Henrik Bringsøe - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Henrik Bringsøe
ZooKeys, May 30, 2024
Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a... more Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a karst-dwelling Cyrtodactylus from extreme northern Thailand. The new species, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov., of the chauquangensis group inhabits karst caves and outcroppings and karst vegetation in the vicinity of Pha Mi Village in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Within the chauquangensis group, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. is the earliest diverging species of a strongly supported clade composed of the granite-dwelling C. doisuthep and the karst-dwelling sister species Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops. The nearly continuous karstic habitat between the type locality of Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. and its close relatives Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops, extends for approximately 200 km along the border region of Thailand and the eastern limit of the Shan Plateau of Myanmar. Further exploration of this region, especially the entire eastern ~ 95% of the Shan Plateau, will undoubtably recover new populations whose species status will need evaluation. As in all other countries of Indochina and northern Sundaland, the continual discovery of new karst-dwelling populations of Cyrtodactylus shows no signs of tapering off, even in relatively well-collected areas. This only highlights the conservation priority that these unique karstic landscapes still lack on a large scale across all of Asia.
ZooKeys, 2024
Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a... more Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a karst-dwelling Cyrtodactylus from extreme northern Thailand. The new species, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov., of the chauquangensis group inhabits karst caves and outcroppings and karst vegetation in the vicinity of Pha Mi Village in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Within the chauquangensis group, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. is the earliest diverging species of a strongly supported clade composed of the granite-dwelling C. doisuthep and the karst-dwelling sister species Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops. The nearly continuous karstic habitat between the type locality of Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. and its close relatives Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops, extends for approximately 200 km along the border region of Thailand and the eastern limit of the Shan Plateau of Myanmar. Further exploration of this region, especially the entire eastern ~ 95% of the Shan Plateau, will undoubtably recover new populations whose species status will need evaluation. As in all other countries of Indochina and northern Sundaland, the continual discovery of new karst-dwelling populations of Cyrtodactylus shows no signs of tapering off, even in relatively well-collected areas. This only highlights the conservation priority that these unique karstic landscapes still lack on a large scale across all of Asia.
Chelonian Research Monographs, 2009
The Herpetological Bulletin
Sauria, 2022
A portrait of the newly described poison frog Andinobates supata known from a tiny area in the mu... more A portrait of the newly described poison frog Andinobates supata known from a tiny area in the municipality of Supatá, department of Cundinamarca north of Bogotá in an altitudinal range of 1800–2000 m. is provided.
In comparison with the six other species of the genus, A. supata can only be confused with A. tolimensis which is the only other species with yellow dorsal colouration. In A. tolimensis the ventral spots are dark blue (pale blue in A. supata) and there is a blackish brown, wide stripe behind the eye (absent in A. supata). Here, a variant of A. supata with a black stripe behind the eye is presented, however, the stripe is narrow and its upper edge does not reach the upper level of tympanum whereas in A. tolimensis the stripe is wide and its upper edge is at the level of the upper edge of tympanum.
The habitat consists of deciduous forests with bromeliads in hilly environments. The species lives in darker parts with dense growth of trees and in open forest sections including clearings and is generally more common in open parts.
Andinobates supata is threatened by illegal commercial collection and habitat destruction. The habitats are already fragmented, but further deforestation for the purpose of expanding pastures for cattle will make the conditions worse. Cattle entering the forests cause destruction of microhabitats by eating vegetation and trampling the sensitive forest floor.
Herpetozoa, 2021
A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien N... more A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam, is provided. We found a kukri snake having buried its head deeply into the abdomen of the toad and probably being in the process of eating organs. Subsequently, the toad was swallowed whole and the kukri snake moved away and disappeared with the toad’s hind feet still visible from its mouth. It is hypothesised that the behaviour of eviscerating or piercing anurans to eat their organs has been developed in the O. cyclurus species group or clade. This has now been observed in three species.
Lacertid species are rarely seen entering water in the wild, but a male <em>Podarcis murali... more Lacertid species are rarely seen entering water in the wild, but a male <em>Podarcis muralis</em> was observed entering the water of a cold, fast-running stream voluntarily or deliberately on Mt. Dirfis on the Aegean island of Evvia, Greece on 19 April 2005. The lizard was not disturbed by the two observers. Figures show the lizard in the various positions during that action in its habitat. The exact reason why the lizard made this move remains unknown. It is speculated that its home range might have extended to both sides of the stream and that the shaded area that it eventually reached had better feeding opportunities.
A record of a large <em>Boiga melanota</em> with a severe head injury is provided. It... more A record of a large <em>Boiga melanota</em> with a severe head injury is provided. It was found in a stream on a night trip in a cultivated area in Southeast Thailand in the southern part of the Narathiwat Province. The injury was in the left part of the head, just behind the left eye. A considerable portion of bone had been destroyed, the mouth could not close properly in the left side, and the left venom glands might well have been destroyed. The quadratomaxillary ligament and a mandibular muscle were probably also traumatized. There was no sign of infection, and the snake was fresh, aggressive and well-nourished. It is likely that the injury was the result of a human attack using an agricultural tool such as a hoe or sickle. It is judged that it might well have recovered fully and survived. The venom of <em>B. dendrophila</em> s.l. contains three-finger toxins such as irditoxin, which are highly toxic to birds and reptiles but have little effect on mammals...
During a visit to Osor on the island Cres, Croatia, in mid August 2016 I photographed one adult &... more During a visit to Osor on the island Cres, Croatia, in mid August 2016 I photographed one adult <em>Dalmatolacerta oxycephala</em> eating a stink bug of the (family Pentatomidae). Judging from the pertinent literature it is concluded that <em>D. oxycephala</em> eats a wide variety of invertebrates, including scorpions, beetles and possibly even centipedes. Ripe fruit is also eaten. <em>D. oxycephala</em> is comfortable with humans at Osor and in other habitats visited frequently by people<strong>,</strong> whereas it proves very shy in other habitats. At Osor one <em>Hierophis gemonensis</em> was apparently hunting <em>D. oxycephala</em> in a wall.
The scientific name <em>Vipera ammodytes</em> would indicate that this viper is typic... more The scientific name <em>Vipera ammodytes</em> would indicate that this viper is typically sand-dwelling but the reality is that this habitat is unusual for the species. Though it was formally described by LINNÆUS (1758), earlier works portrayed the species in much more detail and explained the curious name. In this context the works of ALDROVANDI (1639) and GESSNER (1589) are discussed. However, they erroneously included Libya in its distribution. That mistaken information might have been caused by confusion with the genus <em>Cerastes,</em> which can possess upward horn-like projections although not on the snout (<em>C. cerastes</em>), and may live in sandy habitats (<em>C. vipera</em>). However, members of<em> Cerastes </em>had already been described in separate entries, so the background for the misinformation cannot be fully explained. Even though GESSNER's (1589) <em>Historia Animalium</em> was publishe...
Herpetozoa, Feb 15, 2021
A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien N... more A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam, is provided. We found a kukri snake having buried its head deeply into the abdomen of the toad and probably being in the process of eating organs. Subsequently, the toad was swallowed whole and the kukri snake moved away and disappeared with the toad’s hind feet still visible from its mouth. It is hypothesised that the behaviour of eviscerating or piercing anurans to eat their organs has been developed in the O. cyclurus species group or clade. This has now been observed in three species.
Herpetological Bulletin, 2021
Two very large Vipera berus from Norway are reported, one female and one male. The length of the ... more Two very large Vipera berus from Norway are reported, one female and one male. The length of the female was 93.5 cm (total length) which constitutes the longest vouchered or otherwise properly documented specimen to date. The male measured 78.5 cm which we believe is the second longest male ever recorded.
Herpetozoa, 2020
A hitherto unknown feeding mode among snakes is described for the colubrid snake Oligodon fasciol... more A hitherto unknown feeding mode among snakes is described for the colubrid snake Oligodon fasciolatus in Northeast Thailand. Three cases of O. fasciolatus using enlarged posterior maxillary teeth to cut open the abdomen of a live poisonous toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus and eat its organs are described. The snakes and toads fought vigorously, and the toads secreted toxic white liquid on the dorsum and neck. The snakes inserted their heads into the abdomen of the toads, pulled out some of the organs and swallowed them. The snakes and toads were adults. All three cases were documented by extensive photographic material. In a fourth case from Central Thailand, an adult O. fasciolatus was observed swallowing an entire semi-adult D. melanostictus. The majority of all snake species swallow their prey in one piece, but to place our observations in a broader context we review a number of exceptions.
Herpetozoa, 2021
Predation on adult microhylid frogs Kaloula pulchra by two closely-related colubrid snakes is des... more Predation on adult microhylid frogs Kaloula pulchra by two closely-related colubrid snakes is described, based on two observations of Oligodon formosanus in Hong Kong and one observation of O. fasciolatus in Thailand. In two instances, O. formosanus was observed cutting open the abdomen of this anuran species. In one case, it performed repeated rotations about its own longitudinal body axis (“death roll”) while its head was inserted into the frog’s abdomen. The purpose of this behaviour was probably to tear off organs and swallow them. Once O. fasciolatus was observed catching and swallowing K. pulchra whole. In that case, the snake also made a series of rotations while it maintained its firm grip in the frog’s belly. It is concluded that, for these two closely-related kukri snakes, prey size is crucial for determining whether the gape width allows large preys to be swallowed entire.
Russian Journal of Herpetology, 2020
One blue female Pelophylax esculentus was recorded in the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, in Au... more One blue female Pelophylax esculentus was recorded in the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, in August 2017. Minor green areas persisted. After capture and subsequent handling its base coloration darkened from what was first observed. No other individuals with blue coloration were found. Blue coloration is an anomaly due to lack of or reduction of xanthophores. This is a first record of truly blue-colored P. esculentus in North Europe though two cases from Central Europe are known. Within the genus Pelophylax blue individuals have been reported in various species at irregular intervals. The darkening agent α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) may well have been the reason why this individual turned darker after handling.
Zeitschrift fur Feldherpetologie, 2011
Five brightly yellowish individuals of Rana graeca were observed during one night excursion in a ... more Five brightly yellowish individuals of Rana graeca were observed during one night excursion in a stream in southwest Albania while individuals with ordinary brown coloration were not found. Four normally coloured brown individuals were observed during the day. Several types of colour change and aberrant colours in amphibians are reviewed. Colour change is often related to breeding cycles, but it is unlikely that this would apply here. The yellowish night coloration matches the general pattern of the algae-grown rocks in the stream indicating that it concerns a chromatic adaption to the environment. However, nocturnal predators generally depend on chemical cues. That should imply that crypsis would be more relevant in response to diurnal predators. As there is no obvious explanation to this phenomenon, additional investigation of this population will be necessary.
Mertensiella, 2013
13 cases of terrestrial height-seeking or climbing habits in Lissotriton vulgaris are reported, a... more 13 cases of terrestrial height-seeking or climbing habits in Lissotriton vulgaris are reported, apparently for the first time. This behaviour seems to be unknown in all other Palaearctic salamandrid newt species. 12 observations were made from throughout Denmark and one from Germany, mainly during the terrestrial phase. The observations involved males, females and subadults in a wide variety of terrestrial habitats and microhabitats during the entire active season from February through October. The majority of observations were made at night or dusk, however, some were made in daylight. Most newts were fully exposed whereas a few were concealed. Particularly interesting was an observation made in mild weather in late winter when a male was seen climbing the vertical wooden outer wall of a house, approaching a lighted lamp farther up. The purpose was apparently to catch invertebrates, which were attracted by the light. It is considered likely that height-seeking newts are generally foraging when they are active and exposed. The fact that L. vulgaris is sometimes observed at elevated hiding places indicates that microhabitats above ground level are utilised regularly albeit much more rarely than on the ground. Additionally, one case of limited height-seeking in Triturus cristatus is reported.
Die Eidechse, 2012
Observations on social interactions between one female and one juvenile Zootoca vivipara made in ... more Observations on social interactions between one female and one juvenile Zootoca vivipara made in eastern Jutland, Denmark, in late summer 2009 are described and illustrated. They were basking on top of a pole and remained close together for most of a 39 minute period between rain showers. Regularly tongue-flicking occurred.
Other hitherto unpublished and published data of similar nature have also been summarised. It is concluded that there are most probably social bonds between mother and young in viviparous forms of Z. vivipara whereas they are most probably absent in oviparous populations. Apparently it is a common behaviour in this species though often overlooked.
ZooKeys, May 30, 2024
Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a... more Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a karst-dwelling Cyrtodactylus from extreme northern Thailand. The new species, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov., of the chauquangensis group inhabits karst caves and outcroppings and karst vegetation in the vicinity of Pha Mi Village in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Within the chauquangensis group, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. is the earliest diverging species of a strongly supported clade composed of the granite-dwelling C. doisuthep and the karst-dwelling sister species Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops. The nearly continuous karstic habitat between the type locality of Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. and its close relatives Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops, extends for approximately 200 km along the border region of Thailand and the eastern limit of the Shan Plateau of Myanmar. Further exploration of this region, especially the entire eastern ~ 95% of the Shan Plateau, will undoubtably recover new populations whose species status will need evaluation. As in all other countries of Indochina and northern Sundaland, the continual discovery of new karst-dwelling populations of Cyrtodactylus shows no signs of tapering off, even in relatively well-collected areas. This only highlights the conservation priority that these unique karstic landscapes still lack on a large scale across all of Asia.
ZooKeys, 2024
Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a... more Phylogenetic and morphological analyses delimit and diagnose, respectively, a new population of a karst-dwelling Cyrtodactylus from extreme northern Thailand. The new species, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov., of the chauquangensis group inhabits karst caves and outcroppings and karst vegetation in the vicinity of Pha Mi Village in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Within the chauquangensis group, Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. is the earliest diverging species of a strongly supported clade composed of the granite-dwelling C. doisuthep and the karst-dwelling sister species Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops. The nearly continuous karstic habitat between the type locality of Cyrtodactylus phamiensis sp. nov. and its close relatives Cyrtodactylus sp. 6 and C. erythrops, extends for approximately 200 km along the border region of Thailand and the eastern limit of the Shan Plateau of Myanmar. Further exploration of this region, especially the entire eastern ~ 95% of the Shan Plateau, will undoubtably recover new populations whose species status will need evaluation. As in all other countries of Indochina and northern Sundaland, the continual discovery of new karst-dwelling populations of Cyrtodactylus shows no signs of tapering off, even in relatively well-collected areas. This only highlights the conservation priority that these unique karstic landscapes still lack on a large scale across all of Asia.
Chelonian Research Monographs, 2009
The Herpetological Bulletin
Sauria, 2022
A portrait of the newly described poison frog Andinobates supata known from a tiny area in the mu... more A portrait of the newly described poison frog Andinobates supata known from a tiny area in the municipality of Supatá, department of Cundinamarca north of Bogotá in an altitudinal range of 1800–2000 m. is provided.
In comparison with the six other species of the genus, A. supata can only be confused with A. tolimensis which is the only other species with yellow dorsal colouration. In A. tolimensis the ventral spots are dark blue (pale blue in A. supata) and there is a blackish brown, wide stripe behind the eye (absent in A. supata). Here, a variant of A. supata with a black stripe behind the eye is presented, however, the stripe is narrow and its upper edge does not reach the upper level of tympanum whereas in A. tolimensis the stripe is wide and its upper edge is at the level of the upper edge of tympanum.
The habitat consists of deciduous forests with bromeliads in hilly environments. The species lives in darker parts with dense growth of trees and in open forest sections including clearings and is generally more common in open parts.
Andinobates supata is threatened by illegal commercial collection and habitat destruction. The habitats are already fragmented, but further deforestation for the purpose of expanding pastures for cattle will make the conditions worse. Cattle entering the forests cause destruction of microhabitats by eating vegetation and trampling the sensitive forest floor.
Herpetozoa, 2021
A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien N... more A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam, is provided. We found a kukri snake having buried its head deeply into the abdomen of the toad and probably being in the process of eating organs. Subsequently, the toad was swallowed whole and the kukri snake moved away and disappeared with the toad’s hind feet still visible from its mouth. It is hypothesised that the behaviour of eviscerating or piercing anurans to eat their organs has been developed in the O. cyclurus species group or clade. This has now been observed in three species.
Lacertid species are rarely seen entering water in the wild, but a male <em>Podarcis murali... more Lacertid species are rarely seen entering water in the wild, but a male <em>Podarcis muralis</em> was observed entering the water of a cold, fast-running stream voluntarily or deliberately on Mt. Dirfis on the Aegean island of Evvia, Greece on 19 April 2005. The lizard was not disturbed by the two observers. Figures show the lizard in the various positions during that action in its habitat. The exact reason why the lizard made this move remains unknown. It is speculated that its home range might have extended to both sides of the stream and that the shaded area that it eventually reached had better feeding opportunities.
A record of a large <em>Boiga melanota</em> with a severe head injury is provided. It... more A record of a large <em>Boiga melanota</em> with a severe head injury is provided. It was found in a stream on a night trip in a cultivated area in Southeast Thailand in the southern part of the Narathiwat Province. The injury was in the left part of the head, just behind the left eye. A considerable portion of bone had been destroyed, the mouth could not close properly in the left side, and the left venom glands might well have been destroyed. The quadratomaxillary ligament and a mandibular muscle were probably also traumatized. There was no sign of infection, and the snake was fresh, aggressive and well-nourished. It is likely that the injury was the result of a human attack using an agricultural tool such as a hoe or sickle. It is judged that it might well have recovered fully and survived. The venom of <em>B. dendrophila</em> s.l. contains three-finger toxins such as irditoxin, which are highly toxic to birds and reptiles but have little effect on mammals...
During a visit to Osor on the island Cres, Croatia, in mid August 2016 I photographed one adult &... more During a visit to Osor on the island Cres, Croatia, in mid August 2016 I photographed one adult <em>Dalmatolacerta oxycephala</em> eating a stink bug of the (family Pentatomidae). Judging from the pertinent literature it is concluded that <em>D. oxycephala</em> eats a wide variety of invertebrates, including scorpions, beetles and possibly even centipedes. Ripe fruit is also eaten. <em>D. oxycephala</em> is comfortable with humans at Osor and in other habitats visited frequently by people<strong>,</strong> whereas it proves very shy in other habitats. At Osor one <em>Hierophis gemonensis</em> was apparently hunting <em>D. oxycephala</em> in a wall.
The scientific name <em>Vipera ammodytes</em> would indicate that this viper is typic... more The scientific name <em>Vipera ammodytes</em> would indicate that this viper is typically sand-dwelling but the reality is that this habitat is unusual for the species. Though it was formally described by LINNÆUS (1758), earlier works portrayed the species in much more detail and explained the curious name. In this context the works of ALDROVANDI (1639) and GESSNER (1589) are discussed. However, they erroneously included Libya in its distribution. That mistaken information might have been caused by confusion with the genus <em>Cerastes,</em> which can possess upward horn-like projections although not on the snout (<em>C. cerastes</em>), and may live in sandy habitats (<em>C. vipera</em>). However, members of<em> Cerastes </em>had already been described in separate entries, so the background for the misinformation cannot be fully explained. Even though GESSNER's (1589) <em>Historia Animalium</em> was publishe...
Herpetozoa, Feb 15, 2021
A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien N... more A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam, is provided. We found a kukri snake having buried its head deeply into the abdomen of the toad and probably being in the process of eating organs. Subsequently, the toad was swallowed whole and the kukri snake moved away and disappeared with the toad’s hind feet still visible from its mouth. It is hypothesised that the behaviour of eviscerating or piercing anurans to eat their organs has been developed in the O. cyclurus species group or clade. This has now been observed in three species.
Herpetological Bulletin, 2021
Two very large Vipera berus from Norway are reported, one female and one male. The length of the ... more Two very large Vipera berus from Norway are reported, one female and one male. The length of the female was 93.5 cm (total length) which constitutes the longest vouchered or otherwise properly documented specimen to date. The male measured 78.5 cm which we believe is the second longest male ever recorded.
Herpetozoa, 2020
A hitherto unknown feeding mode among snakes is described for the colubrid snake Oligodon fasciol... more A hitherto unknown feeding mode among snakes is described for the colubrid snake Oligodon fasciolatus in Northeast Thailand. Three cases of O. fasciolatus using enlarged posterior maxillary teeth to cut open the abdomen of a live poisonous toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus and eat its organs are described. The snakes and toads fought vigorously, and the toads secreted toxic white liquid on the dorsum and neck. The snakes inserted their heads into the abdomen of the toads, pulled out some of the organs and swallowed them. The snakes and toads were adults. All three cases were documented by extensive photographic material. In a fourth case from Central Thailand, an adult O. fasciolatus was observed swallowing an entire semi-adult D. melanostictus. The majority of all snake species swallow their prey in one piece, but to place our observations in a broader context we review a number of exceptions.
Herpetozoa, 2021
Predation on adult microhylid frogs Kaloula pulchra by two closely-related colubrid snakes is des... more Predation on adult microhylid frogs Kaloula pulchra by two closely-related colubrid snakes is described, based on two observations of Oligodon formosanus in Hong Kong and one observation of O. fasciolatus in Thailand. In two instances, O. formosanus was observed cutting open the abdomen of this anuran species. In one case, it performed repeated rotations about its own longitudinal body axis (“death roll”) while its head was inserted into the frog’s abdomen. The purpose of this behaviour was probably to tear off organs and swallow them. Once O. fasciolatus was observed catching and swallowing K. pulchra whole. In that case, the snake also made a series of rotations while it maintained its firm grip in the frog’s belly. It is concluded that, for these two closely-related kukri snakes, prey size is crucial for determining whether the gape width allows large preys to be swallowed entire.
Russian Journal of Herpetology, 2020
One blue female Pelophylax esculentus was recorded in the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, in Au... more One blue female Pelophylax esculentus was recorded in the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, in August 2017. Minor green areas persisted. After capture and subsequent handling its base coloration darkened from what was first observed. No other individuals with blue coloration were found. Blue coloration is an anomaly due to lack of or reduction of xanthophores. This is a first record of truly blue-colored P. esculentus in North Europe though two cases from Central Europe are known. Within the genus Pelophylax blue individuals have been reported in various species at irregular intervals. The darkening agent α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) may well have been the reason why this individual turned darker after handling.
Zeitschrift fur Feldherpetologie, 2011
Five brightly yellowish individuals of Rana graeca were observed during one night excursion in a ... more Five brightly yellowish individuals of Rana graeca were observed during one night excursion in a stream in southwest Albania while individuals with ordinary brown coloration were not found. Four normally coloured brown individuals were observed during the day. Several types of colour change and aberrant colours in amphibians are reviewed. Colour change is often related to breeding cycles, but it is unlikely that this would apply here. The yellowish night coloration matches the general pattern of the algae-grown rocks in the stream indicating that it concerns a chromatic adaption to the environment. However, nocturnal predators generally depend on chemical cues. That should imply that crypsis would be more relevant in response to diurnal predators. As there is no obvious explanation to this phenomenon, additional investigation of this population will be necessary.
Mertensiella, 2013
13 cases of terrestrial height-seeking or climbing habits in Lissotriton vulgaris are reported, a... more 13 cases of terrestrial height-seeking or climbing habits in Lissotriton vulgaris are reported, apparently for the first time. This behaviour seems to be unknown in all other Palaearctic salamandrid newt species. 12 observations were made from throughout Denmark and one from Germany, mainly during the terrestrial phase. The observations involved males, females and subadults in a wide variety of terrestrial habitats and microhabitats during the entire active season from February through October. The majority of observations were made at night or dusk, however, some were made in daylight. Most newts were fully exposed whereas a few were concealed. Particularly interesting was an observation made in mild weather in late winter when a male was seen climbing the vertical wooden outer wall of a house, approaching a lighted lamp farther up. The purpose was apparently to catch invertebrates, which were attracted by the light. It is considered likely that height-seeking newts are generally foraging when they are active and exposed. The fact that L. vulgaris is sometimes observed at elevated hiding places indicates that microhabitats above ground level are utilised regularly albeit much more rarely than on the ground. Additionally, one case of limited height-seeking in Triturus cristatus is reported.
Die Eidechse, 2012
Observations on social interactions between one female and one juvenile Zootoca vivipara made in ... more Observations on social interactions between one female and one juvenile Zootoca vivipara made in eastern Jutland, Denmark, in late summer 2009 are described and illustrated. They were basking on top of a pole and remained close together for most of a 39 minute period between rain showers. Regularly tongue-flicking occurred.
Other hitherto unpublished and published data of similar nature have also been summarised. It is concluded that there are most probably social bonds between mother and young in viviparous forms of Z. vivipara whereas they are most probably absent in oviparous populations. Apparently it is a common behaviour in this species though often overlooked.