurasian blue tit Parus caeruleus, great tit Parus major, brambling Fringilla montifringilla, Eurasian siskin Carduelis spinus, reed oatmeal Emberiza schoeniclus]. In total, 33 species of birds found on the North Ustyurt. The materials obtained indicate a lack of study of herpetofauna and avifauna of the North Ustyurt and it is necessary to continue research here.

Учет численности такырной круглоголовки Phrynocephalus helioscopus cameranoi в Государственном национальном природном парке «Алтын-Эмель»

The Takyr Toad Agama Phrynocephalus helioscopus cameranoi is the dominant reptile species in the clay-rubble semi-desert of the Altyn-Emel National Park. The numbers of this species ranges from between 6.7 to 43.3 individuals per hectare, an average figure compared to other regions of Central Asia

Variations in the reproductive strategies of three populations of Phrynocephalus helioscopus in China.

BackgroundEgg size and clutch size are key life history traits. During the breeding period, it is possible for females to increase their reproductive output either by increasing the number of eggs if the optimal egg size (OES) is maintained, or by increasing the allocation of energy to each egg. However, the strategies adopted are often influenced by animals’ morphology and environment.MethodsHere, we examined variation in female morphological and reproductive traits, tested for trade-offs between egg size and clutch size, and evaluated the relationship between egg size and female morphology in three populations of Phrynocephalus helioscopus.ResultsFemale body size, egg size, and clutch size were larger in the Yi Ning (YN) and Fu Yun (FY) populations than in the Bei Tun (BT) population (the FY and YN populations laid more, and rounder eggs). Egg size was independent of female body size in two populations (BT and FY), even though both populations had an egg-size/clutch size trade-off. In the YN population, egg size and clutch size were independent, but egg size was correlated with female body size, consistent with the hypothesis of morphological constraint.ConclusionsOur study found geographical variation in body size and reproductive strategies of P. helioscopus. Egg size was correlated with morphology in the larger-bodied females of the YN population, but not in the smaller-bodied females of the BT population, illustrating that constraints on female body size and egg size are not consistent between populations.

Influence of light intensity and substrate color on dorsal gray color change in Phrynocephalus helioscopus and Phrynocephalus grumgrzimailoi

Body coloration is a functional adaptation that increases reproductive success or decreases the predation risk in animals. To understand the effect of light and substrate on coloration, we investigated the dorsal gray change in Phrynocephalus helioscopus and Phrynocephalus grumgrzimailoi maintained in habitats with a different light intensity and different substrate. We measured their gray gradient under different light and substrate conditions to establish the functional meaning of color change. We found that (1) in these two species, the gray level of dorsal gray decreased when they were housed on a light substrate with a high light intensity, (2) they increased their dorsal gray color when they were housed on a dark substrate with a low light intensity, and (3) P. helioscopus became darker than P. grumgrzimailoi with increasing light intensity but became brighter as the substrate darkened. These results imply that light intensity and substrate treatments induced strong color change responses. Phrynocephalus helioscopus used light and P. grumgrzimailoi used substrate as their main color change cues. Phrynocephalus grumgrzimailoi was likely to actively avoid predation while P. helioscopus has a thermoregulatory adaptation. We suggested that both light and substrate are important for color changing and camouflage capability in these lizards.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Phrynocephalus helioscopus (Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae)

The toad-headed lizards of genus Phrynocephalus are one of the most prevalent animals in the central Asian desert. A few studies have investigated molecular phylogenesis of Phrynocephalus, yet yield inconsistent results. Moreover, these studies were only based on a few specific DNA fragments of mitochondrial genome. To facilitate the clarification of molecular phylogenesis of Phrynocephalus, we conducted this study to sequence the entire mitochondrial genome of the Phrynocephalus helioscopus collected from Northwest China. The length of complete mitochondrial DNA is 16,249 nucleotides, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 control regions (CR). The gene arrangement and composition of P. helioscopus resemble those of other Phrynocephalus sand lizard, except for P. przewalskii and P. versicolor. The overall A, T, C, G base composition of the heavy-strand was 35.9%, 26.4%, 25.2%, 12.5%, respectively, which is biased toward AT (about 62.3%). The AT-biased base composition was similar to what observed in most vertebrates. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. helioscopus may help to clarify the phylogenetic relationships related to Phrynocephalus oviparity.

Microhabitat occupation and functional morphology of four species of sympatric agamid lizards in the Kyzylkum Desert, central Uzbekistán

We examined microhabitat occupation and functional morphology of four sympatric agamid lizards (Phrynocephalus helioscopus helioscopus, P. interscapularis, P. mystaceus galli and Trapelus sanguinolentus) at three sites in the arid zone of central Uzbekistan. At two sites located in sand dunes, substrate attributes played a key role in habitat selection by three syntopic species. At a third flat, stony site, P. helioscopus selected habitat non–randomly, tending to occur close to sparse, low vegetation. Syntopic taxa were separated in morphospace, and there was a trend for taxa with proportionally longer limbs to have faster field escape speeds. Field escape distances and predator avoidance tactics differed between species, with two main escape strategies (crypsis or sand–diving following an escape sprint). We caution that broad–scale threatening processes such as over–grazing and salinity may be having a detrimental effect on microhabitat features important to terrestrial reptiles in Uzbekistan.

Rain-Drinking Behaviors of the Australian Thorny Devil (Sauria: Agamidae)

During natural and simulated rainfall, Moloch horridus used the cutaneous surface of its integument as a water-harvesting system to capture rain water for drinking. Circumstantial behavioral evidence, in combination with experimental studies (Withers, 1993), suggests that the capillary, interscalar, water-transport system of Moloch is also used to absorb water for drinking from rain-moistened substrates. Lizards rub their venters against wet substrates and dig sand onto their backs. This is a previously unreported behavior for water acquisition by lizards inhabiting arid regions. No stereotypic behavioral stance for rain harvesting, as seen in Phrynocephalus helioscopus and Phrynosoma cornutum, was observed in Moloch horridus

Rain-Harvesting in the Lizard, Phrynosoma cornutum: Behavior and Integumental Morphology

During rainstorms, Texas horned lizards in enclosures were observed to exhibit a stereotyped behavior termed The behavior involves: (1) raising the abdomen in an arch; (2) splaying and extending the legs; (3) dorso-ventral flattening and lateral spreading of the body; (4) lowering the head and tail; (5) opening and closing the jaws; and (6) drinking water collected on the dorsal body surface. Ingestion of integumentally-derived water was verified by recovery of dyed water from the gut. SEM stereophotographs illustrate the interscalar channels through which water is carried, apparently by cap- illary action, over body surfaces to the jaws. During light rainfall water flow to the jaws occurs within interscalar channels, but during heavy rainfall gravitational sheet flow may increase the amount of water arriving at the jaws. This integumental rain-harvesting system is similar to reported interscalar water transport in two agamid lizards, Moloch horridus and Phrynocephalus helioscopus. Apparently, Phry- nosoma and P. helioscopus have similar behaviors for rain-harvesting. This is the first report to provide observations of a lizard obtaining water from natural precipitation for drinking by integumental inter- ception and transport.

On the distribution of four species of agama (Agamidae) in Turkey

Abstract The distribution of the Hardun, Agama stellio, the Caucasian Agama, Agama caucasia, the Syrian Agama, Agama ruderata, and Phrynocephalus helioscopus, in Turkey is presented with dot maps A. stellio and A. caucasia are sharply separated both horizontally and vertically. The area of A. stellio is defined by the March isotherm of 8°C and the July and August isotherms of 24°C. A. ruderata occurs in the large steppe areas of Inner and South-east Anatolia, but not in those of Eastern Anatolia.

Water Collection and Drinking in Phrynocephalus helioscopus: A Possible Condensation Mechanism

The drinking behavior of nine captive Phrynocephalus helioscopus was observed. When wetted, animals assumed a stereotyped posture in which the head was depressed to within several mm of the substrate, the limbs splayed, and the hindquarters and tail elevated. Drinking involved repeated, slight tongue protrusion, but without lapping from the substrate. This behavior was elicited in no other context. Simple experiments showed that the interscalar channels transport water across the skin to the mouth by capillary action. This mechanism is compared with that reported for another agamid, Moloch horridus. We hypothesize that the drinking posture 1) facilitates drinking rain water and/or 2) facilitates drinking water condensed on the skin and moved to the mouth by capillary action. We conclude that derived features of water collection and transport shared by Phrynocephalus and Moloch are convergent. Recently, Gans et al. (1982) examined the water-collecting mechanism of Moloch hor- ridus, an Australian agamid squamate. They elaborated upon an earlier study (Bentley and Blumer, 1962) which found that the integument acts as a blotting paper, soaking up standing water through capil- lary action, ultimately moving it to the

The Transcaspian Fauna

WE notice in one of the last issues of the Bulletin of the Moscow Society of Naturalists (1885, No. 2) a most valuable paper, by M. Zaroudnoi, on the birds of the Transcaspian region. His list contains an enumeration of 184 species, well determined on 600 specimens—doubts remaining only with regard to a very few species. The author distinguishes in the region the following chief zoological sub-regions:—(1) The Kara-kum desert, having a pretty well furnished flora, notwithstanding its immense sandy plains and salt clays. The Tamarix forests, now mostly destroyed, are well peopled with the Atra-phornis aralensis, as also with a few Podoces (Panderi?) and Passer (ammodendri?), which make their nests further north in the saksaul forests. The Houbara quennii, Gray, is rare. The reptiles are represented by the Phrynocephalus interscaptilaris and helioscopus, Agama sanguinolenta, Testudo, Naja oxiana, Eichwald; the Varanus sciucus extends much further south into the Akhal-Tekke plain, and even to the Kopet-dagh Mountains. (2) The Akhal-Tekke oasis, striking by the monotony of its landscape, diversified only by the gardens of the Tekkes, which remain green even during the hottest part of the summer, when all vegetation is scorched up by the sun. In the plain only the Tamarix, a few willows on the banks of the rivulets, and the dark-green bushes of the capers, adorned with pretty flowers, are to be seen. The great areas covered with bushes of Alchagi camelorum and wormwood increase the monotony of the landscape. Pretty Julodis variolarius, eufraticus, and sometimes globicollis are often found flying around these bushes; in July the Fisheria baetica, Ramb., several Irises, as also Empus pennicornis, Pall., several kinds of Ateuchus and Copris and numerous species of Melanozomatæ are met with. The stone-chatters (traquets) and larks are so numerous as to become troublesome. The Phrynocephalus helioscopus and Agama sanguinolenta fly at the approach of man. From time to time a dscheiran or a fox, may be perceived. The nights are sultry and hot, and one hears the shrivelling of the Grillus cerisyi, Serv., and G. capensis, Fabr., the barking of the jackals, and the cries of Caprimuldgus arenicolor, Sev. The bants of the few rivers, covered with brush and reed-grass, are the refuge of the wild cat and the Lagomys. The high summer temperature of the oasis is well known: 40° Cels. in the shade being not uncommon; and M. Zaroudnoi is inclined to ascribe to the great heat the intensity of the moulting of birds. The lark loses so much of its feathers that the body remains in many parts quite naked; with the stone-chatters only the base of the feathers remains on their heads. Most of the birds met with in the oasis during the summer belong to the Aral-Caspian fauna, the others come from the mountains; these last have followed the courses of the rivers and have taken possession of the Akhal-Tekke gardens; such are the Salicipasser montanus, Passer indicus, Sylvia mystacea, Butalis grisola, a great number of Salicicariæ, and several others. Some, like the griffons, the ravens, the Cypselus apus, the Cheliden urbica, the Merops apiaster, inhabit the mountains, and descend to the plain only for hunting. The Galerita magna, Calandrella pispoleta, and Saxicola isabellina may be considered as representatives of the Akhal-Tekke fauna owing to their considerable numbers. (3) The mountain-region is much more interesting, especially when the traveller reaches the upper valleys covered with forests, where the vines grow wild. Wild cats and jackals are the usual inhabitants of these valleys; but the Cynailurus jubatus and the Leopardus pardus are rare; L. irbis is never met with in the region. Hyana striata is occasionally met with. Ellobis talpimis, several Erinaceus and Platycercomys, as also Histrix hirsutirostrix are common. The dreadful Vipera eufratica is a source of continual danger during the grape-harvest. Eremias velox and Agama sanguinohnta are worthy of notice. As to the birds, we must merely refer to the list of M. Zaroudnoi, where notes as to their distribution are given in French. The zoological determinations have been revised by M. Menzbier.