US ISSN: 0025-4231 BULLETIN or THE Worylanb fiecpetological 0onety DEPARTMENT OF HERPETOLOGY THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARYLAND, INC. MDHS . A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League 31 MARCH 2004 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 1 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 CONTENTS A New Species Of Sceloporus (Reptilia, Sauria: Phrynosomatidae) Of The grammicus Complex from Chihuahua and Snora, Mexico Guillermo Lara-Gongora . . . 1 Effect of diet on Bullfrog (Rana Catesbeiana) Tadpole Growth and Development Alexander H. Michajliczenko, Geoffrey R. Smith, and Jessica E. Rettig . . . . . . . . . 42 Summer Activity of Small snakes in Four Habitats in Northwestern Missouri Linda D. Johnson, Geoffrey R. Smith, and Jessica E. Rettig.... 46 The Passing of One of the Fathers of Herpetology: Dr. Roger Conant Tim Hoen . . . . . 53 Book Review Harlan D. Walley . . . . . . . . . ....55 BULLETIN OF THE mM)8 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Frank B. Groves Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society” newsletter and on the website, www.naturalhistory.org. Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 A NEW SPECIES OF Sceloporus (Reptilia, Sauria: Phrynosomatidae) OF THE grammicus COMPLEX FROM CHIHUAHUA AND SONORA, MEXICO Guillermo Lam-Gongora Introduction The grammicus group in the genus Sceloporus consists of 4 currently recog¬ nized species: S. anahuacus , S. grammicus , S. heterolepis and S. palaciosi. Some authors (Wiens and Reeder, 1997) have included S. asper within this group, an ar¬ rangement that I do no recognize as valid because I regard this latter species as be¬ longing to the formosus group. A total of 8 forms are currently recognized in the grammicus group. Four are subspecies of S . grammicus: S. g. grammicus , S. g. dispar ilis, S. g. microlepidotus, and S. g. tamulipensis. The other 2 forms belong to S heterolepis : S. h. heterolepis and S. h. shannonorum. S. grammicus is an extremely common species of lizard with a wide geographi¬ cal range occurring from southeastern United States and northwestern Mexico to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico. It occurs from sea level to around 15,000 feet on Pico de Orizaba (in the state of Veracruz), occupying almost all types of vegetation that occur in Mexico but the tropical evergreen forest. It ranges from deserts to grasslands to alpine plant communities; from tropical deciduous forests and thorn forests to temperate and boreal forests. In size individuals vary from a maximum of around 50 mm SVL to giants of almost 80 mm. Dorsal scale numbers range from around 40 to over 100. S. grammicus is one of the very few living animal species with a high chromosomal variation, from a standard karyotype of 2n=3 1 to other karyotypes of 34, 36, 38 and up to 46 chromosomes, constituting at least 8 different cytotype races. This seeming versatility of a single species is of illusory nature because it only proves our inability to set apart many cryptic species within a complex of species. (See discussion of correlation between eurytopy and cryptic speciation in Smith, 1969.) The current name S. grammicus describes taxa duhia (and I do not mean nomina dubia) as clearly illustrated by Smith (1970). The name encompasses many good and distinguishable species not only at the cytogenetic level, but at other levels, according to DNA studies, allozymes, ecological preferences, reproductive biology, behavior and, very especially, at the morphological level. At this point I am able to distinguish over 45 different morphotypes within the name S. grammicus , exclusive Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 of its currently recognized subspecies and other species within the grammicus com¬ plex. Most of these morphotypes or morphotype races will eventually be described as taxonomical distinguishable entities (Lara, in preparation.) The success of distin¬ guishing morphologically over 50 different populations within the grammicus group is merely related to the taxonomical characters I have designed. According to con¬ ventional morphological characters the scenario is, as we already know, totally dif¬ ferent. If we continue trying to distinguish those 50 + populations based on 2 or 3 simple characters such as enlarged lateronuchals (currently known as “nuchal scales” or “nuchal tuff”) and number of dorsal scales we will not get any further. This is not exclusive of morphological characters. Many of these morphologically distinguish¬ able populations share the same karyotype. For example many of them share the standard 2n=3 1 -32 karyotype, but not only are some of them different in a number of morphological parameters, but also some of them may not even be closely related phyllogenetically. Therefore, good and appropriate taxonomic tools are vital to set apart these different populations as well as an understanding of their ecological pref¬ erences, evolutionary trends, and biogeographical history. There is extensive literature published on S. ( grammicus ) spp., most of which deals with cytogenetics, allozymes studies and related areas. Without taking into ac¬ count original descriptions of recognized taxa within the grammicus group, very few papers have dealt with morphological comparisons of different populations (see es¬ pecially Boulenger 1897, and Smith 1939. See also Webb, 1969, Sites, 1982, Sites et al, 1993, and Arevalo et al, 1993.) Since 1973, Hall and Selander, observed that S. grammicus populations from Chihuahua highlands were different from other populations in terms of having a dif¬ ferent karyotype. They called them F5 for a fixation of a Robertsonian modification of chromosome 5. The present study describes the morphological differentiation of these F5 populations and compares them with the other currently recognized species within the grammicus group. Materials and Methods A series of 212 alcoholic specimens from 44 different localities in the states of Chihuahua (37) and Sonora (7) were checked from 9 different museums in the US and Mexico. All specimens were or had been fixed in a solution of 10% formalin and preserved in 70% ethanol. Microscopic parameters were checked either with con- ventional stereoscopic microscopes or magnifying glasses. All coloration parameters of alcoholic specimens were checked with the specimens immersed in water or alco page 2 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 hoi. Measurements were taken with a dial caliper to 0.1 mm. having the specimens laid flat on a hard surface. Museum acronyms are as follows: BYU (Brigham Young University), KUMNH (Museum of Natural History at Kansas University), MCZ (Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard, MZFC (Museo de Zoologfa Alfonso L. Herrera, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico), UAZ (University of Arizona Zoology Department), UBIPRO (Unidad de Biotecnologia y Prototipos, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico), UCM (University of Colorado Museum), USNM (United States National Museum), and UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso). For the comparative analysis and characterization of this new taxon 72 param¬ eters were taken into account: MERISTIC: (7 parameters) Ventral scales, dorsal scales, femoral pores, auricular lobules, canthals, superciliaries, and number of scales between the 2 nuchal collar lines. MORPHOMETRIC: (9 parameters) Head height (HH, at eye level), head width (HW, at eye level), head length (HL, tip of snout to quadratoyugal articulation), ax¬ illa-groin length (AG, from arm insertion to posterior limb insertion; both limbs have to be placed at right angles to the body central axis), HH-HW ratio, HW-HL ratio, HH-HL ratio, AG-SVL ratio, tail length (TL) to SVL ratio. COLORATION: ( 1 3 parameters) Ventral patches (semeions), body ventral surfaces, limb ventral surfaces, chest, throat, gular area, body lateral, body dorsal surfaces, postfemoral area, superciliaries, nuchal color, color of dorsal scales keels, color of dorsal scales margins. STATE CHARACTERS: (43 parameters) Ventral patches (medial contact, size, position in venter) gular lines and bars, isolated light scales (on ventrolateral area and on throat), black gular bar, black inguinal spot, dark shoulder spot, axillar spot, dor¬ sal striae (number, position, shape, size, light posterior spots or lines), ventral profile of head, eyelid shape, body cross-section shape, divergence of dorsal scales, relative size of dorsal-ventral-lateral scales at midbody, dorsal scales (general type, shape, size of keels, multicarination), dorsolateral nuchal scales, (relative size as compared to immediate adjacent scales below them; keels shape), supracephalic ridges and depressions (narino-canthal depression, prefrontal ridge, frontal ridge, frontal de¬ pression, frontoparietal depression), nuchal collar (shape, nuchal stripe width, dorso¬ lateral cervical stripe width, nuchal collar body width), postympanic pocket (shape. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 3 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 borders, type), ventral scales shape, postfemoral scales (type, keels, size differentia¬ tion between upper, central and lower sections). Some of these parameters were assessed conventionally as described elsewhere but some more are introduced here for the first time. A detailed description of those parameters will be given soon in a coming publication (Lara in prep.). Some figures are included here for some of the most important new taxonomical parameters as a reference (see following sections). Results Sceloporus lemosespinali species novum Holotype MZFC-15429, adult male, from 13 Km NW of Yecora, Sonora, Mesa del Campanero, along the road Santa Rosa- Yecora. Collected in an open pine forest on a standing tree by the author (GLG-00 159-2) on September 29th, 1984 (fig¬ ure 1) Figure 1. Dorsal view of holotype of Sceloporus lemosespinali , adult male from Yecora, Sonora, Mexico. page 4 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Paratypes.- MZFC-15430, from same locality and field data as holotype GLG- 00159); MZFC-15431, from 3-4 Km NW of Yecora, Sonora. Collected by the au¬ thor (GLG-00138) on a log in a Pinus-Quercus forest on September 26th, 1984. MZFC- 15432-6, series of 5 specimens from 4-5 Km E of Yecora. Collected in a very open Pinus-Quercus forest on logs and standing trees of both oak and pine, by the author [GLG-00158SER(5)] on September 28th, 1984. Specimen MZFC-15436 (GLG- 00158-5), adult female, has been designated as allotype (figure 2). MZFC-15437- 41, series of 5 specimens from 5-7 Km SE of Yecora, Sonora, on the road Yecora- Talayotes (Chihuahua). Collected on oak logs and standing trees in a very open Pinus- Quercus forest, by the author [GLG-00 1 5 1 SER(5)] on September 27th, 1984. MZFC- 15442-53, series of 12 specimens from 5 Km SSE of Yecora, Sonora. Collected by the author [GLG-00535SER( 1 2)] on June 20th, 1986, on logs and standing trees in a Pinus-Quercus forest. MZFC-15454-5, series of 2 specimens from same locality and data as previous museum number, but on June 21st, 1986 by the author [GLG- 00541SER(2)], on pine standing trees. MZFC-15456-7, series of 2 specimens from 1 2 Km ESE of Yecora, Sonora, right at the Sonora-Chihuahua state border. Collected by the author ([GLG-00553SER(2)] on September 21st, 1986 on logs, in an open Quercus spp. forest. UCM-60985-97, 13 specimens from 8.1 Km S of Creel, detour to Cabanas Batosarachic, municipio de Bocoyna, Chihuahua. Collected by Julio Lemos Espinal on July 24th, 1 999. UBIPRO: JAL-3934, JAL-3940, JAL-3943, JAL-3945- 6, JAL-3964, JAL-3967-8, JAL-3977, and JAL-3979-80, 1 1 specimens from same previous locality and field data (see figures 3 to 6.) Diagnosis A small-sized lizard (max SVL 53mm), dorsal scales 57-70, regular in shape, with borders almost straight; keels slightly protruding from dorsal scales apexes Femoral pores usually 12-15, usually less than 28 total. Gular area conspicuously blue; Throat crossed by a conspicuous broad black band; a well defined black shoul¬ der spot. Males with medium-large-sized parallel or slightly divergent blue ventral patches (semeions). Ventral surfaces always have a bluish tinge, more conspicuous in adults. Females with moderately to well defined semeions, made up of only the pri¬ mary dark bars. Dorsal striae (dorsal spots) usually 2-3 pairs total, on a brownish or grayish brown background color. A conspicuous nuchal collar formed of thin black lines. Holotype description Adult male, 47.8 mm SVL, AGL 22.5 mm, HL 13.9 mm, HW 10.8 mm, and HH 6.9 mm. Tip of tail broken and regenerated (figure 1) Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 5 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Figure 2. Dorsal view of allotype of Sceloporus lemosespinali, adult female from Yecora, Sonora, Mexico. page 6 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Figure 3. Type series. Dorsal view of male topoparatypes. Holotype is at far right Figure 4. Type series. Ventral view of male topoparatypes. Holotype is at far right Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 7 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Figure 5. Type series. Dorsal view of female topoparatypes. Allotype is at far right Figure 6. Type series. Ventral view of female topoparatypes. Allotype is at far right page 8 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Supracephalic scutes are slightly rugose, and pitted. Four postrostrals in con¬ tact with rostral; nostril occupying almost all nasal scale; 4-3 small scales circling the nostrils besides one postrostral. Internasals 1-1; frontonasals 3-3, left one partially fused to left internasal; in contact with central prefrontal. Canthals 2-2; the first one totally forced over the canthus rostralis on upper surface of head on one side, and on the other side broken into 4 small scales. First canthal less than half size of second one. Canthus rostralis sharp, forming an acute angle, slightly concave on the side of the head. Subnasals 1-1; loreals 1-1, preoculars 1-1; suboculars 1-2 followed imme¬ diately by 3-3 postoculars along the lower rim of eye. Lorilabials in 2 series between subocular and supralabials; supralabials 8-7; infralabials 8-8. Five pairs of enlarged postmentals. Second pair (left-right) separated medially from each other by 2 pairs of small geneial scales. Postmentals size decrease caudad gradually. Two rows of labiomentals, between infralabials and postmentals; first row consists of 3-4 enlarged scales. Outer row second labiomental touches third postmental scales. Superciliaries imbricate, in 5-5 rows. Supraoculars in 4-4 rows; innermost row consists of 7-7 big scales (bigger than adjacent scales). Supraorbital semicircles com¬ plete, uninterrupted. Two prefrontals, in contact with anterior frontal, frontonasals and supraorbital semicircles; central frontonasal slightly smaller than anterior fron¬ tal. Posterior frontal very slightly smaller than anterior section; in contact with 2 frontoparietals, interparietal and supraorbital semicircles. Frontoparietals 1-1; pari- etals 1-2. Interparietal more or less heart-shaped; pineal eye well defined; surrounded by a narrow yellow circular line and then by a thicker dark circular dotted line. Auricular lobules 5-5, covering 3/4 to 1/2 of otic opening; formed by pointed scales, somehow carinated; smaller ones at upper and lower sides. Lateronuchals (“nuchals” or “nuchal tuff’) 2-5 (usually 3-4) times bigger than immediate adjacent lateral scales (“S. microlepidotus ” type). Only those next to (over) the suprahumeral fold are progressively smaller and not so conspicuously small as most of them. Lateronuchals elevated, especially the first ones, and lighter in color than adjacent scales. Nape scales slightly elevated. Dorsal scales in 60 transversal rows, from interparietal to an imaginary line that crosses the posterior insertion of hind limbs. Longitudinal rows (along the main body axis) are irregularly parallel over neck and shoulders and irregularly divergent from shoulders to hip. Dorsals are Mqs type (see figure 7); with straight borders; keels protruding from scale apexes. Scales of medium width, only sometimes a little narrow or wide; occasionally multicarinated (3qs) but very slightly. Most dorsals have 1-2 marginal pits. Dorsals keels are flat, very narrow, elevated and very dark; type TH (Figure 8); dorsals margins dark. “Vertebral Scales Urosaurus Pattern” Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 9 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 XMBAICATi FO TYPES S& gra Grtanuicr tub Tuber'oufar YUXTAPOSEO Types w \j‘ VM-Ay MV raj irrsj 4 3q Sq dant JZegv/aj- Tn-egufaj* KeeJad Thraa-kaaiod Flva-kaefad t>cn t tenia ted (aren&tod) TYPES OF MARGINS ANO CAAINATION SIZES OF KEELS Figure 7. Schematic representation of dorsal scales and dorsal keels in S. ( grammicus ) spp. Top: imbricated scales types. Upper middle: Juxtaposed scales types; Lower middle: types of margins and carination; Bottom: sizes of keels. (VSUP) consisting of some vertebrals of half the size or smaller than adjacent dor¬ sals, represented by just a few scales. “Lateral Scales Urosaurus Pattern” (LSUP) consisting of 2 longitudinal rows of isolated larger, lighter and more elevated scales than adjacent ones on upper and lower sides of the body, inconspicuous (these are the “dorsolateral and ventrolateral fringes” described by Webb in S. shannonorum ; see Webb, 1969). Lateral scales de¬ finitively smaller than dorsals and ventrals. Ventral scales in 50 transversal rows from an imaginary line that crosses venter at lower insertion of front limbs to cloaca. Ventrals slightly notched at apexes. Femoral pores 13-14; well developed. Upper postfemoral scales imbricated mucronated and keeled; lower postfemorals are cyc¬ loid and slightly keeled; central postfemorals are tubercular and juxtaposed. Caudal page 10 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 TVP€S OF KEELS (Dor*$t view) TH TT Hetej'ofepi* Type Triangular- Type Types of kepis (Frontal view) Acicular Type Figure 8. Dorsal scales main keel types. Top: dorsal view of types TH, TT and TA. Bottom: frontal view or transversal cross-section of scales of same types. constriction, just behind the hemipenial tail area, marked. Dorsal caudals at this point are = 4 times larger than median dorsals. Lamellae under fourth toe 19-20. Cranial ridges and depressions evident through phragmotic head skin (see fig¬ ure 10) Narino-canthal depression well defined; prefrontal ridge well defined; frontal ridge inconspicuous; frontal depression moderately defined; and frontoparietal de¬ pression moderately developed. Postympanic pocket well defined, represented by a sunken triangular area limited by strongly mucronated, keeled and elevated scales. Posterior tympanic margin not hidden by the postympanic pocket. Eyelids moder¬ ately prominent. Body cross-section markedly elevated at backbone (see figure 9). “Hump” at a little behind shoulder level evident but not conspicuous. Head scutellation dark brown; typical “Grammicus Head Scutellation Color Pattern” (GHSCP) poorly evident but from superciliaries which are conspicuously light and dark barred. This pattern normally consists of dark narrow lines on Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 11 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 TYPE Trtanpufar Rounded Keeled ELEVATION Type A Type B Type £ Figure 9. Dorsal profile (body cross section). Schematic representation of main 3 body profiles frontonasal, supraocular, and prefrontal-parietal areas. The frontonasal lines run from second canthal to frontonasals and then the lines curve forward to reach intemasals. The supraocular line runs from side to side, from superciliaries on one side to superciliaries on the other side, traversing the supraoculars, the supraorbital semi¬ circles and the border between median anterior and posterior frontal scale. Finally, the prefrontal-parietal line goes from the anterior section of frontal to its posterior section where it branches laterally to reach the parietals. Body dorsal coloration dark brown somehow grayish. Dorsal striae of 2-2 pairs of inverted U-shaped curved very dark brown lines; lateral borders of “U’s” not forming straight continuous dorsolateral lines but undulating lines (see figure 1) Striae of medium to large size. Light Posterior Spots (LPS) not very evident, represented by whitish narrow and short lines. Dorsal tail surface of same background color as dor¬ sum; Tail Transversal Dark Rings (TTDR) poorly developed. Limbs Dark-Light Bands (LDLB) poorly developed but those on fingers and toes. The typical grammicus LDLB pattern consists of alternating dark and light bands over and around arms hands, fingers, thighs, legs, and toes. Lateral Coloration Pattern (LCP) consists of 3-3 more or less well evident diagonal lines on lower rear quarter and a series of 3-4 dotted page 12 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Figure 10. Supracephalic ridges and depressions Lateral and dorsal views of a sche¬ matic S. ( grammicus ) sp. 1. Narino-canthal depression 2. Prefrontal ridge 3. Frontal ridge 4. Frontal depression 5. Frontoparietal depression. Upper left: lateral view. Upper right: dorsal view. Bottom: shows examples of values. X=absent, inc/lig= in¬ conspicuous, mod=moderately developed, v= well developed, C~ conspicuous. horizontal lines or curved short lines in a horizontal linear pattern (see figure 13) No light axillar spot present. Postfemoral Coloration Pattern (PCP) type A; typical but not conspicuous, consisting of 2-2 more or less well defined whitish circular spots surrounded by dark lines (see figure 14) Ventral body surfaces background color whitish with an evident bluish tinge (see figure 4) Chest almost completely black, fused to gular band, shoulder spot and ventral patches primary bar. Ventral surfaces of limbs grayish-bluish. Gular band solid black, very conspicuous and extensive. Throat with a central circular intense dark cerulean blue spot, encroached by a dark gray halo. A few conspicuous lighter blue isolated scales on sides of throat. Isolated light blue scales on lateroventral sur- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 13 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 NUCHAL COLLAR Nuchal co/far Black phauldcr PTP (Pastymp&aie packet) Figure 11. Nuchal collar. Location of nuchal collar and adjacent regions. Upper: dorsal view. Bottom: lateral view from side of the body. page 14 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Nuoixil stripe Pasteroruchai i tight art a supraotrrtccJ tll'Crt borsolatcrat sfrpre PosfimpsNc fight area DorsotatoraJ dark lint (rotated to dorse} s trine) Nucha! cellar body Mack shoutder spat QUA&tiA TS a-b Maximum width of nucha f stripe at its base c-d Maximum width of cervical Hat at its bast *~f Maximum width of oucha! cottar body NUCHAL COLLAR Figure 12. Nuchal collar. Nuchal collar sections (upper) and quadrants (bottom) Lines a-b, c-d, and e-f are the three sets of values given in the description and comparisons. faces more or less inconspicuous. Ventral tail surfaces bluish white. Dark tail rings more or less inconspicuous. Ventral patches (semeions) very conspicuous; cerulean blue; medium-large sized, in upper position; from the arm insertions caudad but not reaching the lower limbs insertion (see figure 15) Primary bars solid black, wide, with irregular internal border; these touching midventrally many times but not com¬ pletely fused to each other. Light midventral background color almost absent. Poste- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 15 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 LATfiERAL RW&ION OF THE 900Y Cent/'at At i terror ! Po-eteriar — iIlBliB Upper seetrc&r Muddle st action L&Mwr- fBcWm? • SECTIONS TYPICAL SECTION PATTERNS Typkicuf female Light hand L?Jagonaf Una* r Figure 13. Schematic representation of lateral coloration patterns. Upper: Location of lateral region in body. Upper middle: Sections of lateral region. Lower middle: 3 basic types of coloration patterns. Bottom: Some typical patterns for middle and lower sections page 16 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 rior end of primary bars divergent; the rest (most of it) parallel (see figures 1 5 and 1 6) Shoulder spot solid black, triangular, fused ventrally to gular band and black chest blotch (see figure 4). Head ventral profile typical, pentagonal, with little “cheeks” (not prominent) at the bottom. Nuchal collar very conspicuous, black and very nar¬ row, with values <1, <1, <1. White bordering lines-spots, poorly evident and small. Nuchal collar separated middorsally by 8 scales (see figures 11 and 12) Allotype description Adult female, 45.5 mm SVL, AGL 22.3 mm, HL 1 1.9 mm, HW 9.8 mm and HH 5.9 mm; TL 52.7 mm (figure 2) Supracephalic scutes are smooth and pitted. Four postrostrals in contact with rostral; nostril occupying almost completely nasals scales; 4-4 very small scales circling the nostrils besides one postrostral. Internasals 2-2; first pair very small, between nos¬ trils; second pair bigger, in contact with frontonasals. 3 frontonasals; central one similar in size and shape to anterior frontal; in contact with the latter, the 2 prefron- tals, the frontonasals and the enlarged internasals. Canthals 2-2; first canthal less than half size of second one. Canthus rostralis sharp, forming a right angle. Subnasals 1-1; loreals 1-1, preoculars 1-1; suboculars 1-1, immediately followed by 3-3 postoculars along the eye rim. Lorilabials in 2 series between subocular and supralabials; supralabials 7-7; infralabials 8-8; 5-6 pairs of enlarged postmentals; second pair (left-right) separated medially from each other by 1 pair of small geneial scales; their size decreases caudad gradually. Two rows of labiomentals, between infralabials and postmentals; first row consists of 4-4 enlarged scales. Outer row second labiomental separated from third postmental scale. Superciliaries imbricate, in 5-5 rows. Supraoculars in 3-3 rows; innermost row con¬ sists of 8-7 big scales (bigger than adjacent scales). Supraorbital semicircles com¬ plete, uninterrupted. Two prefrontals, slightly smaller than anterior frontal and in contact with it, with supraorbital semicircles and with frontonasals; central frontonasal slightly smaller than frontal but larger than prefrontals; in contact with anterior sec¬ tion of frontal. Posterior section of frontal in contact with the frontoparietals as well as with supraorbital semicircles, but separated from interparietal. Frontoparietals 2- 2; parietals 2-2. Interparietal roughly triangular; pineal eye well defined; surrounded by a narrow yellow circular line and then by a thicker dark circular dotted line. Auricular lobules 5-5, covering less than 1/4 of otic opening; formed by pointed small scales, not keeled. Lateronuchals (“nuchals”) 3-5 (usually 4) times larger than immediate adjacent lateral scales (“S. microlepidotus' type). Lateronuchals elevated. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 17 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Body (fat era!) y, !\ f # / / / juprafem&raf !m • , •••’> ... Tail (lateral) shank* P^O O D FOUR BASIC TYPES OR PATTERNS Figure 14. Postfemoral region coloration patterns. Upper left: location of postfemoral region. Upper right: detail of postfemoral region. Bottom: Schematic representation of 4 main types of coloration patterns. especially the first 3-4 ones, and lighter in color than adjacent scales. Nape scales almost unperceptively elevated. Dorsal scales in 62 transversal rows, from interparietal to an imaginary line that crosses the posterior insertion of hind limbs. Longitudinal rows (along the main body axis) are irregularly parallel over neck and shoulders and irregularly divergent from shoulders to hip. Dorsals are Mqa type, with straight borders; keels not protrud- page 18 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 ing from scale apexes but ending there (see figure 7) Scales of medium width, some¬ times slightly wide. Most dorsals have an apical pit. Dorsals keels are flat, very nar¬ row, elevated and dark (figure 8) Dorsals margins moderately dark brown. VSUP represented by very few scales. LSUP present but inconspicuous. Lateral scales slightly smaller than dorsals and ventrals. Ventral scales in 52 transversal rows. Ventrals slightly notched at apexes. Femoral pores 13-14. Uppermost postfemoral scales imbricated, mucronated and keeled; lower postfemorals are cycloid but smooth; central postfemorals are granu¬ lar-tubercular and juxtaposed (see figure 7). Caudal thinning evident. Dorsal caudals at this point are > 4 times larger than median dorsals. Lamellae under fourth toe 19- 19. Cranial ridges and depressions evident through phragmotic head skin. Narino- canthal depression well defined; prefrontal ridge well defined; frontal ridge absent; frontal depression well defined; and frontoparietal s depression well developed (see figure 10) Postympanic pocket not very well defined, represented by a sunken trian¬ gular area limited by slightly mucronated, keeled and elevated scales. Posterior tym¬ panic margin not hidden by the postympanic pocket. Eyelids slightly prominent. Body cross-section moderately elevated at backbone (see figure 9). “Hump” at a little behind shoulder level moderately developed. Head scutellation light grayish brown; typical GHSCP well developed and conspicuous. Body dorsal coloration grayish brown. Dorsal striae of 3-3 pairs of inverted U- shaped curved black lines; first pair smaller, more elongated and brown, not black. Lateral borders of “U’s” forming curved continuous dorsolateral lines along dorso¬ lateral area; black ocelli well defined. Striae of medium to large size. LPS not very evident, represented by whitish narrow and short lines. Dorsal tail surface of same background color as dorsum (see figure 2) TTDR moderately well developed. LDLB well developed. LCP consists of 3-4 moderately well evident diagonal lines on lower lateral area and a series of 4-4 C-shaped black lines in a horizontal linear pattern. Inside the “C’s” there is a white spot similar to the dorsal striae LPS. No light axillar spot (see figure 13) PCP type B; typical but not conspicuous, consisting of 3-3 well defined whitish circular spots surrounded by dark lines (see figure 14) Ventral body surfaces background color orange (see figure 6) Chest orange, with a few grayish scales. Ventral surfaces of limbs orange with a grayish-bluish tinge. Gular band absent. Throat with a central circular diffuse dark cerulean blue spot. Many blue isolated scales all over the throat; well evident but not conspicuous. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 19 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 VENTRAL PATCHES BASIC S TR'JCTVRE, AND PATTERNS OT ADJACENT REGIONS Sufor region Lateroventrd surfaces Midventraf surface Pcs fvrevtnfrof surface of shank Primary dark Art/* Secondary dark bar “\Ieguino- \ femoral \ region •Shank Is Cloaca! region Midventer (bilateral regions are shorn only on one side) VENTRAL PATCHES SIZES QuanE Abresiatiaa Name 1/2 peq-msd Vest 3/4 med medium 7/8 med.gra med -forge 1 gra large >1 Mgr a very large AAMgrn huge M jfl; Patches con he upper, centra/ or inferior, especially when they are medium >Lt'u ur >mulxr. E.y. the "vest " is generally central VENTRAL PATCHES WIDTH VENTRAL PATCHES POSITION V r M A s very breed dipper Central cr Lower Medial (Exemplified wit side wed) Figure 15. Semeions (ventral patches).Upper left: semeions and adjacent ventral coloration patterns. Upper right: semeions sizes. Lower left: semeions widths. Lower right: Position of semeions on venter. page 20 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 VENTRAL PATCHES INTERNAL SOfWERS (PARS) Straight Triangular {parallel) (divergent) II A Regular Rounded )( EVENS SS Irregular Fragmented Primary bar's inconspicuous Secondary bens well developed WIDTH Average Narrow Broad Primary dark bars are always black. Cohr intensity can be variable though. From incvnspicuos (me) to extremely conspicuous (MM£). Secondary dark bars are always bkte and darker than the patches. They tend to navy blue. They are typically narrower than primary bars and are farther from midventer than primary bars Figure 16. Semeions (ventral patches) primary and secondary bars. Top: Semeions shapes. Middle: Bars evenness and conspicuity. Bottom: primary bars widths. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 21 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Isolated light blue scales on lateroventral surfaces abundant; well evident but not conspicuous. Ventral tail surfaces orangish. Dark tail rings more or less evident. Ven¬ tral patches inconspicuous, represented only by narrow dark primary bars. Light midventral background color orange but with gray pigmentation. Shoulder spot represented by a narrow dark line only (Type 1th). Head ventral profile typical, pentagonal, with “cheeks” slightly prominent. Nuchal collar very conspicu¬ ous, black and narrow, with values X, 2 to >1, and 3-4. White bordering lines-spots well evident but represented only by the light supracervical line. Nuchal collar sepa¬ rated middorsally by 2 scales (see figures 1 1 and 12) Variation This paper only presents variation within the topotypic paratypes. A thorough analy¬ sis of geographical variation of this species within its whole range will be presented in a separate paper (Lara in prep.) No statistical analysis is presented here. First observation that should be made is that there is a marked ontogenic and sexual variation of many of the characters analyzed here. Females tend to show less ontoge¬ nic variation than males do. Not only is this true for this species but for all forms that belong to the grammicus complex. For this reason variation will be presented sepa¬ rately for adults and subadults, and sexes described separately too when appropriate. Only the best diagnostic parameters will be reviewed. For this analysis of variation specimens were ranked in 3 age-groups: Age-class Age SVL Juveniles Recently born < 40 mm Subadults < 1 year (j 40-46- 9 40-47 mm Adults > 1 year <5 >.47- 9 >.48mm SVL varies from 40.7 to 45.2, X43.J in male subadults, 41.1-46.6, X43.5 mm in female subadults. Adult SVL goes from 47.8-53.2, X 50.4 in males, and 51.2- 53. 2, X 51.9 in females. Maximum SVL for both males and females is 53.2 mm. page 22 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Primary black bars of male semeions (ventral patches) are frequently in contact in adults (83.3%), but more usually separated in subadults (54.5%.) (see figure 4; also refer to figures 15 and 16) An increase in dark pigmentation over all ventral surfaces (and other body areas) occurs with age. Primary bars of adults are wider and more irregular. Medial contact of bars starts anteriorly (closer to the chest) and gradually dark pigmentation invades central and lower portions of bars. Thus, internal borders of primary bars are more irregular in adults than in subadults. Semeions size doesn’t seem to be age-related. Most males tend to have medium-large patches (64.7). Me¬ dium size occurs less frequently (23.5) and large size even less frequently (1 1.8%). Semeions are placed either medially (46.7%) or up (46.7%), closer to arm insertions. Semeions color varies from dark “sky blue” to dark cerulean blue, but cerulean blue (either light or dark) is more frequent (88.2%). In some preserved animals these colors tend to fade to a purplish tinge. Midventral coloration between the semeions is white with a light orangish tinge in most subadults (91.0%), while in adults tends to be obscured and covered by an invasion of the black pigmentation of primary bars. So it is completely black (50%) or dark blue (16.7%). There is a bluish tinge evident but not very conspicuous in 91 .0% of subadults, regardless of their midventral back¬ ground color, and in 83.3% of adults of both sexes. Females do have semeions too. This is not an exclusive condition of this species, but a somehow widespread condition within the grammicus complex. In S. lemosespinali seems to be more conspicuous, though (see figure 6). All females show semeions regardless of their age, but they tend to be slightly or moderately evident in subadults (75%) and well developed to conspicuous in adults (100%.) Semeions color may vary along the year, as conspicuity of orange pigmentation of venter does. The latter seems to be correlated with the animal’s reproductive condition, being more intense in gravid females. This has been observed in other species within the grammicus complex, but it may apply to S. lemosespinali as well. Anyway, most of the time the typical bluish tinge of males is evident, either slightly (25% of all females) or moder¬ ate to conspicuous (another 25%); that is, half of females show it. Chest coloration is mostly white with and orange tinge in all ages and sexes, but is invaded by both black and blue pigmentation in an age and sex-related pattern. Sub¬ adult males tend to always have at least some black irregular spotting, from light to conspicuous, but only a few of them (18.2%) have a completely black chest. The percentage increases to 50% in adult males, but 83.3% of adults with the original white-orange background color have conspicuous, irregular and extensive black spot¬ ting on it. In 88.2% of males a blue hinge is evident on the chest area. Dark pigmen¬ tation in females is uncommon and always inconspicuous (only 1 3.3% has it), but the bluish tinge is more common (46.7%) Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 23 Parameters MAXIMUM SVL(mm) Semeions ^ 9 Midventral Coloration ^ 9 Chest Coloration ^ 9 Limbs Undersurface (jj Coloration 9 Inguino-Femoral Spot w 9 Shoulder Spot ^ 9 nber 1 March 2004 S. anahuacus S. disparilis S. grammicus S. heterolepis 56.2 76.0 76.5 69.3 Shape: /\ or ocas. ) l Shape: 1 1 Shape\ 1 , ocas/1 1 Shape:\ 1 (always divergent Contact: no (ocas. Contact: X Contact: "'I poster.) partial) Size: Vest (med) Siz.e: med-gra Contact: no Size: med-gra to gra Color: light blue Color: light blue Size: rned-gra to gra Color: light blue, light Prim. Bars: absent or Prim. Bars: inc. Color: intemse cerulean cerulean blue inc; only secondary dark Secondary bars: v blue Prim. Bars: absent or. blue bars present Prim. Bars: conspicuous inc; narrow or short Secondary bars: \ Secondary bars: V Absent Absent Absent Absent (rarely present; (rarely present; (rarely present; inconsp.) inconsp.) inconsp.) Background: white Background: white Background: white Background: white orangish with orangish tinge grayish with creamish tinge Spotting: dark, ocas, black Spotting: no Spotting: slightly dark gray (inc.) + bluish tinge Spotting: No Background: white Background: white Background: white orangish orangish creamish Spotting: no Spotting: no Spotting: no Background: white Background: white Background: white Background: white orangish orangish grayish creamish Spotting: usually dark Spotting: absent to black Spotting: slightly dark Spotting: yes, usually (darkening) gray (inc.) + bluish tinge diagonal or V-shaped gray lines Background: white Background: white Background: white Background: white orangish orangish orangish creamish Spotting: no Spotting: no Spotting: no Spotting: some short gray lines Background: white Background: white Background: white Background: white orangish orangish grayish creamish Spotting: usual, dark gray Spotting: absent to some Spotting: slightly dark Spotting: gray, ocas. dark spotting gray (inc.) + bluish tinge black Background: white Background: white Background: white Background: white orangish orangish orangish creamish Spotting: no Spotting: no Spotting: no Spotting: some short gray lines Presence: yes Color, jet, black Conspicuity: C-MC Presence: no Color: no (dark) Conspicuity: no (or an inconspicuous darkening Presence: no Presence: no Presence: no Presence: yes Presence: yes Presence: yes Presence: yes Color: jet black Color: jet black Color: dar gray Color: black or very dark Width: super wide Width: 1th - wide Width: Ith (ocas, wide) Width: 1th -wide Conspicuity: C-MMC Conspicuity: line C-MC Wide area: inc-MMC (mod-V) Conspicuity: line C-MC Wide area: X-mod (X-inc.) Conspicuity: mod-C- Presence: yes Presence: yes Presence: yes Presence: yes Color: black Color: black Color: black Color: black Width: 1th - wide Width: 1th Width: 1th Width: 1th - wide Conspicuity: line C-MC Wide area: inc-mod. Conspicuity: C-MC Conspicuity: V Conspicuity: line C-MC Wide area: inc-mod. page 24 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 S. lemospinali 53.2 Shape:\ I rarely ) { Contact: V (in A), X (in SA) Size: med-gra Color: cerulean blue, ocas, dark sky blue Prim. Bars: always very conspicuous Always present; well devel. in adults (from lig to C mod-V) Background: white with orange tinge Spotting : tends to obscure backgr. color; black or blue Background: white orangish Spotting : absent or inc. Background: white orangish Spotting: Consp. or chest totally black (ocas. abs. or inc.) always w bluish tinge Background: white orangish Spotting: absent or inc. Background: white-oranish Spotting: almost completely replaces background with gray, black or blue Background: white-orangish Spotting: absent or inc. Sometimes with a bluish tinge Presence: no Presence: yes Color: jet black Width: broad Qmspicuity:C-UC (only in 8A can be ocas, mod) Presence: yes Color: black Width: 1th- ocas, wide Conspicuity: line C-MC Wide area: area: inc-mod. S. microlepidotus 74.1 Shape: 1 1 Contact: X Size: Vest, med (very ocas, med-gra) Color: light blue Prim. Bars: absent or Secondary bars: V Absent Background: white with creamish tinge Spotting: absent or ocas, inc. Background: white with creamish or orange tinge Spotting: none Background: white with creamish tinge Spotting: absent or ocas, me. Background: white with creamis or orangish tinge Spotting: none Background: white with creamish tinge Spotting: absent or ocas. inc. Background: white with creamish or orange tinge Spotting: none Presence: no Presence: absent or present Color: brown Width: 1th- ocas, broad Conspicuity:X or inc. Presence: absent or present Color: dark brown or black Width: Ith Conspicuity: X or inc. or dotted S. palaciosi 61.2 ShapeM or I I Contact: X Size: med to gra (gra, med-gra) Color: cerulean blue or darker Prim. Bars: C-MC Present Inc.-C-mod) (intense orange) Background: white orangish Spotting: grayish or blackish mod-C Background: pale orange Spotting: absent Background: white orangish Spotting: gray spotting, lines or bars (mod-C) Background: pale orange Spotting: gray spotting, line or bars, X-C (mod-V) Background: white-orangish Spotting: gray spotting, lines or bars (mod-V- sometimes bluish) Background: orangish Spotting: gray spotting, lines or bars, X-C (mod-V) Presence: no Presence: yes Color: black Width: broad Conspicuity:mod-C (V) Presence: yes Color: black Width: 1th- broad Conspicuity: line C-MC wide area: X-inc. S. shannonorum 71.0 Shape: I 1 Contact: yes Size: med-peq, central Color: light blue Prim. Bars: absent or inc. Secondary bars: V, substitute primary bars Absent or present X-mod (lig) Background: white orangish Spotting: no Background: orangish Spotting: no Background: white orangish Spotting: gray spotting lines or bars (V) Background: orangish Spotting: gray; X or inc. Background: white orangish Spotting: some gray, pigmentation, lig-mod Background: orangish Spotting: absent or inc (gray) Presence: no Presence: yes Color: black Width: broad Conspicuity: mod-V Presence: yes Color: black Width: 1th Conspicuity: V March 2004 S. tamaulipensis 71.7 Shape:\ I Contact: no Size: med-gra to gra Color: light sky or cerulean blue Prim. Bars: inc.-absent Secondary bars: V Absent Background: creamish white-yellowish Spotting : no Background: white- orangish Spotting: absent or inc. Background: whitish Spotting: black or dark gray lig-C (mod-V) Background: orangish Spotting: gray; X or inc. (ocas, inc.) Background: white orangish Spotting: dark gray lig-V (mod); thighs barred (V-C) Background: white-orangish Spotting : dark gray lig-mod Presence: no Presence: yes Color: black Width: broad Conspicuity ’AC (ocas, inc; never MC) Presence: yes Color: black Width: 1th Conspicuity: V Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 25 Volume 40 Number 1 Parameters Throat Coloration C5 9 Gular Band (3 9 Gular Lines Isolated Light Scales on Throat d 9 Isolated Light Scales on Venter Lateroventral Surfaces d 9 S. anahuacus Gular spot: absent Color: white-orangish Gray circling gular spot Gular spot: absent Color: white-orangish Presence: yes Type: irregular-solid Color: black Conspicuity: mod-MC (V) Same as above but: Presence: no (ocas, yes) Conspicuity: X-mod (inc.) Presence: no (ocas, present) Type: I I Color: gray Conspicuity: No (inc) Number: few, lateral Color: light blue Conspicuity: mod-V Number: more abundant Color: light blue Conspicuity: V Number: more abundant Color: light blue Conspicuity: V Gen. Pattern: reticulated UP Section: reticulated MID section: reticulated LOW Section: reticulated Diagonal lines: no Conspicuity: C-MC Gen. Pattern: reticulated UP Section: reticulated MID section: typical female LOW Section: reticulated Diagonal lines: no Conspicuity: C-MC S. disparilis Gular spot: absent Color: white-orangish to grayish orange. Gray circling gular spot Gular spot: absent Color: white-orangish Presence: yes Type: irregular Color: blackish Conspicuity: X-\ (lig- mod) Same as above but: Presence: no Conspicuity: Presence: yes 7)'/>e:Vorocas.l I Color: gray Conspicuity: inc.-C (modV) Number: few, lateral Color: White, ocas, light blue Conspicuity: X-\ (inc.) Number: more numerous Color: White, ocas, light blue Conspicuity: i S. grammicus Gular spot: absent Color: white-orangish to gray. Gray circling giular spot Gular spot: absent Color: white-orangish or slightly grayish Presence: no Type: irregular Color: dark gray Conspicuity: Same as above but: Presence: no Conspicuity: Presence: yes Type: V or ocas. I I Color: gray Conspicuity': V-C (broad) Number: average Color: White (ocas, light blue) Conspicuity: "V Number: more numerous Color: White ,ocas. light blue Conspicuity: i Gen. Pattern: horizontal UP Section: horizontal MID section: horizontal or typical female LOW Section: horizontal or diagonal Diagonal lines: 1-6; inc. Conspicuity: inc.-mod. Gen. Pattern: horizontal UP Section: horizontal MID section: typ. female or white band LOW Section: horizontal or diagonal Diagonal lines: yes, 1-6; inc. Conspicuity: inc.-mod. Gen. Pattern: dotted UP Section: dotted MID section: dotted LOW Section: dotted or ocas, diagonal Diagonal lines: ocas. 1-5 inc. Conspicuity: inc.-mod. Gen. Pattern: mixed UP Section: dotted MID section: typ. female LOW Section: dotted or diagonal Diagonal lines: ocas. 1-5 inc. Conspicuity: inc.-mod. March 2004 S. heterolepis Gular spot: absent Color: yellowish- creamish, some gray- dark gray cicling gular spot Gular spot: absent Color: yellowish- creamish (ocas, some gray at sides) Presence: yes Type: irregular and narrow Color: Blackish or gray Conspicuity: lig-mod (ocas. V; only lateral) Same as above but: Presence: n (ocas, lateral) Conspicuity: X (inc.) Presence: yes Type: I I or V or both Color: gray Conspicuity: mod-C (s more or less C) Number: average Color: white Conspicuity: inc -V (mod) Number: more numerous Color: white Conspicuity’: mod-C (V) Gen. Pattern: dotted UP Section: dotted MID section: dotted or female pattern slightly dev. LOW Section: dotted diag. Diagonal lines: 1-3 Conspicuity: inc.-mod. Gen. Pattern: mixed UP Section: dotted horz. MID section: typ. female LOW Section: diag. dotted Diagonal lines: 1-3 Conspicuity: mod. page 26 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 S. lemospinali Gularspot: present Color: always intense cerulian blue circle by a dark gray or blackish halo Gular spot: present Color: always a pale dark blue circled by gray Presence: yes Type: solid, broad Color: black Conspicuity: C-MC Same as above but: Presence: yes (ocas, no) Conspicuity : lig-mod (never solid black) Presence: no (ocas, yes) Type: I! or V Color: gray Conspicuity : inc.-mod Number: average Color: light blue or white Conspicuity: lig-C (V) Number: more numerous Color: white or bluish white Conspicuity : lig-C (V) (d lig. mod 9iC) Gen. Pattern: mixed UP section: horizontal MID section: female typical pattern LOW section: diagonal Diagonal Lines: 2-4 (lig.V) Conspicuity: mod-C (V) Gen. Pattern: mixed UP section: horizontal MID section: typ. female LOW section: diagonal Diagonal Lines: 3-4 Conspicuity: V S. microlepidotus Gular spot: absent Color: creamish white: immaculate or with grayish perimeter Gular spot: absent Color: creamish white: Presence: no (ocas, yes) Type: irregular Color: dark gray Conspicuity: X-mod (inc. not solid; lateral) Same as above but: Presence: no Conspicuity: Number: more numerous Color: white (ocas, light blue) Conspicuity: mod- C (V) S. palaciosi Gularspot: absent Color: orange, ocas, grayish; some dark gray circling gular spot Gular spot: absent Color: orange, grayish Presence: yes Type: irregular Color: black Conspicuity: inc. V (mod) (never solid; lateral) Same as above but: Presence: no (ocas, yes) Conspicuity: X-inc. Number: more numerous Color: white or light blue Conspicuity: mod-C (\) 5. shannonorum Gular spot: absent Color: whitish, yellowish or light orange Gular spot: absent Color: light organge or yellowish Presence: no (ocas, yes) Type: irregular Color: dark gray Conspicuity: X (inc.-mod) Same as above but: Presence: no Conspicuity': Presence: yes Type: 1 I or V Color: gray Conspicuity’: inc-C (V-C in d X to mod -> inc in 9) Number: average Color: white Conspicuity: V Number: average Color: white Conspicuity: V March 2004 S. tamaulipensis Gular spot: absent Color: dark gray circling gular spot ocas, -mod Gularspot: absent Color: light organge or yellowish Presence: yes (ocas, no) Type: irregular, narrow Color: blackish or gray Conspicuity : mod Same as above but: Presence: no Conspicuity’: Presence: yes Type'M (m. ocas. I I ) Color: gray Conspicuity: X-inc. (m. inc. in d, inc in 9 ) Number: average Color: blue (ocas, white) Conspicuity: X-C (mod- V) Number: X-average Color: white Conspicuity: X-V(ocas. inc.) Number: average Color: light blue or white Conspicuity: X-V (mod in d . inc and white in 9 ) Gen. Pattern: dotted UP section: dotted MID section: light band or typ. female pattern LOW section: dotted Diagonal Lines: no (or m. ocas.) Conspicuity1: inc.-mod Gen. Pattern: dotted UP section: dotted MID section: typ. female LOW section: dotted or diagonal Diagonal Lines: X-3 (mod.) Conspicuity: inc.-C (V) Gen. Pattern: dotted or horizontal UP section: dotted or horz. MID section: dotted or horz. LOW section: dotted or horz. Diagonal Lines:] -5 (mod) Conspicuity: inc. Gen. Pattern: slightly dotted or horizontal UP section: dotted or horz. MID section: typ. female LOW section: dotted or horz. Diagonal Lines: 1 -5 (mod) Conspicuity1: inc. mod- mid. section can be V) Gen. Pattern: reticular-hor. UP section: reticular-horz. or diag. MID section: reticular-hor. LOW section: reticular-hor. or diag. Diagonal Lines: ocas (lig) Conspicuity: mod-C (V) Gen. Pattern: reticular-hor. UP section: reticular-horz. MID section: typ. female or light band LOW section: horz.-diagon Diagonal Lines: 1-4 Conspicuity: V-C Gen. Pattern: dotted UP section: dotted MID section: dotted, ocas, lig. typ female LOW section: dotted Diagonal Lines: usually absent Conspicuity W Gen. Pattern: mixed UP section: dotted MID section: typ female LOW section: diagonal Diagonal Lines: 1-5, V Conspicuity :V Presence: yes Type: I I or V Color: gray Conspicuity: inc. C (mod \) Number: average Color: white (ocas, light blue) Conspicuity: inc- C (mod V) Presence: yes Type: V or I I Color: gray Conspicuity r. inc-mod Number: average Color: Light blue or white Conspicuity: lig-C (V) Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 27 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Parameters S. anahuacus S. disparilis S. grammicus S. heterolepis Postfemoral 6 Type: C- less freq. A Type: C or A Type: A ocas. BorC Type: Usually A Coloration o Conspicuity: inc-C (inc.) Conspicuity: inc -i (mod) Conspicuity: inc-mod Conspicuity: inc-mod V mod) + some black Type: A reticulation Conspicuity: > J-C Dorsal Body 6 Background: Gray, brown Background: Gray, brown Background: brown Background: brown, gray Coloration Shades: light to dark (osc.) Shades: light to dark (It.) Shades: light to dark (osc.) Shades: light, ocas, dark Tinges: none Tinges: yellow, golden, Tinges: olden, grayish Tinges: beige, khaki, 9 reddish, greenish ocas, greenish roasted, (ocas. = S. clarki) Dorsal Striae 6 Number: 6-8 (6-7) (rare. 4) Number: 2-5 (3-4) Number: 2-5 (2-3) Number: 2-4 (2-3) Shape: round Shape: elongated, round Shape: round, thick Shape: round, thick Size: small Size: med to gra (med- Size: med to gra (gra) Size: med to med-gra Fusions: Usually yes gra) Fusions: Fus (ocas, sep) (ocas, peq.) Conspicuity: Very consp. Fusions: Yes, tends to Conspicuity: inc. Fusions: No (notconsp. in old males) form 2 vertebral lines Conspicuity: mod-'V Conspicuity: mod-C (old 9 males form BCD) Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Always very conspicuous Always well developed Always better developed Always better developed Light Posterior Spots d Shape: ca. runded Shape: rounded peq. Shape: elongated Shape: roundish Color: white (golden, Color: white (or Color: white (ocas, beige) Color: white (ocas, beige) greenish) yellowish) Conspicuity: inc-C (V) Conspicuity: inc-C (V) Conspicuity: C-MMC Conspicuity: incW (mod) Usually form 2 light 9 dorsolateral bands Same as above Same as above but: Same as above but: Same as above Conspicuity: mod-C Conspicuity: mod-C (V) Dorsal Scales d Number: 68-87 Number: 52-71 Number: 42-57 Number: 22-46 (big) and (71 -85:94%)>7 1=95.8% (54-64:90.2%) Type: R (m. ocas R->M) 58-80 (small) 960-76 in Type: R Type: R->M or M Keels: qs-MMqs 90.5%) Keels: qsmlig-qs (qslig) Keels: slig-MMqs (qs) (Mqs-MMqs) Type: M or R-*M Multicar: 3 qs mmmlig ocas. Multicar: 3 qs lig ocas. Multicar: 3qsV-C Keels: qs-MMs (Ms) Keel type: TT Keel type: TH (ocas5q) Multicar : 3qsmlig ocas. Rugosity: rugose Rugosity: rugose Keel type: TH Keel type: TH 9 Rugosity: rugose Rugosity: rugose Same as above but: Same as above but: Same as above but: Same as above but: Keels: qa-qslig (qsmlig) Type: M or R^M Keels: qs-MMqs (qs) Keels: qslig-qs ocas qq. Keels: qa-qs Multicar: 3qs lig D-L-V Size Ratio V>lig D>lig (D>1>V) D>Consp. (D>1>V) D>l-V (twice as big) Femoral Pores 12-19(14-17) 12-19(14-17) 11-18(13-18) 13-20(15-17) Body Cross Section d Type: B Type: B-C Type: C-B Type: C-B 9 Type: A Type: A-B Type: B-A Type: B-A Nuchals Type: microlepidotus Type: microlepidotus Type: grammicus Type: grammicus Conspicuity: v-MMC Conspicuity: C-MMC (C) Conspicuity: OK Conspicuity: MMC- (Keels: mod-C) superC+ q MMC page 28 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 S. microlepidotus S. palaciosi Type: B (cas A or C) Conspicuity: V-C Background: brown-yellow Shades: light Tinges: yellowish, greenish Background: brown-yellow Shades: light to dark Tinges: ocas, reddish, never yellowish or yellow Number: 3-5 (4); usually no (replaced by BCD) Shape: round Or triangular Size: med, med-gra Fusions: none Conspicuity: absent or inc. ocs. mod-\ ) Type: C, but also A, B Conspicuity: mod-MMC (C) Background: brown, gray Shades: dark Tinges: roasted, golden, greenish Background: brown Shades: light dark Tinges: usually dark brown: never greenish Number: 3-6 (4) Shape: round, elongated Size: peq to med Fusions: multiple (rarely separated) Conspicuity: V-MC (V) old males ocas -* BCD) Type: A (ocas. B) Conspicuity: inc.-V (mod) Type: A (ocas. B) Conspicuity: mod-C (V) Background: brown Shades: liht to a little dark Tinges: beige to sand to roasted or reddish Number: 2-4 (2-3) Shape: curved, thick Size: med Fusions: no Conspicuity: inc.-V (mod) S. lemospinali Type: variable (A,B,C) Conspicuity: v Type: A (ocas. B) Conspicuity: V Background: brown Shades: dark Tinges: grayish Background: brown Shades: dark Tinges: no or reddish never grayish Number: 2-4 (2-3) Shape: round Size: med to gra (med-gra) Fusions: yes (middorsal) Conspicuity:'!- C(9...) Same as above. Tend to be large and more consp. Shape: roundish Color: white Conspicuity: lig-mod Same as above but: Shape: elongated or lines Conspicuity: mod-V Number: 57-70 (<67= 90.6%) Type: R~>M or M Keels: qslig-qMs (qs) Multicar: 3qs mlig ocas. Keel type: TH Rugosity: yes, rough Same as above but: Keels: qa-slig (qmslig-lig) Same as above but: Always better developed (lig-C); never a BCD Shape: roundish, peq Color: white (golden, greenish) Conspicuity: inc.-C (\) (absent when BCD) Same as above but: Conspicuity: mod-C (V) Number: 68-97 (70-97= 98.1%;>75=94.4%) Type: R Keels: qa-qMs (qslig-qs) Multicar: 3qs mmlig (\) Keel type: TT1 Rugosity: rough Same as above but: Keels: qa-qs (qa-qsmlig) Same as above but: Always better developed and slightly bigger Shape: ca. elongated Color: white, golden or green Conspicuity: V-C 2 light dorsolateral bands Same as above Same as above but: Keels: qa-qs (qa-qslig) ca.= 13-20914-17) Type: B (ocas. Cor A) Type: Bor A Conspicuity: V-C Type: microlepidotus S. shannonorum Same as above but: Always better developed Shape: ca. elongated Color: white or beige Conspicuity: mod-V Same as above but: Conspicuity: mod-C (V-C) Same as above but: Keels: qa-qs (qa-qslig) D>l-V (twice as big) 13-19(15-17) Type: B (ocas. C) Type: A (ocas. B) Conspicuits: MC-MMC (MMC), qC-MC Type: microlepidotus March 2004 S. tamaulipensis Type: Variable (A, B, C) Conspicuity:i nc-C (inc) Type: A (ocas. BorC) Conspicuity: mod-C (V) Background: brown, gray Shades: light to dark Tinges: beige, grayish, yellowish Number: 2-4 (2-3) Shape: round, thick Size: med-gra to gra Fusions: \( ocas, no: middorsal) Conspicuity: V-C (V) (old males ocas -> BCD) Same as above but: Always better developed Shape: ca. elongated Color: white Conspicuity: V Same as above but: Conspicuity: V-C Same as above but: Type: R->M Keels: qsmilg-qs (qslig) D>l-V (twice as big) 13-18(14-16) Type: C (B less frequent) Type: B (ocas C-A) Conspicuity : C (ocas. V) Type: microlepidotus dig or = lig 11-16(12-15 Type: C-B Type: B-C (ocas. A) Conspicuity: C-MMC (MC) (keels C) Type: microlepidotus = (m. ocas V>lig.mlig) 13-23(16-23=93.6%) Type: C-B T\'pe: B-A Conspicuity: \-C (q-x-lig) Type: microlepidotus Number: 64-88 (67-80) Type: R Keels: qslig-qMs (qs) Multicar: 3qsmlig lig- ocas. Keel type: TT Rugosity: mod. Number: 43-50 Type: R (ocas R- ►M) Number: 46-56 Type: R (ocas R-*M or M) Keels: qsmlig-qMslig (qslig) Keels: qslig-MMqs Multicar: 3qs ocas, (lig.) Keel type: TH Rugosity: rugose (qs-Mqs) Multicar: 3qsmlig-mod Keel type: TH Rugosity: rugose Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 29 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Parameters S. anahuacus S. disparilis S. grammicus S. heterolepis Nuchal Collar d Color: Black Color: brown, reddish Color: brown-dark brown Color: brown, reddish Conspicuity: Very much brown Conspicuity: inc. ocas. brown NS: 1-2 Conspicuity: inc totally absent Conspicuity: inc. mod DCS: 1->1 NS: 1-2(1) NS: 1->1 NS: 1-2(1)' NCB: 4-24(>10) DCS: 1-2(1) DCS: x (M. ocas. 1) DCS: X-2 (1) 9 NCB: 2-3 NCB: 1-3 NCB: 1-3 Same as above Color: black or very dark Same as above, Color: black or dark Conspicuity: V-MC Very sightly more evident brown NS: X-2 Conspicuity: mod-C DCS: 1-3 NS: >1-3(1) NCB: 2-5 (3-4) DCS: >1-2 NCB: 2-7 (3-4) Distributional Range DIF, MEX, M0R TX, TAM, NLN, COA, SLP, VER MEX, MICH, GUE JAL, MCH Habitat Pine forests, alpine Tropical decicuous forest, Tropical decicuous forest, Tropical decicuous forest, grasslands thorn scrub, oak forest oak forests oak forests Elevation (m) 2800-4000 0-990 ca. 1600-2400 2000-2400 (?) n 120 112 68 21 Source Lara unpublished Lara unpublished Lara unpublished Lara unpublished Fi. 17. Comparison among all 8 currently recognized forms within the Sceloporus grammicus complex of species and S. lemosespinali. Refer to previous figures for a description of taxonomic characters. Undersurface of limbs has also a base white-orange background color (somehow less pure and more grayish), but dark pigment is less common and blue pigment more common in both males and females of all ages (91% of subadult males, 83.3. of adult males, and 58.3% of subadult females) Some adult males have completely blue limbs (16.7%) Throat coloration background color is the same as for all ventral surfaces: white-orange, but it is obscured and most of the time replaced by additional black and blue pigmentation in 100% of males as a blue round spot. The spot is of a con¬ spicuous intense cerulean blue in 82.3% of males (81,8 of subadults and 83.3% of adults) and a less intense dark sky blue in the remaining percentage (female throat coloration pattern). Females have this dark sky blue spot in 86.7% of specimens (83.3% of subadults and 100% of adults). Never do they have the typical male in¬ tense cerulean spot. When there is no such spot the throat has some dark pigment that colors a round gray area. Therefore, the throat never appears as completely white- orange. Typical male and female coloration patterns includes a dark gray hallo around the blue spot. There are also light-colored isolated scales on throat. They can be bluish white or intense cerulean blue. Males typically have few but more intense or bluer scales (88.2% of all males; 100% of subadults and 66.7% of adults). These scales are usually conspicuous (58,8%) or slightly to moderately evident (41.2%), page 30 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 S. lemospinali Color: jet black Conspicuity: C-MC Aft: X-2 «1 to 1) DCS: <1 to >1 NCB: 1-3(2) Color: jet black Conspicuity: C-MC NS: X-2 ( 1) DCS: <1 to 3 (2) NCB: 2-5 (3-4) SON, CHI Oak and pine forest, juniper woodland ca. 1800-2500 212 Lara unpublished S. microlepidotus Color: brown Conspicuity: absent or inc. (ocas, mod) NS: X-l DCS: X-2 NCB:X- 14 Color: brown ocas, black Conspicuity: in c.W NS: X-2 (1) DCS: X-2 (1) NCB: 1-5 (2-3) DIF, MEX, PUE, TLA (HGO, MCH) Desert scrub, oak woodland or forest, cities ca. 2000-2600(2900) 184 Lara unpublished S. palaciosi Color: dark brown, dark reddish brown or black Conspicuity: V-MC NS: X-2 ( 1 ) DCS: 1-3 (2) AO: 2-5 Color: black Conspicuity: C-MMC NS: X-2 (1) DCS: 1-3 (2) NCB: 3-10 «6) DIF, MEX, MOR Pine and fir forests alpine grasslands 2600-4000 124 Lara unpublished S. shannonorum Color: black Conspicuity: mod-C (\) NS: 1-2 DCS: X-2 (freq. X) AO: 3-5 (3-4) Same as above but: Conspicuity A-C NCB: 3-6 S1RDURNAY Oak forests, mixed boreal tropical forests Ca. 1400-2400 26 Lara unpublished March 2004 S. tamaulipensis Color: dark (blackish) Conspicuity: inc-mod (inc.) Aft: <1-2 DCS: <1-2 NCB: 1-5 (2-3) Same as above but: Conspicuity: V-C TAM Oak and pine forests 800-1450 53 Lara unpublished but they are always present ( 1 00%) Females can have either light blue scales (53.3%) or intense blue ones (46.7%), but they are more in number as compared to males and are always well developed or conspicuous (100%) Ventrolateral surfaces also have light-colored isolated scales within the vent¬ rolateral pattern and ventral background coloration. Color goes from light blue (blu¬ ish white) to intense cerulean blue, but the former is far more common in both sexes and all ages (90.6%) than the latter (9.4%. ) In males it is always rather inconspicuous (100%), but in females is well evident or conspicuous in subadult females (83.3%) and fades gradually with age (inconspicuous to moderately evident in 66.6% of adult females) The gular area background coloration (white-orange) is invaded by black pig¬ mentation in 100% of males as a broad “gular band” that crosses the entire gular region and fuses with the chest and with the shoulder spot black pigmentation. Craniad is in direct contact with the blue spot on throat. In 63.6% of subadults the black pigmentation is a conspicuous solid black band and the remaining percentage has a slightly to moderately developed band, sometimes interrupted medially by a few scales or with some background color isolated voids. In adult males it is always conspicuous and complete (100%). Females can either lack the band (33.3%) or have it slightly to moderately developed as a series of isolated dark (never black) spots (53.3%). One subadult female (6.7%) is striking in having a well developed band, slightly less conspicuous than in subadult males. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 31 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 There is a shoulder dark mark in both males and females always present as in all forms of the grammicus complex. In males it frequently takes the form a triangu¬ lar shoulder spot of solid black pigmentation (88.2%). The remaining percentage has a “female shoulder pattern” that consists of a black or very dark diagonal line (type “1th”) (11.8%). The shoulder spot gets bigger, better defined and blacker in age. It is conspicuous in 100% of adult males but only in 63.6% of subadults; 18.2% of sub¬ adults have the female pattern (see below) plus a slightly to moderately invasion of dark pigmentation under the line. The two areas have contrasting colors (the line is black and the incipient triangle is incomplete and/or lighter than jet black.) In 18.2% of subadult males only the female pattern is evident. The female pattern consists of a “shoulder line” and is present in 93.3% of females (1 specimen is striking in having a “male” shoulder spot). Most females have only the line (53.3%), but some have a slight darkening underneath the line (13.3%) or even a moderate darkening (26.7%) Lateral coloration on sides of the body (between axilla and groin and between dorsal and ventral surfaces) always has a typical pattern, but males and females have different designs (see figure 13) Males have the lower section with dotted diagonal black lines that trespass to the ventral area and are caudad oriented. Diagonal lines can be 2 (33.3%), 3 (44.4%) or 4 (22.2%). They are not conspicuous but are usually well evident as seen from the sides or from the ventral surfaces. The upper section of these lines (in the medial section) fuse with some more or less evident elongated c- shaped lines, which are in the same number as lines. The upper section is represented by more or less horizontal dotted lines or short curved lines in a horizontal pattern. In males the lateral coloration is limited by the more or less continuous outer border of dorsal striae. Female pattern is similar to male pattern in the lower section. In its midsection the elongated c-shaped lines are more conspicuous, and the lines darker and thicker, with a moderately to well defined light center within. This is the most conspicuous section of female lateral coloration. The upper section doesn’t have a horizontal-line pattern but is represented by a more or less patternless dark pigmen¬ tation. Only the external borders of dorsal striae are very conspicuous and do no tend to form a continuous dorsolateral line but a dotted thicker, blacker irregular line. Toward its rear end the dots may fuse into a continuous and conspicuous black broad line. Postfemoral coloration pattern shows very little sex or age variation (refer to figure 14) It is typically represented by 2 white well evident or even somewhat con¬ spicuous round or elongated spot in its midsection bordered by dark lines (type A) Most specimens have 2 round spot (59.4%), some others have 3 spots (25%) (Type B) or one single and elongated white band (15.6%) (Type C) The white band some¬ times continues slightly over the side of the tail. page 32 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Dorsal background color can be either dark brown (of 2 or 3 different shades) or dark gray. The most common brown shade in males is grayish (88.2%), while females typically have a slightly lighter brown (92.3%). One female has the typical“male dorsal color”, and 1 male has a dark gray coloration. Dorsal striae are one of the very typical “ grammicus ” features” (see figures 3 and 5) S. lemosespinali has from 2 to 4 pairs from shoulder to hind limb insertion. Nuchal collar lines are not considered here. There does not seem to be a sex-related or age related variation. Most specimens have 2 pairs (56.2%); others have 3 (34.4%) and a few of them have 4 pairs (9.4%. ) Some specimens with 2 or 3 pairs have noticeably smaller and lighter additional striae. If we take into account these smaller lines percentages are: 2 pairs (17.2%), 3 ( 59.4%), and 4 (23.4%). In size they go from medium size (18.7%) to medium-large (46.9%) to large (34.4%). Males tend to have smaller striae (medium-sized: 23.5%; medium-large: 58.8%; and large: 17.6%) than females (medium-sized: 13.3%; medium-large: 33.3%; and large: 53.3%). Adult males tend to have smaller striae too (medium-sized: 50.0%; medium-large: 33.3%; and large: 16.7%). Conspicuity decreases with age in males but not in females. Adult males tend to have a lighter and less evident dorsal pattern. Males too tend to have straighter and more continuous outer borders, tending to form a more or less continu¬ ous dorsolateral line. On the other hand, females tend to have more conspicuous and bigger ocelli, that is, round dark spots at the innermost end of striae. Dorsal striae have light spots or lines bordering them internally, at their peaks. They tend to be rounder in males (66.7%) and linear in females ( 1 00%). In males the spots are slightly to moderately evident (64.7%) or well defined (35.3%). In females the short lines or elongated spots tend to be better developed (86.7%) and only occasionally more or less inconspicuous (13.3%) Body dorsal cross-section shows a strong trend in a high-elevated backbone (see figure 9) In males, body cross-section is slightly elevated in 5.9%, moderately elevated in 47.1% or very elevated in 47.0%; that is moderately to high-elevated in 94.1% of specimens. Females are somehow flatter; body cross-section is slightly elevated in 28.6%, moderately elevated in 50% and high elevated only in 21.4% of specimens. In some animals an evident “hump” is seen at a little behind the shoul¬ ders. There doesn’t seem to be any sex or age-related pattern in ventral scales. They go from 41 to 52; most specimens (84.4% ) have =50. Dorsal scales are not sex-related or age-related either. They vary from 57 to 70. Most specimens (90.6%) have <67 scales. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 33 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Femoral pores vary from 1 2 to 1 6 on each side. There is a slight sexual trend of this character in terms of numbers, males having slightly more pores than females: (males=12-16 X 14.4, and females=12-15, X 13.3.) There is an obvious strong dif¬ ference in conspicuity, males having much more conspicuous pores, normally filled with their serous secretion. Canthals are also sexually dimorphic and age-related. The second canthal can have about the same width as the first, or 1 .5 times the second or >2 times as wide as the first one. Subadult males usually have the value >2 (63.6%) or less frequently =1.5 (36.4%). In adult males the values are >2 =83.3% and 1.5=16.7%. Subadult females have 1=20.8%, 1 .5=29.2% and >2 =50%, while adult females have >2 =100%. The first canthal is totally forced over the canthus rostralis onto the supracephalic surface in 29.4% of specimens (on one side. That is 27.3% of subadults, and 33.3% of adults). It is never forced in females. Canthals can form a right angle or an acute more pronounced angle at canthus rostralis. Sometimes only the borders are angled but the lower canthal area is concave. Subadult males occasionally have a right angle pattern (“L”; 18.2%) or more frequently an acute angle (“<”, in 81.8%). Adult males show a similar trend: 1=83.3%, < =1 6.7%. In subadult females canthals can be either L(41 .7%) or < (58.3%). In adult females the pattern is somehow reversed (L=66.7%, and <=33. 3%. ) Dorsal, lateral and ventral scales relative size does not show a sex-related nor an age-related pattern. They tend to be subequal in 36.7%, or the lateral scales are smaller (36.7%) or dorsals are slightly bigger than the other 2 scales (23.3%). Dorsal scales show some sexual dimorphism and ontogenic variation in some respects but not in others. In terms of type of scale, S. lemosespinali can have type M (with straight borders) (48.1%), R->M (50.0%) (with round borders but with a strong tendency to be straight) or very uncommonly type R (rounded) (1.9%) (see figure 7) In most specimens regardless of their sex and age, scales tend to be slightly broad and regular in shape. Keel size varies from qa (very short, up to the scale margin), to different subtypes of qs (protruding, projecting beyond the scale apex). Young specimens al¬ ways have qa keels. In our subadult sample of S. lemosespinali , both males and fe¬ males have qa (55.5%), qsmlig (25.0%), qslig (16.7%) and qs (2.8%). Adult males have more prominent keels than any other specimens, having qslig (30%), qs (50%) or even qMs (10%). Only I specimen had some scales with keels qa (10%). Adult females have qa (50%), qsmlig (16.7%) or qslig (33.3%). Keels are of type tH in all specimens (a relatively high and very narrow and prominent keel that runs through¬ out the entire scale) (see figure 8) This last feature gives the animals a “rough” look. Multicarination is sometimes evident (21 .9% of specimens) as 3qs (2 supernumerary keels to the right and left side of median keel) but it is always inconspicuous and can page 34 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 only be seen under the microscope. Another primitive character seen in almost all specimens is the presence of some very small scales (mainly vertebrals or paravertebral s) amongst dorsal scales. Their size is at least half of that of immediate adjacent scales. They are never numerous (2-5 from shoulders to anterior insertion of hind limbs.) Some cranial bone ridges and depressions are better developed in males than in females (refer to figure 10). The Narino-Canthal Depression (NCD) does not seem to be sex or age-related; it is well developed in 90.6% of the specimens; in the rest it is moderately developed (9.4%). The Pre-Frontal Ridge (PFR) seems to be age-re¬ lated more than sex-dependent. Subadult males have it slightly developed in 27.3%, moderately developed in 27.3% and well developed in 45.4%. In subadult females it is slightly developed in 8.3%, moderately developed in 16.7% and well developed in 75.0% of specimens. In adult males it is well developed in 100%.of specimens. And in adult females it is moderately developed in 33.3% and well developed in 66.7% of specimens. The slight decrease in adult females in regards with subadult values may be due to its small number (n=3). The Frontal Ridge (FR) has low to medium values in all ages and sexes. In subadults it is absent or very inconspicuous in 39. 1 %, slightly developed in 43.5% or moderately developed in 1 7.4%. Adult values are a little higher: slightly developed in 77.8%, and moderately developed in 22.2% of specimens. The Frontal Depression (FD) is better developed in males than in females and values increase with age. In subadult males it is absent or very inconspicuous in 9. 1 %, slightly developed in 54.5%, moderately developed in 27.3%, and well developed in 9.1% of specimens. Subadult females show a similar trend: absent or very inconspicuous in 8.3%, slightly developed in 41.7%, moderately developed in 41.7% and well devel¬ oped in 8.3% of specimens. In adult males it is moderately developed in 83.3% and well developed in 16.7% of specimens, while in adult females is slightly developed in 66.7% and well developed in 33.3% of specimens. Finally, the Fronto-Parietal Depression (FPD) shows a similar pattern to the previous cranial bone topography. In subadult males it is slightly developed in 1 8.2%, moderately developed in 63.6% and well developed in 18.2% of specimens. In subadult females the trend is similar: it is slightly developed in 16.6%, moderately developed in 41.7% and well developed in 41.7% of specimens. In adult females it is moderately developed in 66.7% and well developed in 33.3% of specimens. The nuchal collar consists of two black or very dark lines that run from the shoulders to the nape vertebral area (see figures 11 and 12) It is always separated middorsally at least by half a scale (or two halves = 0) but more commonly separated by several scales (1-8). Separation values for all specimens are: 0=6.2%, 1 = 15.6%, 2=3 1 .2%, 3=6.2%, 4=34.4%, 5=3. 1 % and 8=3. 1 %. In most specimens (7 1 .8%) nuchal Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 35 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 collar is separated medially by 2-4 scales, or by -4 scales (93.7%). There are 3 other values for the “lateral” section of the nuchal collar (in fact, the nuchal collar is a “lateral” coloration pattern that goes from the postympanic region to the suprahumeral fold just before the arms, and from the sides of the neck to the middorsal area) The nuchal stripe (refer to figures 1 1 and 12) has similar values in all specimens, between 0-2 scales wide at its base, but it tends to be slightly narrower in adult males. In all specimens but adult males is =0 (separated from the nuchal collar body) in 5.8%, <1 in 1 9.2%, =1 in 63.5%, and =2 in 1 1 .5% of specimens. In adult males it is X= 33.3%, <1 in 41.7%, =1 in 8.3%, and >1<2 in 16.7% of specimens. The cervical stripe at the point of contact with the nuchal collar body varies from <1 to 3 scales wide. There is also a slight difference between sexes and ages. Subadult males values are: <1 in 4.5%, =1 in 31.8%, >1 in 9.1%, and =2 in 54.5%. Subadult females values are: <1 in 8.3%, =1 in 12.5%, >1<2 in 4.2%, =2 in 70.8%, and =3 in 4.2%. Adult females values are: = 1 in 1 6.7%, =2 in 66.6%, and =3 in 1 6.7%. Adult males have the lowest values: <1 in 41.7%, =1 in 16.7%, >1<2 in 8.3%, and =2 in 33.3%. Finally, the nuchal collar body width at its uppermost part (the contact area between nuchal stripe and cervical stripe) varies as follows: subadult males =1 in 4.5%, -2 in 45.4%, =3 in 31.8%, and =4 in 18.2%. Subadult females =2 in 8.3%, -3 in 62.5%, =4 in 20.8%, and =5 in 8.3%. Adult females =3 in 83.3%, and =4 in 33.3%. Adult males have again the lowest values <1 in 16.7%, =1 in 8.3%, =2 in 50%, and =3 in 25%. According to literature, postfemoral scales are supposed to be more or less tubercular or poorly differentiated and very small in all species of the grammicus complex, but this is not true for many populations. S. lemosespinali is one example, even though not the best one. Postfemoral scales can also be small cycloid scales with or without a faint keel. The postfemoral area can be divided into 3 sections: upper, middle and lower. S. lemosespinali females usually have an upper section with granular-tubercular scales (86.7%). Only a few specimens show small cycloid scales with an inconspicuous but still evident central keel (13.3%). Subadult males typi¬ cally have an upper section of granular-tubercular scales (72.7%). The rest have small smooth cycloid scales (18.2%) or keeled cycloid scales (9.1%). Adult males have granular-tubercular scales in only 33.3% and small keeled cycloid scales in 66.7%. As for the middle section all specimens but adult males show a similar and constant pattern of granular-tubercular scales (96.2% of specimens). In contrast, adult males have granular-tubercular scales in 66.7% and small keeled cycloid scales in 33.3%. Finally, the lower postfemoral section is more similar between sexes and ages: 87.5% of all specimens (100% of adults and 82.6 of subadults) have small keeled cycloid scales that gradually decrease in size at middle section. Only 6.2% of all specimens page 36 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 (8.7% of all subadults) has granular-tubercular scales at the postfemoral lower sec¬ tion. Most “granular” scales mentioned here are not precisely granular, but tend to be more like small tubercular scales. A final and striking trend that I have only seen in S. lemosespinali (among those 50+ grammicus “morphotypes” mentioned earlier) is the very consistent presence of mites (acarina) in 4 unusual regions: axilla, groin, ham (back of the knee) and suprafemoral area at the junction point with the tail). Foretic mites are commonly seen in many other grammicus populations, but they are generally associated with one single area: the postympanic pocket. They are usually very small and orange. S. lemosespinali mites are larger, yellowish or brown and do cause from mild to severe skin damage, very often creating small pockets and folds devoid of scales right there where they stick to the lizard’s skin. Mite infestation values per body area are as follows: postympanic pocket = 100%, groin = 84.6%, axilla =81.2, ham = 59.4% and suprafemoral area = 43.7%. There are some differences between sexes and ages but they do not seem to follow any predictable pattern. Etymology The new species described in this paper was going to be originally described by Dr. Hobart M. Smith. He chose the patronym lemosespinali after Dr. Julio Lemos Espinal, a Mexican herpetologist who has worked extensively in the state of Chihuahua. When Dr. Smith asked me to describe the new taxon myself I respected his original inten¬ tion of using the chosen patronym. Geographical Distribution A detailed analysis of the geographical distribution of S. lemosespinali will be pre¬ sented in a coming paper (Lara in prep.) This species occurs in the states of Chihua¬ hua and Sonora, in the Sierra Madre Occidental highlands, at elevations from ca. 1800 to 2500 m asl. The species occurs in most of the isolated mountain ranges within the Northern section of Sierra Madre Occidental, from southwestern to north¬ western Chihuahua, and from southeastern to northeastern Sonora. S. lemosespinali lives in juniper, oak, pine-oak, pine, and other temperate forest communities in the region (see figure 18) where it can be found on standing live trees as well as on logs, stumps and fallen branches. Rarely can it be seen away from trees. Discussion The following discussion does not pretend to be extensive and it will be fo¬ cused only in 2 main points: Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society page 37 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 1 . A brief analysis of the taxonomical status of the 8 forms currently recognized within the grammicus complex, and 2. A comparison of S. lemosespinali with all these recognized taxa A more detailed discussion will be presented in a separate paper (Lara in prep.) Without giving any detailed information to lay foundations for my taxonomi¬ cal arrangement (these will be presented in a coming paper) I believe that within the grammicus complex one of the most unnatural arrangements is that of S. grammicus itself. Three (an maybe 4) out of the 4 currently recognized subspecies should be regarded as full species: S. grammicus , S. microlepidotus, and S. disparilis based on their marked morphological differences. Their phyllogenetic relationship is not close. They may have had a common origin but at present they represent not only different species but also they have derived into different lineages within the grammicus group. Each of them consists of several forms derived that will be eventually described. S. tamaulipensis has no close relationship to S. grammicus at all, but to S. disparilis. As for S. heterolepis h. and S. h. shannonorum their current taxonomical arrangement can no longer be sustained. The nominal form is highly derived and morphologically specialized. S. h. shannonorum could not have stemmed out from it, because it shows more primitive characters. The opposite could be true ( S . heterolepis branching off from S. shannonorum) though. Nevertheless, differences are so strong due to a marked derivation of characters in the former that both forms must be regarded as a distinct species. Thus, the proposed new arrangement is: S. heterolepis and S. shannonorum. The former has, at least 2 subspecies within its geographical range that will be de¬ scribed later (Lara in prep.) The proposed new taxonomical arrangement for the 9 forms within the grammicus complex is as follows: • S. shannonorum • S. heterolepis • S. grammicus • S. microlepidotus • S. anahuacus • S. palaciosi page 38 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Figure 18. Geographical distribution of Sceloporus lemosespinali (black line irregu¬ lar figure) Dark gray areas represents 2000 m elevations of Sierra Madre Occidental. • S. lemosespinali • S. disparilis disparilis • S. disparilis tamaulipensis A re-description of all these forms is mandatory due to the meaningless at¬ tributes currently assigned to some of them (especially, grammicus, microlepidotus, and disparilis. To date, they represent taxa duhia (not nomina dubia). Their currently known geographical distribution is also absolutely meaningless because it is com¬ posite and includes within their ranges those of many distinguishable and well differ¬ entiated populations that have not been described yet. In a coming paper (Lara in Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 39 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 prep.) I will show precise real distribution of all these 9 forms currently recognized. In this paper I only give a general reference as to which states these taxa can be found in. As for the second point, I summarize comparative information of the 9 pro¬ posed forms in figure 17. Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr. Hobart M. Smith, and Dr. Oscar Flores-Villela for their valuable comments on the ms. I also would like to thank Jose Antonio Hernandez- Gomez for the photographs of the type series. I wouldn’t have been able to check US specimens without the kind help of Dr. Jack W. Sites Jr., who sponsored my 2 trips to his lab at BYU for a 3-month stay. Dr. Hobart Smith, also contributed to my stay in the US. Both of them have always offered me their support, expert advice and friend¬ ship. I am grateful too to all museum curators who kindly allowed me to analyze and collect information on alcoholic specimens, especially to Dr. Oscar Flores at MZFC. The other museum acronyms are those cited earlier in the text. Finally I would like to express a special acknowledgement to Dr. Hobart Smith who has been a driven force for the continuance on my morphological studies on the grammicus complex all along these many years. Literature Cited Arevalo, Elisabeth, Gustavo Casas, Scott K. Davis, Guillermo Lara and Jack W. Sites Jr. 1993. Parapatric Hybridization between Chromosome races of the Sceloporus grammicus complex (Phrynosomatidae): Structure of the Ajusco Transect. Copeia 1993(2), pp. 352-372. Boulenger, G.A. 1897. A revision of the lizards of the genus Sceloporus. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1897 (III):474-522. Hall, William P. and Robert K. Selander. 1973. Hybridization of karyotypically differentiated populations in the Sceloporus grammicus complex (Iguanidae). Evolution 27(2):226- 242. page 40 Bulletin of the Maryland Flerpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Lara-Gdngora, Guillermo. 1 983. Two new species of the lizard genus Sceloporus (Reptilia, Sauna; Iguanidae) from the Ajusco and Ocuilan Sierras, Mexico. Bulk- tin Maryland Herpetological Society, 19(1): 1-14. Sites, Jack W. Jr. 1982. Morphological Variation within and among Three Chromosome Races of Sceloporus grammicus (Sauria: Iguanidae) in the North- Central Part of its Range. Copeia, 1982(4): pp.920-941. . Scott K. Davis, Delbert W. Hutchinson, Brian A. Maurer and Guillermo Lara. 1993. Parapatric Hybridization between Chromosome races of the Sceloporus grammicus complex (Phrynosomatidae): Structure of the Tulancingo Transect. Copeia 1993(2), pp. 373-398. Smith, Hobart M. 1939. The Mexican and Central American Lizards of the Genus Sceloporus. Zool. Ser. Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Vol. 26, publication 445: 1-395 pp. 1969. Proposed Correlation of Eurytopy and Cryptic Speciation. The Biologist 51(3):100-102. 1 970. Nomina and Tax a Dubia. Systematic Zoology 1 9( 1 ):94. Webb, Robert. G. 1 969. Variation, status, and relationship of the iguanid lizard Sceloporus shannonorum . Herpetologica 25:300-307. Manantiales de Agua Zarca 389-A, Campeste de Los Manantiales Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico grammicus @ hotmail. com Received 25 June 2003 Accepted 30 October 2003 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 41 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Effect of Diet on Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Tadpole Growth and Development Alexander H. Michajliczenko, Geoffrey R. Smith , and Jessica E. Rettig Among tadpoles, diet can determine growth and developmental rates (e.g., Martinez, Herraez and Alvarez, 1 994; Kupferberg, 1 997; Babbitt and Meshaka, 2000; Alvarez and Nicieza, 2002; see also review in Alfrod, 1999). In particular, diets with high protein content relative to carbohydrate content result in higher growth and development rates (e.g., Cabrera Pena & Salinas, 1989; Martinez et al., 1993; Carmonoa-Osaldeet al., 1996). Understanding the role of diet in the growth and de¬ velopment of anuran larvae, particularly Ranids, has a practical application. In many regions of the world, frogs are raised as food items. Thus any information that could maximize the production of frogs might be of economic importance (e.g., Martinez et al., 1993, 1994; Carmona-Osalde et al., 1996). Methods We experimentally examined the effects of diet (“carnivorous,” “herbivo¬ rous,” or mixed diet; sensu Alvarez and Nicieza, 2002) on growth and development of bullfrog tadpoles ( Rana catesbeiana Shaw). We predicted the highest performance in tadpoles raised on a “carnivorous” diet, followed by those raised on a mixed diet, and that the lowest performance would be for those tadpoles raised on a “herbivo¬ rous” diet. Tadpoles were collected from a local pond (Liberty, Clay Co, Missouri), and haphazardly assigned to a teatment combination. We had three diet treatments: (1) “carnivorous” diet (Pond care® Summer Staple Pond Food: Crude Protein (min) 36.2%; Crude Fat (min) 3.5%; Crude Fiber (max) 4.2%; Moisture (max) 7.4%, (2) mixed diet (1:1 ration by mass of “carnivorous” and “herbivorous” diets), and (3) “herbivorous” diet (Kaytee Natural Alfalfa Cubes: Crude Protein (min) 12%; Crude Fat (min) 1.5%; Crude Fiber (max) 30.0%; Moisture (max) 12.0%). All diets were homogeneized into a powder using a blender. There were 20 replicates of each treat¬ ment combination. Tadpoles were kept individually in plastic containers (15 cm X 15 cm X 9 cm) filled with de-ionized water. Tadpoles were fed (~ 10% of body mass), contain¬ ers cleaned, and water replaced every fourth day. Tadpoles were kept at room tem¬ perature (19°C) and on a 12:12 day might photoperiod. page 42 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Tadpoles were all Gosner stage 25 (Gosner, 1960) when the experiment began, and were matched for size, with no differences in initial body mass among treatment groups (F2 J7=0.47, P=0.62). Tadpoles were weighed approximately every four weeks throughout the experiement which ran from 16 July 1999 through 29 March 2000 (257 d). At each weighing, developmental stage of each tadpole was determined us¬ ing Gosner (1960). Mortality of some tadpoles precluded the use of a repeated measures analysis. Therefore, we analyzed the data (body mass and development stage) from the first weighing (i.e., week 4 of the experiment), the data from the last weighing prior to the first metamorph being observed, survivorship (number of days survived; metamorphs were said to have survived the entire experiment since in nature they would have successfully survived the aquatic environment), and Gosner stage at the conclusion of the experiment (after 257 d) using separate one-way ANOVAs. Results Tadpoles on the “carnivorous” diet were significatnly larger than tadpoles on the mixed or “herbivorous” diets after only 4 weeks (Table 1; F25J=14.9, P<0.,0001). Fisher’s Protected LSD tests found that all three diets were significatnly different from each (P<0.009 in all three comparisons). At this time, all tadpoles were Gosner Stage 26. After 26 weeks, tadpoles on the “carnivorous” diet were substantially larger than those grown on the mixed or “herbivorous” diet (Table 1 ; F2 ?5= 26.7 PcO.OQOl). All three treatments were significantly different from eath other (Fisher’s Protected LSD: P < 000.6 in all three comparisons). After 26 weeks, tadpoles on the “carnivo¬ rous” diet were more advanced developmentally than those raised on the other diets (Table 1; F23=313 P<0.0001). Developmental stage for each treatment was significatly different from each other (Fisher’s Protected LSD: P <0.031 in all three comparisons). At the end of the experiment, tadpoles on protein diets were more develop¬ mentally advanced than those raised on the other diets (Table 1 ; P2 =37.3, P <0.0001 ). All treatment means were significantly different from each other (Fisher’s Protected LSD: P <0.023 in all three comparisons). Indeed, 50% of the surviving protein diet tadpoles metamorphosed, whereas 20% of the mixed diet and none of the “herbivo¬ rous” diet tadpoles metamorphosed. Diet did not significantly affect survivorship (F2<57=0.37, P=0.69). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 43 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Table 1. Body mass and developmental stage (Gosner, 1960) of bullfrog tadpoles raised on different diets (see text) at various points in the experiment. Meta¬ morphosed individuals were given a value of 41 as this is the stage at which they were considered to have metamorphosed and were removed from the experiment. Means are give ±1 SE with n in parentheses. “Carnivorous” Body Mass 4 weeks 0.631 ± 0.034 g (18) 26 weeks 5.526 ± 0.428 g (15) Developmental Stage 26 weeks 33.2 ± 0.84 g (15) End of Experiment1 38.2 ± 0.9 1 g ( 1 3) Diet Mixed “Herbivorous” 0.511 ±0.034 g (19) 3.989 ± 0.369 g (11) 30.7 ±0.95 g (11) 34.5 ± 1.7 g (9) 0.396 ± 0.020 g( 19) 2.278 ± 0.242 g( 12) 25.4 ± 0.42 g (12) 26.2 ± 0.55 g (12) Discussion. Our results for the effects of diet on growth and development of bullfrog tad¬ poles are generally consistent with previous findings, and with our predictions. “Car¬ nivorous” diets appear to provide the best opportunity for tadpole growth and devel¬ opment (Cabrera Pena and Salinas, 1989; Martinez et al., 1993; Carmona-Osalde et ah, 1996; review in Alford, 1999; this study), although this may depend on other conditions (e.g., temperature, Alvarez and Nicieza, 2002). However, there may be a limit to the benefit such a diet can provide tadpoles. Carmona-Osalde et al. (1996) found that the optimal protein content for Rana catesbeiana is around 45%. Our results suggest that an “herbivorous” diet is suboptimal and does not allow for tad¬ pole growth and development. Our results, and the results of the other studies men¬ tioned above, suggest diet quality may be more important than diet quantity in many psecies of anurans (assuming that the amount of food meets the minimal require¬ ments for survival). Indeed, Steinwascher and Travis (1983) found that a diet’s pro¬ tein to carbohydrate ratio influenced Hyla chrysoscelis tadpole growth more than the amount of food, but interestingly not in Rana clamitans, although protein level and food level did have an effect. page 44 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Acknowledgments. We thank S. Elley for help maintaining the experiement. Literature Cited Alford, R. A. 1999. Ecology: resource use, competition, and predation. In Tadpoles: The Biology of Anuran Larvae, pp. 240-278. McDiarmid, R.W. and Altig, R. (Eds), Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Alvarez, D. and A.G. Nicieza 2002. Effects of temperature and food quality on anuran larval growth and metamorphosis. Funct. Ecol. 16: 640-648. Babbitt, K J. and W.E. Meshaka Jr. 2000. Benefits of eating conspecifics: Effects of background diet on sur¬ vival and metamorphosis in the Cuban treefrog (Ostopilus septentrionalis). Copiea, 2000: 469-474. Cabrera Pena, J.H. and J. R Salinas 1989. Vaiaciones en el crecimiento y metamorfosis de renacuajos de Rana pipiens sometidos a tres diferentes dietas en condiciones experiementales. Revista Latinamericana de Acuicultura 39: 15- 31. Carmona-Osalde, C., M.S. Olvera-Novoa, M. Rodrfguez-Serna, and A. Flores-Nava. 1996. Estimation of the protein requirement for bullfrog ( Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles, and its effect on metamorphosis ratio. Aquaculture, 141: 223-231. Gosner, K. 1960. A simplified table for staging anuran embryos and larvae with notes on identification. Herpetologica, 16: 183-190. Kupferberg, S J. 1997. The role of larval diet in anuran metamorphosis. Am. Zook, 37: 146-159. Martinez, I.P., M.P. Harraez and R. Alvarez. 1993. Optimal level of dietary protein for Rana perezi Seoane larva. Aquacult. Fish. Manage., 24: 271-278. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society page 45 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 1 994. Repons e of hatchery-reared Rana perezi lavae fed different diets. Aquaculture, 128: 235-244. Steinwascher, K. and I. Travis. 1983. Influence of food quality and quantity on early larval growth of two ann tans. Copeia, 1983: 238-242. Department of Biology, William Jewell College , Liberty, MO 64068 USA ( AHM , GRS, JER) Present address and address for correspondence (GRS; JER) Depart¬ ment of Biology, Denison Unviersity, Granville , OH 43023 USA. Received 8 September 2003 Accepted 3 October 2003 page 46 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Summer Activity of Small Snakes in Four Habitats in Northwestern Missouri Linda D. Johnson , Geoffrey R. Smith, and Jessica E. Rettig As land use patterns continue to change due to an increase in urbanization and suburbanization (see Dale et al., 2000), it is becoming more important to under¬ stand the influence of habitat structure and type on the ecology of plants and animals so that appropriate and effective conservation or management efforts can be pro¬ posed and implemented. One component of the biota that may be particularly af¬ fected by the change in land use patterns is the herpetofauna. Several studies have found that changes in the structure of a habitat, either through fire or logging, can substantially alter the amphibians and reptiles found in an area (e.g., McLeod and Gates, 1998). We conducted a field study to assess the levels of activity of two small species of snakes, the ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus) and the worm snake ( Carphophis vermis), in four habitat types in northwestern Missouri. Our goal was to determine which habitats had the most snake activity and whether vegetation structure influ¬ enced the activity levels. Methods. We surveyed snake activity in four habitat types on a single 31 hectare plot in northeastern Ray County, Missouri. The four habitats had different histories and were at different stages of succession. Site A consisted of an open prairie, site B was a selectively logged woods, site C was primarily old growth forest, and site D was a secondary growth forest. We assessed vegetation structure using three 2.5 m radius quadrats in each habitat, counting the number of saplings and large trees in each quadrat, and estimating percent ground cover in a 1 m2 sub-area. In each habitat we used a 25 x 25 meter trapping area. We placed 1 3 coverboards (see Grant et al., 1992) in an evenly spaced checkerboard pattern in each of the four habitats. We checked coverboards at approximately three day intervals during the months of late May, June and July 1998. The coverboards used were 0.5 m X 1 m rectangular pieces of 1/2 inch plywood, to which we attached a section of nylon rope. For each check we recorded if there had been rain in the previous 24 hours, and also recorded maximum and minimum temperatures in the habitat using a max-min ther¬ mometer placed in a representative location in the sampling grid. A mean tempera- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society page 47 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 ture was obtained by averaging maximum and minimum temperatures for a particu¬ lar period. Results. Comparison of Sites. The amount of ground cover tended to be highest in site D, followed by sites A and C, and site B had the lowest amount of ground cover (Table 1 ; Kruskal-Wallis Test: df=3,HUes=7.41,PUcs=0.06). The number of saplings did not differ among sites (Table 1 ; Kruskal-Wallis Test: df=3,Jijcs=4.49, P(ies=0.21). Site A lacked large trees, and sites B,C and D had similar numbers of large trees, but the differences among sites only approached significance at an cx-value of 0.05 (Table 1 ; Kruskal-Wallis Test: df=3,J =6.95, P 0.07). Ringneck Snakes. Site B had by far the highest level of activity, followed by Sites A and C (Table 2; Kruskal-Wallis Test: df=3,Htjcs=30.41 ,Pijcs<0.0001 ). No ring- necks were found in site D. Activity levels peaked in mid to late June, particularly in site B (Fig. 1 A). Rainfall in the 24 h prior to sampling had no effect on activity (Mann-Whitney Test: P>0.10 for all four sites). Activity level was not affected by the maximum tem¬ perature (P>0.33 for all sites), minimum temperature (P>0.49 for all sites), nor mean temperature (P>0.59 for all sites). Worm Snakes. Site B had the highest levels of activity followed by sites A and C (Table 2; Kruskal-Wallis Test: df=3,Hijcs=l 1.29,Ptjcs=0.010). As for ringneck snakes, no worm snakes were found in site D. Activity levels were consistenly low through- Table 1 . Mean amount of ground cover, number of saplings, and number of larger trees in 2.5 m radius quatrats for four sites in different habitat types in north¬ western Missouri (descriptions of sites in text). Means are given ±1 SE. In each case the sample size is 3. Site Proportion Ground Cover Number of Saplings Number of Large Trees A 0.78 ± 0.05 2.5 ±1.5 0 B 0.62 ±0.06 2.3 ±0.9 3.0 ±1.2 C 0.73 ±0.08 0 4.0 ±1.7 D 0.93 ±0.03 2.0 ±1.0 4.7 ± 0.9 page 48 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Figure 1. Activity of two species of small snakes Diadophis punctatus (A) and Carphophis vermis (B) in four habitats in northwestern Missouri as determined by coverboards (see text for description of habitat types). Table 2. Activity level for ringneck and worm snakes; and maximum, mini¬ mum, and mean temperatures for four sites in different habitat types in northwestern Missouri (descriptions of sites in the text). Means are given ± 1 SE. Number after site designation gives N. Site Ringneck Snakes Worm Snakes Max Temperature (C) Min Mean A (24) 0.21 ±0.10 0.12 ±0.03 40.4 ±1.3 17.1 ±0.8 28.8 ± 0.9 B (25) 1.32 ±0.29 0.29 ±0.10 29.7 ± 1.0 17.6 ±0.7 23.6 ±0.7 C (24) 0.17 ± 0.10 0.04 ± 0.04 31.2 ±0.9 16.4 ±0.9 23.8 ±0.8 D (23) 0 0 30.6 ± 1.0 16.8 ±0.9 23.7 ±0.9 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 49 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 out the study period, but activity occured more often later in the study period (i.e., starting in mid to late June; see Fig. IB). Rainfall in the 24 h prior to sampling had no effect on activity (Mann- Whi tenet Test: P>0.34 for all four sites). Activity level was not affected by maximum tempera™ ture (P>0.39 for all sites), minimum temperature (P>0.22 for all sites), nor mean temperature (P>0.38 for all sites). Discussion. Diadophis punctatus were more abundant than Carphophis vermis in the three habitats in which snakes were found (sites A, B, D). Both species were most active in site B, the selectively logged forest, followed by site A, the open prairie. Neither species was found in site D, the secondary growth forest. The activity of these snakes appears to be inversely related to the amount of ground cover in a habitat. Site D had 93% ground cover compared to 62% for site B. Given the fossorial nature of these snakes ground cover may impede movement. Alternatively, large amounts of ground cover may reduce the attractiveness of the coverboards; however, we do not feel this is likely as the ground cover in site D would provide little shelter from predators or temperatures. In Maryland, Carphophis amoenus was most abundant in a pine habi¬ tat which had relatively little ground cover compared to other habitats, and Diadophis punctatus was most abundant in a hardwood forest, which had more ground cover than pine forest, but less than in a cut area, where abundances were lowest (McLeod and Gates, 1 998). Busby and Parmelee ( 1 996) found that capture rates of D. punctatus were highest in river-bottom habitat, and lowest in an upland woodland. Diadophis punctatus in Michigan occur primarily in more open areas that tend to be sunny (Blanchard et al., 1979). Fitch (1975) reported that D. punctatus are often found in edge habitats, and need damp soil with abundant cover objects. For both species (but most obviously for D. punctatus ), activity levels peaked in mid to late June (see Fig. 1 ). In Kansas, Clark ( 1 970) found peak observation rates of C. vermis in May, June, and July. Activity levels in both species were unaffected by temperature and rainfall. In contrast, Dalrymple et al (1991), while finding a peak in activity in July for a population of Diadophis punctatus in Florida, found a corre¬ lation in activity level with rainfall. Fitch (1975) suggested that air temeprature may set a range in which D. punctatus is active, causing a decline in activity in the sum¬ mer. For our population, the peak in activity in mid to late June, is likely due to an increase in movement associated with reproduction. While we have no direct evi¬ dence for this, studies on the reproductive bilogy of these two species in the region suggest that this is the time when females are laying their eggs (see Clark, 1970; page 50 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Aldridge and Metter, 1973; Fitch, 1975; Seigel and Fitch, 1985). Russell and Han I in (1999) found a peak activity in October for a population in South Carolina, probably associated with mating activity. Additional study in our population is needed to see if such a peak exists in northwestern Missouri. Acknowledgments. Financial support provided by the William Jewell College Biology Depart¬ ment in association with the local 666 chapter. J. Johnson helped with the construc¬ tion and lay out of the coverboard arrays. Literature Cited. Aldridge, R.D. and D.E. Metter. 1973. The reproductive cycle of the western worm snake, Carphophis vermis , in Missouri. Copeia 1973: 472-477. Blanchard, F.N., M.R. Gilreath, and F.C. Blanchard. 1979. The eastern ring-neck snake ( Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) in northern Michigan (Reptilia, Serpentes, Colubridae). J. Herpetol. 13: 377-402. Busby, W.H. and J.R. Parmelee. 1 996. Historical changes in a herpetofaunal assemblage in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Amer. Midi. Nat. 135: 81-91. Clark. D.R. Jr. 1970. Ecological study of the worm snake Carphophis vermis (Kennicott). Univ. Kansas Pubh, Mus. Nat. Hist. 19: 85-194. Dale, V.H., S. Brown, R.A. Haeuber, N.T. Hobbs, N. Huntly, R.J. Naiman, W.E. Riebsame, M. G. Turner, and T.J. Valone. 2000. Ecological principles and guildelines for managing the use of land. Ecol. Appl. 10: 639-670. Dalrymple, G.H., T.M. Steiner, R.J. Nodell, and F.S. Bernardino Jr. 1991. Seasonal activity of the snakes of Long Pine Key, Everglades National Park. Copeia 1991: 294-302. Fitch. H.W. 1 975 . A demographic study of the ringneck snake ( Diadophis punctatus ) in Kansas. Misc. Pubh, Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. 62: 1-53. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 51 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 Grant, B.W., A.D. Tucker, J.E. Lovich, A.M. Mills, PM. Dixon, and J.W. Gibbons. 1992. The use of coverboards in estimating patterns of reptile and am¬ phibian biodiversity. Pp. 379-403 in (D.R. McCullough and R.H. Barrett, eds.) Wildlife 2001 (D.R. McCullough and R.H. Barrett, eds.). Elsevier Science Publishing, London. McLeod, R E, and J.E. Gates. 1998. Response of herpetofaunal communities to forrest cutting and burning at Chesapeake Farms, Maryland. Amer. Midi. Nat. 139; 164-177. Russell, K.R., and H.G. Hanlin. 1999. Aspects of the ecology of worm snakes (Carphophis amoenus) associated with small isolated wetlands in South Carolina. J. Herpetol. 33: 339-344. Siegel, R.A., and H S Fitch. 1985. Annual variation in reproduction in snakes in a fluctuating envi¬ ronment. J. Anim. Ecol. 54: 497-505. Department of Biology, William Jewell College, Liberty, MO 64068 USA (LDJ, GRS, JER); Present address and address for correspondence ( GRS; JER) Depart¬ ment of Biology, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023 USA; e-mail: smithg @ denison. edu Received: 9 September 2003 Accepted: 3 October 2003 page 52 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 News and Notes The Passing of One of the Fathers of Herpetology: Dr. Roger Conant It was very sad news when I learned of Roger’s passing on Friday, Decent her 19th 2003, at the age of 94. 1 had personally known him only briefly, but during the last ten years, he enriched my life in countless ways, and I feel fortunate to have met and corresponded with Roger Conant; a great herpetologist. Diane, my wife, and I first met Roger and his wife in 1993 at the Baltimore- Washington Airport. I had corresponded with Roger and he agreed to come to Balti¬ more to support our conservation efforts through the Mid- Atlantic Reptile Show. Being quite nervous and not knowing just how to talk to such a hugely respected person, I paced anxiously waiting for Roger to exit the plane. It soon became appar¬ ent that my nervous fears were unwarranted. After the first few minutes and the usual introductions, he made everyone around him feel comfortable and at ease. This per¬ sonable, gentle man was witty and warm and you just couldn’t wait to hear about his many reptile adventures. It didn’t take us long before we shared and swapped stories about all sorts of herpetological topics and field experiences. I soon felt as if we had known each other since childhood! I felt so at ease and comfortable, and he would listen to my tales just as intently and with genuine interest. To put it simply, Roger Conant enjoyed reptiles and amphibians. His entire life was devoted to these creatures. He worked as Curator of Reptiles at the Toledo and Philadelphia Zoological Parks. He became a world-renowned author, through his many books and technical publications on herpetology. He was an avid field man, studying, collecting, observing and recording the habits of these unique animals. Roger had a true appreciation for all wildlife. He was every reptile and amphibian lover’s hero. Roger’s “Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Cen¬ tral North America” is still widely used and cherished by all. He and close friend Howard K Gloyd co-authored numerous technical papers including their collabora¬ tive Agkistrodon work. Dr. Conant’s hard work of six years at the Toledo Ohio Zoo paid off when he became the Curator of Reptiles, and eventual Director of the Philadelphia Zoo. Roger played a major role in rebuilding and modernizing the zoo, making it one of the nations great Zoological Gardens. After his retirement from the zoo, Roger moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he became adjunct professor of the Biology De- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 53 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 News and Notes partment at the University of New Mexico. Back to how I met him. ..I invited Roger to participate and lecture at the Mid- Atlantic Reptile Show in 1993, he said “I do not make appearances at public reptile shows, never have in the past”. I explained that all of the money raised will go to conservation and I had no money to give him (stipend/salary), only expenses (airfare, hotel). He said when, where, I’ll be there. It was one of the happiest days of my life! Roger Conant was coming to our reptile show! He would present a lecture on some of his many adventures. The show was, of course, a big success! The endless line for book signings and the packed house for his lecture that Saturday evening, clearly showed that he had countless admirers young and old. Every year since ’93 Roger would write me and tell me what was new in his life. We became good friends. Then one day, purely unexpectedly, he called me on the phone and said, “I’m writing a new book and you are in it, is this wording O.K?” (He read me a piece of it). I didn’t know how to respond - just felt very honored. His last book, his biog¬ raphy, mentions the captive breeding of herps and how my show raises money for rainforest conservation. After seeing a true captive bred herp show, Roger agreed that this was a good thing for the reptile world. Imagine my sadness when I heard from Roger’s son Skip about his father’s passing. Somehow I never really thought of Roger as “old”. His enthusiasm for life and the world’s wonderful animal diversity was contagious. He was warm and kind, and made me feel important. He treated me like an equal and truly enriched my life. I’m going to miss him very much. Roger was truly one of the great ones. Roger, we love you very much. Tim Hoen page 54 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 News and Notes Book Review Birds, Mammals, & Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands, by Andy Swash and Rob¬ ert Still, with illustrations by Ian Lewington. Yale University Press, New Haven 168 pp. + 53 col. pis. Publication date February 1, 2001. ISBN 0-300-08864-7. Pa¬ per. $24.95. This highly attractive compact book provides what I would consider a com¬ prehensive field guide which will certainly aid anyone visiting these charming is¬ lands with their identification of any bird, mammal or reptile which they possibly might encounter. This book will easily fit into the pocket of anyone wearing cargo pants, or even loosely fit trousers, leaving both hands free for camera, and binocular, along with easy access to your duige for recognition assistance. The book opens with a bridf geography and climatic, and habitat description , for which each section is illustrated with color plates. This is followed with an intro¬ duction of the birds of the Galapagos, of which some 152 species have been recorded. Only 61 of these arc considered residents, and 28 of these species are considered endemic to the Galapagos. A brief description of bird structure, and characteristics will certainly help the novice, as these are also illustrated in color. This is followed by short descriptions of each of the eight ‘types’ of bird species that occur on the islands, with the seabirds, (47 species), water birds (21 species), shorebirds (34 species), diur¬ nal raptors (3 species), nocturnal raptors (3 species), larger land birds (8 species), aerial feeders (6 species), smaller land birds (929 species), and Darwin’s finches (13 species). This is followed by excellent color plates of each of the species, along with small distributional maps showing locations from which each species has been found, along with descriptions. The birds section covers the first 109 pages, and this is fol¬ lowed by a review of the reptiles of the Galapagos, of which some 28 species have been recorded, and 19 of these species are considered endemic to the archipelago. It is noteworthy that 1 1 of these species are confined to a single island, and 3 have been introduced. Illustrations of all the species of tortoises, turtles, iguana and snakes are provided with color plates in the next 17 pages, followed by an additional 23 pages covering the 32 species of indigenous mammals having been recorded in recent times. The majority of these species (25) are whales and dolphins, although two species of bats (Lasiurus) are found both on the mainland and the Galapagos. Seven species of rodents are also found on the islands, of which 3 are introduced species. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 55 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 News and Notes This compact volume ends with a checklist of the regularly occurring species, and summary of habitat preferences, and distribution, along with an index of English and Scientific Names. Anyone planning a forthcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands, or just having an interest in Charles Darwin and the historical aspect of these unique islands will certainly want this indispensable, and valuable treasure with them on their trip. Harlan D. Walley, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois 60115. Email hdw@niu.edu. Received 19 September 2003 page 56 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 News and Notes Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 410-580-0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows. Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts. OUR CURRENT NEEDS: • UV Lights • Power & Hand Tools • Bleach • Equipment & Food • Paper Towels • Piece of Property with a Building www.reptileinfo.com Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 57 Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 News and Notes page 58 Bulletin of the Maryland HerpetoSogical Society Volume 40 Number 1 March 2004 News and Notes Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 59 Society Publication Back issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $. 25/page. Information for Authors All correspondence should be addressed to the Executive Editor. Manu¬ scripts being submitted for publication should be typewritten (double spaced) on good quality 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper with adequate margins. Submit origi¬ nal and first carbon, retaining the second carbon. If entered on a word proces¬ sor, also submit diskette and note word processor and operating system used. Indicate where illustrations or photographs are to appear in text. Cite all lit¬ erature used at end in alphabetical order by author. Major papers are those over five pages (double spaced, elite type) and must include an abstract. The authors name should be centered under the title, and the address is to follow the Literature Cited. Minor papers are those pa¬ pers with fewer than five pages. Author’s name is to be placed at end of paper (see recent issue). For additional information see Style Manual for Biological Journals (1964), American Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016. Reprints are available at $.07 a page and should be ordered when manu¬ scripts are submitted or when proofs are returned. Minimum order is 100 reprints. Either edited manuscript or proof will be returned to author for ap¬ proval or correction. The author will be responsible for all corrections to proof, and must return proof preferably within seven days. The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc . 2643 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 page 60 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society in III f'll 3 9088 ( 31048 26 i85 US ISSN: 0025-4231 BULLETIN OF THE flftarylanb QL U'tO M3=i 3 Repr DEPARTMENT OF HERPETOLOGY THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARYLAND, INC. MDHS . A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League 30 JUNE 2004 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 2 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 CONTENTS Variation in Procinura aemula , the File-tailed Groundsnake of Mexico Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, David Chiszar and Hobart M. Smith . . . . . . . . 61 The Pacific Earless Lizard ( Holbrookia elegans) in Chihuahua Hobart M. Smith, Julio A. Lemos-Espinal and David Chiszar . . . . . . . . 70 Record Clutch Size for the Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) Kevin M. Enge. . . . . . . . . 76 Dryadophis cliftni (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Chihuahua, Mexico Julia A. Lemos-Espinal, David Chiszar and Hobart M. Smith . . . . . . . . 77 A Second Record of Pituophis deppei (Deppe’s Gopher Snake) in Chihuahua Julio a. Lemos-Espinal, Hobart M. Smith and David Chiszar . . . . . . . 80 Book Review Harlan D. Walley . . . . . 84 BULLETIN OF THE The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Frank B. Groves Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society” newsletter and on the website, www.naturalhistory.org. *06$ >'> Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Variation in Procinura aemula, the File-tailed Groundsnake of Mexico Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, David Chiszar and Hobart M. Smith Abstract, Variational data on pattern and scalation are recorded on 22 specimens of Procinura aemula from southwestern Chihuahua, Mexico. Generic separation from its closest relatives in the genus Sonora is warranted by the keeled scales on rear of body and on tail, posteriorly with an elevated mucrone, the reduction of the terminal caudal spine to a nub, and differences in fundamentals of pattern, diel activity and locomotion. Procinura aemula Cope has long been considered rare in museums, because only the type was known for 66 years after its description in 1879. Until 1945 when Bogert and Oliver described two specimens (one a skin) from Alamos and Guirocoba, Sonora, some 75 km W of the type locality at Batopilas, Chihuahua. Zweifel and Norris (1955) reported three more from Guirocoba. A seventh specimen, from 8-9 mi SE Alamos, was described by Webb (1960). The number of known specimens rose to 12 with the report of 5 from in or near Alamos (Nickerson andHeringhi, 1966). Two specimens (Hardy and McDiarmid, 1 969) extended the known range of the species into northern Sinaloa, and one was reported from southern Sinaloa by McDiarmid et al. ( 1 976). A considerable northward range extension of about 1 80 km was reported for Tonichi, near the western border of Sonora (Nevarres and Parra, 1991). It was 1 25 years after the type was reported from Chihuahua before more were reported from the state: three taken by JLE in 2002 at Batopilas (27°r34.1”N, 107°45’44.5”W, 435 m; Lemos-Espinal et ah, 2004). In 2003 JLE collected 19 more, all from Chfnipas (27023’39.9”N, 108o32’9.7”W), 469 m. The following notes are based on those 22: UBIPRO (Unidad de Biologia, Tecnologfa y Prototipos) 9380, 9435, 10647, Batopilas; 11339, 11380, 11461-2, 11464-5, 11469-70, 11521, 11538- 9, 11721-3, 11601, 11690, and 11928-30, Chfnipas. Variation in Color and Pattern. Every specimen has a black top of head, followed by a light nape band, and then a black band (Fig. 1). These two bands we designate as nuchal bands. Red follows the nuchal bands for various lengths on the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 61 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Fig. L A Procinura aemula photographed by R. S. Simmons and H. S. Harris, Jr. from a series of three specimens collected in the vicinity of Alamos, Sonora, all now in the collection of the NHSM. body. These are the only constant features of pattern. The tip of the snout is pale brown in 16, black or indeterminate in 6. The ground color of body and tail is red. With rare exception several (5-11, M=8.2) complete or incomplete sets of black and whitish bands follow the red zone posterior to the nuchal bands on body. In the present series one specimen has only a preanal set on the body, and Nickerson and Heringhi (1966) recorded (and illus¬ trated) one with no postnuchal sets of bands on either body or tail. The bands posterior to the nuchals on body and tail vary not only in number but also in composition. We have categorized these variations in 8 classes: 1, WBW; 2, BWB; 3, BWBWB; 4, WBWBW; 5, BWBW; 6, WB (or BW); 7, WBWB; and 8, vestigial. In no specimen is the arrangement in all sets the same throughout the body, except in the specimen with only one set. . Of the 177 sets occurring on the 22 snakes studied, 53% represent class 1, 23% class 2, and 9% class 3. However, these percentages differ in the two sexes: 71%, 3% and 2% respectively in males, 35%, 39% and 16% in females. Twenty of the 22 snakes have pattern 1 somewhere on the body, 17 pattern 2, 9 pattern 3, 8 pattern 4, 4 pattern 5, 3 pattern 6, 1 pattern 7, and 2 pattern 8. page 62 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologicai Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 The number of types of sets/snake varies from 1 to 5: 1 in 1 (only one on body), 2 in 6, 3 in 10, 4 in 4, and 5 in 1. The class of the first postnuchal set includes 1 (5), 2(14), 6(1), 7(1) and 8(1). It is of interest that the most complex sets, 3 and 4, are never first in the series. On the contrary, the preanal set is frequently class 3 or 4; the others include 1(9) and 2(1). The number of pattern sets/snake varies from 1 to 1 1 : 1 with 1 , 1 with 6, 4 with 7, 9 with 8, 2 with 9, 3 with 10, and 2 with 11. Two tail sets, the terminal one incomplete in some, are always present, ex¬ cept for one with three, and one in which they are vestigial (the specimen with only one pattern set posterior to the nuchal bands). Class 1 occurs 19 times; class 2, 14; class 3, 8; and class 5, 1. In 12 snakes one class occurs throughout the tail, two in 8. The first set on the tail belongs to class 1 in 12, 2 in 4, and 3 in 5. The dorsal scales in the red zones are unmarked in some (including the one with only one set of bands anterior to the anus), but others have a central black spot of various sizes and intensities. The presence or absence of those markings is usually the same throughout most of the body. The red scales on the tail rarely have a black center. The venter is white and unmarked, or virtually so, in 8. In 13, most or all of the black bands are complete ventrally. In three of the latter there are additional black streaks across some ventrals. One specimen has only three black bands complete ventrally, or nearly so. The caudal black bands form complete rings in all, except for the one with only vestigial bands on tail (and but one set of bands on body). The pattern variation here described includes all extremes previously re¬ ported except one (Nickerson and Heringhi, 1966) with no bands whatever on body or tail posterior to the nuchal bands. Variation in scalation. The head scales are normal, with relatively little variation. The supralabials are 8-8 in 3, in which the 4lh and 5lh enter the orbit; the others have 7-7 supralabials, the 3rd and 4th entering the orbit. The infralabials are 7 on 19 sides, 8 on 23. The preoculars and loreals are 1-1 (Nickerson and Heringhi, 1966, recorded one specimen with 0-0 loreals), the postoculars 2-2, and the temporals 1 -2/1-2 in all. The posterior chinshields are half or less the size of the anterior, widely separated from each other by 1 or 2 scales, and in contact with the 4lh infralabial. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 63 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 The scales rows are basically 15-15-15, but in 8 specimens the scale rows ~2 scales in front of the anus are 16 or 17. The significance of this variation is uncertain; in most snakes, if the preanal rows differ in number from the preceding rows, they are fewer. Innovative variation is thought to originate posteriorly, not anteriorly. The ventrals are 141-156 (M= 149.3, N=22), with 91 %> 149 in females, 30% in males. The subcaudals are 34-45 (M=38.1, N=22), with 8%>37 in females, 100% in males. The sum of ventrals and subcaudals is 181-194 (M= 187.2, N=22), with 67%> 1 88 in females, 30% in males. The greatest TTL is 447 mm, the smallest 122 mm. The greatest in males is 373 mm, whereas 5 females exceed that dimension. The TL/TTL ratio has no overlap between the sexes: .131-. 146 in females, . 158-. 1 79 in males. In Sonora semiannulata (personal data HMS), the range is .151-. 177 in females, .178-.215 in males. A unique feature of the scalation of Procinura is the presence of keels on all of the dorsal scales of the tail, and, for the most part, on the median nine scale rows on the posterior part of the body. The lateral three scale rows on each side of the body are smooth; even near the tail where occasionally 16 or 17 scale rows occur, only the median nine rows are keeled. The keeled scales extend forward from the anus at least one tail length, and up to 2.5 tail lengths. Most remarkable is that the keels on the tail, and to a lesser extent in the preanal region, all terminate in a raised spur, slightly anterior to the end of the scale, which lacks a keel. The spurs create an exceptionally rough surface. They are not present on most of the body scales, but where the keels are present the spurs do not reach the very tip of the scale. The spurs are quite different from the mucrones on the scales of lizards such as Sceloporus , where they extend from the very tip of the scale as an extension of the keel. The tail is also relatively short (see discussion of TL/TTL ratios), and the terminal spine is about as broad as long, not or little larger than the adjacent caudals. In Sonora the terminal spine is elongate, about 3 times as long as broad. Discussion. The etymology of Procinura is not clearly evident. The termi¬ nal “i*ra” certainly means “tail” (from the Greek our a). The origin of the prefix may never be assured, but Cope’s notorious ingenuity in name-creation makes the origin from the Latin procinctus reasonably likely: “equipped for battle”, or “armored”, in reference to the possibly defensive use of the unique caudal spines. Although this species was described in the monotypic genus Procinura , Bogert and Oliver (1945) argued that it is related to Sonora and is insufficiently page 64 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 distinct to justify separation from that genus. They regarded that, “Unique as the spines are, there is little to be gained by segregating the species in a rnonotypic genus (. Procinura ) when cranial characters point to such close relationships with Sonora. . . . Monotypic genera would seem to be excusable only when it is impossible with reasonable certainty to allocate a given species to a known generic group.” The latter generality is not supported by the wide acceptance of the separation of Masticophis from Coluber , etc. The relationship of Procinura to Sonora was well established by Shekel (1943), a long-time specialist in the taxonomy of Sonora and its related genera. He stated that “The nearest relative of Sonora is apparently the monotypic genus Procinura , which is almost indistinguishable from typical Sonora in hemipenis, teeth, structure and shape of dentigerous bones and head scutellation.” Nevertheless he retained the genus because of the unique spinosity of the caudal scales, and because the color pattern “developed along a different line than that seen in any described form of Sonora." Actually the name Procinura has been accepted as valid in recent years by several authors, at least as recently as Markel (1989). No other species of snake in North America or Mexico has prominent keels on the rear of body and tail where otherwise the dorsal scales are smooth. Addition¬ ally, no other keeled snake of that area has a subterminal spur on any of the keels. The very short terminal tail spine is also unusual in snakes, and does not occur in Sonora. The function of the caudal spines is uncertain. They probably would be of little importance in deterring any of the several species of sympatric ophiophagous snakes, unless the approach was from the rear - a rare occurrence except perhaps in underground burrows. However, Procinura is not equipped to create its own bur¬ rows; the head is not shaped for it (as in the related Chionactis). Avian and mammalian predators also are not likely to be deterred by the caudal spines. If the snake tends to thrash about when attacked or captured, the spines might serve to discourage predation to some degree. However, when captured the snakes are quiet. Observations by JLE in the field indicate that the spines may serve impor¬ tantly to enhance speed of locomotion; he found their movements extremely rapid, so that the snakes were difficult to capture where cover was available. From his observations it is apparent that these snakes are at least to some degree diurnal, contrary to the nocturnality of Sonora. Specimens were found be¬ tween 5:30 and 7:00 p.m., mostly in rocky areas, or under rocks. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 65 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Another possible function of the caudal spines was suggested by the collec¬ tor of the specimen in the NHSM here illustrated. He reported that the snakes feed on scorpions, and that the tail spines serve to distract the prey. The basis for that state¬ ment is unknown; the collector may have repeated native comments. We did not examine stomach contents. The pattern composition, and its variability within a species of such a lim¬ ited geographic range as Procinura , is not paralleled among members of the Mexican herpetofauna, although the variation of the members of the genus Pliocercus in the vicinity of the Tuxtla volcanoes of southern Veracruz is somewhat similar (Smith and Chiszar, 2001 ). The three taxa of the Sonora michoacanensis group ( michoacanensis , mutabilis , aequalis) resemble Procinura in having a pattern of black and white bands, separated by red except in aequalis . In view of the undisputed close relationship of the two genera, it seems possible that Procinura evolved from ancestors like the S. michoacanensis group, rather than of the S. semiannulata group. However, there are fundamental differences in band arrangement . In the michoacanensis group, the top of the head is white, followed by a black band, then another white; the arrangement in Procinura is BWB. The differ¬ ence appears to be constant and fundamental, because it is reflected on the rest of the body; the following sets of bands are predominantly WBW in Procinura, BWB in michoacanensis and mutabilis. The red interspaces are reduced by coalescence of the adjacent black bands in the michoacanensis group, as is evident in some black bands with red on the side; that tendency presumably led to WBW sets without any red interspaces whatever. In no specimen of Procinura is there evidence of fusion or partial fusion of the black borders on red. On the contrary, the red may tend to displace the bicolor sets, as is evident in the specimens with one or no bicolor sets whatever, two specimens in which the bicolor set is represented by white (diffuse-edged) only, bordered by red, and two specimens in which the bicolor set is binary (BW or WB). There is no corre¬ lation in number of sets on the body and number of the complex sets (3, 4, 5, 7) Obviously several unique features, at least as related to Sonora, justify re¬ tention of the genus Procinura. Most obvious are the keels on the posterior scales on an otherwise smooth-scaled body, and the prominent spurs on the caudal scales. Less obvious but cumulatively important are the differences in the tail-tip scale, pattern variation, diel pattern, and locomotion. page 66 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Ocaranza (1930) listed Scolecophis aemulus among opisthoglyph colubrids of Latin America. As a rear-fanged (pleurectoglyph, Smith, 1952) species (see excel¬ lent drawing in Bogert and Oliver, 1945), venom is no doubt present, but there is no evidence that the venom of genera related to Sonora produce any effect in humans, although Duvernoy’s glands are present. Cope (1879) obviously was aware that mimicry is possible in the pattern of Procinura , as indicated by his choice of the specific name aemula (from Latin aemulus , emulating). Mertens (1956) noted that the pattern of Procinura resembles that of Micrurus “fulvius ” (as then known, but not now), implying mimicry. Mimicry is almost certainly involved in the resemblance of the pattern of Procinura to that of Micruroides euryxanthus australis and Micrurus d. distans, the only species of coral snakes sympatric with Procinura. The patterns of the two species of coral snakes are basically similar (Roze, 1 995), the band sets invariably being WBW in both. The two coral snake patterns differ in detail, especially on the tail, but their single pattern set is also by far the most common pattern set in Procinura (WBW, 53%); the nearest is BWB (23%). The variability in pattern of Procinura might be interpreted as incom¬ plete deceptive mimicry, which might improve with the passage of time. On the other hand, the presence of black bands or rings, of any arrangement, on a red body, may be nearly as effective as detailed mimicry, diminishing selection pressure for improve¬ ment. Over time the mimicry might become more nearly perfect. JLE observed that the broken pattern of most individuals tended to make them disappear when rapidly moving. Similar illusions have been recorded in vari¬ ous other snakes with broken patterns, e.g. Micrurus and Pituophis . Acknowledgments. CONABIO kindly provided support for field work by JLE under projects LI 03, U003, X004, AE003 and BE002. We are very grateful to Herbert S. Harris for the figure. Literature Cited. Bogert, C. M. and J. A. Oliver. 1 945. A preliminary analysis of the herpetofauna of Sonora. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 83: 297-426. Cope, E. D. 1879. Eleventh contribution to the herpetology of tropical America. Proc. Am. Philos. Soc. 18: 261-277. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 67 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Hale, S. F. 1990. Alamos field trip 1989: trip notes part V.Tuc son Herp. Soc. Newsl. 3(2): 12-15. Hardy, L. M. and R. W. McDiarmid. 1969. The amphibians and reptiles of Sinaloa, Mexico. Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist. 18: 39-252. Lemos-Espinal, J. A., D. Chiszar and H. M. Smith. 2004. Year 2002 turtles and snakes from Chihuahua, Mexico. Bull. Chi¬ cago Herp. Soc. (in press) Markel, R. G. 1989. King snakes and milk snakes. Neptune City, New Jersey, T.F.H. Publ. 144 pp. McDiarmid, R. W., J. F. Copp and D. E. Breedlove. 1976. Notes on the herpetofauna of western Mexico: new records from Sinaloa and the Tres Marias Islands. Nat. Hist. Mus. Los Angeles Co. Contr. Sci. (275): 1-17. Mertens, R. 1956. Das Problem der Mimikry bei Korallenschlangen. Zool. Jb. Abt. Syst. Okol. 84: 541-576. Nevares, M. and I. E. Parra-Salazar. 1991. Geographic distribution: Sonora aemula. Herp. Rev. 2 1 : 97 ( 1 990). Nickerson, Max A. and H. L. Heringhi. 1 966. Three noteworthy colubrids from southern Sonora, Mexico. Great Basin Naturalist 26: 136-140. Ocaranza, F. 1930 Sistematica de los animales ponzonosos de la America Latina y accion biologica de sus venenos. Medecina Revista Cientffica 10: 357-374. Roze, J. A. 1996. Coral snakes of the Americas: biology, identification, and ven¬ oms. Malabar, Florida, Krieger. xii, 328 pp. page 68 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Smith, H. M. 1 952. A revised arrangement of maxillary fangs in snakes. Turtox News 30: 214-218. — and D. Chiszar. 2001 . Pliocercus elapoides. Cat. Am. Amph. Rept. (739): 1-11. Shekel, W. H. 1943. The Mexican snakes of the genera Sonora and Chionactis with notes on the status of other colubrid genera. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash¬ ington 56: 109-128. Webb, R. G. 1960. Notes on some amphibians and reptiles from northern Mexico. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 63: 289-298. Zweifel, R. G. and K. S. Norris. 1955. Contribution to the herpetology of Sonora, Mexico: descriptions of new subspecies of snakes ( Micruroides euryxanthus and Lampropeltis getulus ) and miscellaneous collecting notes. Am. Midi. Nat. 54: 230-249. JLE: Laboratorio de Ecologia, UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de Mexico, 54090 Mexico. DC, HMS: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334. Received: February 6, 2004 Accepted: March 3, 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 69 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 The Pacific Earless Lizard ( Holbrookia elegans) in Chihuahua Hobart M. Smith, Julio A. Lemos-Espinal and David Chiszar Abstract, A previous, first record of Holbrookia elegans in Chihuahua is corrected to H. approximans, a high altitude species of northern Mexico, of which H. pulchra and H. dickersonae are synonyms. Bona fide H. elegans , a low altitude species of Pacific slopes from south-central Arizona through most of Sinaloa, is reported from Chihua¬ hua, and comparisons are made with H. approximans. These two species constitute an elegans group, sharply distinct from the rest of the genus, and the southernmost of Holbrookia. Although long recognized as a species, H. elegans in recent years has usu¬ ally been thought to be a subspecies of H. maculata (e.g, Conant and Collins, 1998; Stebbins, 2003). The recent revival of H. elegans as a species was initiated by Axtell (1998). These two species are readily distinguished by pattern characteristics of both sexes. Adult males {and occasionally females) of H. elegans have the paired, black lateral abdominal slashes (LAS) surrounded by a blue or blue-green patch; no blue exists around the LAS in H. maculata , in either sex. In females of the latter species, the LAS are about as well developed and distinctly black as in the males; in H. elegans females the LAS are much smaller and less distinct than in males, are gray instead of black, and are scarcely or not distinguishable in some. The difference from H. maculata in both sexes appears to be constant. In 1921 Schmidt described two new species, H. pulchra and H. dickersonae, both with the LAS surrounded by blue. More detail appeared in Schmidt (1922), but the nature of the female LAS was not then noted. The first has always been thought, if valid, to be limited to the highlands of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. On the other hand, the known range of H. dickersonae expanded rapidly from the type locality in southeastern Coahuila as far south as Guanajuato and west to northeastern Durango. It, like H. elegans, was long accepted as a subspecies of H. maculata, as first proposed by Smith and Mittleman (1943). The specimens they page 70 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 reported were labeled merely “Chihuahua”, collected by Wilkinson, and were re¬ garded as intermediate between H. maculata and H. dickersonae in part because the blue patches are reduced, as we have seen in fresh material. These almost certainly came from east of the Continental Divide, where Wilkinson is known to have col¬ lected. It is unlikely that they came from the southwestern lowlands, where H. elegans occurs, as no Holbrookia is listed in Wilkinson’s collection from near Batopilas by Cope (1879). Unfortunately, Axtell (1998) discovered that the name H. approximans Baird (1859) is based on the same species as H. dickersonae Schmidt (1921), and he ac¬ cepted priority of the former despite the considerable instability introduced. The prob¬ lem is that Baird’s name was for many decades regarded as a subspecies of H. maculata distributed over much of western United States and extending into northern Mexico where “ dickersonae ” and “ pulchra ” occur. The identity of the populations of Holbrookia from east of the Continental Divide in Chihuahua has been made apparent by large numbers collected by JLE in recent summers and now in the UBIPRO (Unidad de Biologfa, Tecnologfa y Prototipos) collection in Mexico City. Most are referable to H. approximans (of Axtell), agreeing with material from Durango and Coahuila in having blue-enclosed LAS in males, and small, gray ones in females. Descriptions of that material are in Lemos-Espinal et ah (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004). Elsewhere in the state, H. maculata b unker i occurs in the north-central sand dunes (Lemos-Espinal et ah, 1994), where H. approximans does not occur, although their ranges are separated by but a few kilometers south of the dunes; there may be a slight overlap. H. m.flavilenta is known from extreme northeastern Chihuahua (Lemos- Espinal et ah, 2002), and appears to be narrowly sympatric with H. approximans. The material we have seen (Lemos-Espinal et ah, 2004) makes it evident that the specimens from the uplands of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and now northwestern Chihuahua, are all one taxon - H. approximans , which has a much larger distribution in Chihuahua than had been realized. The former asso¬ ciation of “ pulchra ” with H. elegans hinged upon the proximity of the two popula¬ tions, both of which have blue-enclosed LAS; the similar H. approximans was not then known to occur within hundreds of kilometers. Thus the supposedly first record of Holbrookia elegans from extreme north¬ western Chihuahua that appeared in Lemos-Espinal, Chiszar and Smith (2002), with further details in Lemos-Espinal, Smith and Chiszar (2002), is incorrect. The charac¬ teristics of the specimens conform with those of recorded specimens from nearby, Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 71 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 high-altitude southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico that have been assigned to H. elegans and are now (Crother et ah, 2003) so accepted (instead of H . m. pule hr a of Crother et ah, 2000). Unfortunately HMS misidentified other speci¬ mens from that area as Holhrookia maculata flavilenta (Lemos-Espinal et ah, 2001 ). We regard H. approximans , at least in the western part of its range, as an upland species. It has been taken by JLE as high as 1 5 1 9 m (Bahuichi vo, 27°2 1 ’ 57.7”N, 108°9’7.9”W) in the Sierra Madre Occidental, and Tanner (1987) recorded it from several other localities in the Sierra. Throughout its range in the state the elevation, at the dozens of JLE’s collection sites, is at least 1227 m, and most are well over that (the lowest altitudes are near the eastern border). That is consistent with the elevation of the areas where “ pulchrd ’ has been taken in the United States, and H. approximans in adjacent northwestern Chihuahua. The habitat throughout those areas appears to be the same. Holbrookia elegans , on the contrary, is limited to the Pacific lowlands at elevations mostly lower than 500 m. Of the 29 specimens from five different locali¬ ties in eastern Sonora and western Chihuahua collected by JLE in 2003, only one exceeded that figure (Gtiisamopa, Sonora, 28o39’9.0”N, 109°6’57.r’W), at 860 m. Others were taken in Chihuahua in the vicinity of Chfnipas (27°33,29.9”N, 1 08°32’9.7”W), at altitudes from 428-469 m. This constitutes the first bona fide record of the species from Chihuahua. The similarities of H. elegans and H. approximans make it apparent that they constitute an interrelated unit; we consider it the elegans group despite the prior¬ ity of H. approximans Baird (1859) over H. elegans Bocourt (1874); priority is not compelling for group names, and H. elegans has had no confused history. The two species of the elegans group are, however, confusingly similar. We find no reliable difference in scalation (despite frequent reference to differences in size of some of the supraocular scales). A categorical distinction may exist in the T/ SVL ratio in females. In 29 female H. elegans from Sonora and Sinaloa the ratio is .92- 1 .26, and in 10 female H. approximans from central and northwestern Chihuahua the ratio is .73-. 87. T/SVL ratio in males overlap extensively. The eastern species aver¬ ages somewhat smaller; males over 54 mm SVL average 58 mm (N=22, maximum 67 mm), whereas in H. elegans the average is 64 mm (N=12, maximum size 70 mm). In pattern, H. elegans males appear to have larger LAS, and the blue sur¬ rounding them is more extensive; attempts to objectivize this difference were unsuc¬ cessful due to the various sizes of the scales covered by the LAS. Large H. elegans page 72 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 males are extensively light-dotted above, largely concealing other markings. In large male H. approximans such light spots are less numerous. Also important in consideration of rank of these two taxa is dichopatry and the marked difference in habitat and elevation. Acknowledgment. We are much indebted to CON AB 10 for support provided for field work by JLE under projects L103, U003, X004, AE003 and BE002. Literature Cited. Axtell, R. A. 1998. Holhrookia metadata Girard. Interpretive Atlas of Texas Lizards (18): 1-19. Baird, S. F. 1859. Description of new genera and species of North American lizards in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 10: 253-256 (1858). Bocourt, M.-F. 1873-1897. Etudes sur les reptiles. Mission Scientifique au Mexique et dans 1’ Amerique Centrale. Recherches Zoologiques. Paris, Imprimerie Imperiale. Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians of eastern and central Cope. E. D. 1879. North America. Boston, Houghton Mifflin. Eleventh contribution to the herpetology of tropical America. Proc. Am. Phil. Soc. 18: 261-277 (on pp. 261-263 is a list of the species collected by Wilkinson in the vicinity of Batopilas, southwestern Chihuahua). Crother, B. I. et al. 2000. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding con¬ fidence in our understanding. Soc. Study Amph. Rept. Herp. Circ. (29): i-iii, 1-82. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 73 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 et al. 2003. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles north of Mexico: update. Herp. Rev. 34: 196-203. Lemos-Espinal, J. A., D. Chiszar and H. M. Smith. 2002. Geographic distribution: Holhrookia elegans. Herp. Rev. 33: 225. - and - . 2004. Miscellaneous 2002 lizards from Chihuahua, Mexico. Bull. Chi¬ cago Herp. Soc. 39: 1-7. , H. M. Smith and D. Chiszar. 2001 . Distributional and variational data on some species of turtles and lizards from Chihuahua, Mexico. Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 36: 201-208. - , — — and - . 2002. Miscellaneous 2001 lizards from Chihuahua, Mexico. Bull. Chi¬ cago. Herp. Soc. 37: 102-106. Schmidt, K. P. 1921. New species of North American lizards of the genera Holbrookia and Uta. Am. Mus. Novit (22): 1-6. 1922. A review of the North American genus of lizards Holbrookia . Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 46: 709-725. Smith, H. M. and M. B. Mittleman. 1943. Notes on the MansfieldMuseum’s Mexican reptiles collected by Wilkinson. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 46: 243-249. Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Boston, Houghton Mifflin. Tanner, W. W. 1 987. Lizards and turtles of western Chihuahua. Great Basin Naturalist 47: 383-421. page 74 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 HMS: Department of EEBiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, C080309-0334. JLE: Laboratorio de Ecologia, Tecnologi'a y Prototipos, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de Mexico, 54090 Mexico . DC: Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0345. Accepted: February 6, 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 75 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Record Clutch Size for the Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) A female southern hognose snake ( Heterodon simus) collected in July 2001 in Homosassa, Citrus Co., FL, was bred with a male from Jackson Co., FL. She laid 1 9 fertile eggs on 2 July 2003, exceeding the largest reported clutch of 14 eggs (Palmer and Braswell, 1995). On 10 June 2003, the female had a mass of 230 g, a snout- vent length (SVL) of 477 mm, and a total length (TL) of 540 mm. Pre-oviposition ecdysis occurred on 23 June. Immediately after oviposition, the female had a mass of 98 g. The female fed only three times after oviposition and died on 16 August 2003, at which time she was deposited in the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida (UF 1 37504). The mass (mean ± 1 S.D.) of the 1 9 eggs was 5.95 ± 0.597 g (range = 4.9-6. 9), and the eggs were 28.2 + 2.49 mm (range 23.3-31.6) long and 19.0 ± 0.77 mm (range = 18.3 - 20.8) wide. Seventeen eggs slit on 4-6 September after 64-66 days of incubation at 24-29° C, but neonates remained > 1 day in eggs, often with at least half of their bodies emerged. Ecdysis occurred < 2 days after complete emergence, and seven neonates fed within the first week on newborn mice scented with southern toad (Bufo terrestris) or green treefrog (Hyla cinerea). The neonates had a mass of 5.89 ± 0.532 g (range = 4. 7-7.0), aSVLof 133.1 ±7.90 mm (range = 123-150), and a TL of 156.4 ± 6.1 1 mm (range = 148-172). The sex ratio was 8:9. The previous year, the female had oviposited 15 fertile eggs on 31 July 2002, after which she had a mass of 104 g, a SVL of 433 mm, and a TL of 492 mm. On 6 August 2002, the mean mass of the eggs was 5.13 g ± 0.269 (range = 4.7-5 .7), and the dimensions were 25.1 ± 1.65 mm (range = 22.9-30.0) long and 19.0 ± 0.76 mm (range = 18.1- 20.4) wide. Literature Cited. Palmer, W. M., and A. L. Braswell. 1995. Reptiles of North Carolina. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, xiii + 412 pp. Kevin M. Enge. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission , 5300 High Bridge Road, Quincy, Florida 32351. Received: 24 October 2003 Accepted: 1 November 2003 page 76 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Dryadophis cliftoni (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Chihuahua, Mexico Julia A. Lemos-Espinal, David Chiszar and Hobart M. Smith Abstract. Dryadophis cliftoni is recorded for the first time from Chihuahua, Mexico. Discrepancies in descriptions of the species from various localities warrant review of the species as a whole. Among snakes secured by JLE in southwestern Chihuahua in 2003 are two that appear to represent Dryadophis cliftoni Hardy (1964), although, if correct, pub¬ lished descriptions seem partly in error, and variation is greater than has been previ¬ ously recorded. They are UBIPRO 11694-5, from Guamuchilito (27°23'21.9"N, 108°29’5.5"W), 510 m, taken September 10 by JLE. There two specimens may be described as follows. Scale rows 17-17-15; ventrals 197 (t) and 188 (V); venter with a moderately distinct, rounded lateral keel; subcaudals 149 and 154 respectively; scales perfectly smooth, with two apical pits. Head scales essentially normal; 8-8 supralabials, 4th and 5lh entering eye, 5th contact¬ ing postocular and anterior temporal except narrowly separated from temporals on one side of one; infralabials 10-10; preoculars 1-1; postoculars 2-2; one loreal; nasal divided; temporals 2-2-2. Anterior 40-45% of body with rather diffuse (not sharply defined) light reddish crossbands about 3-4 scales long, separated by yellow bands about 1-2 scales long, reaching onto edge of ventrals, some broken and staggered on sides; this pattern is gradually transformed posteriorly as black crossbands replacing the red crossbands, and the yellow bands becoming broken and disappearing posteriorly so that the pos¬ terior quarter of the body and all of the tail are uniform black or nearly so. The anterior half of the venter is uniformly light red, grading over a few centimeters to a uniform gray color on the posterior half of the venter. The anterior ventral surface of the tail is gray, with an irregular, broken, zigzag central black streak becoming in¬ creasingly reduced posteriorly, disappearing on the distal 1/4 of the tail; the gray background gradually lightens posteriorly, leaving the posterior half of the under side of the tail pinkish. Except on the neck, the darker dorsal color extends onto the lateral edges of the ventrals (about 1/5 of their width, where it is sharply differenti- Bulietin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 77 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 ated from the lighter ventral color). That sharp differentiation extends the full length of the body posterior to the neck, coincides with the lateral ventral keel, and in places is accentuated by a narrow light line. The sharp differentiation continues throughout the length of the tail. The female is 1202 mm in total length (TTL), with a tail length of 424 mm (35% of TTL). The same figures, respectively, for the male are 1335 mm, 772 mm, and 58%. Discussion. These specimens agree in scalation with previous descriptions (Hardy, 1963; Nickerson and Heringhi, 1966; Hardy and McDiarmid, 1969), but they differ mark¬ edly in coloration. The types, from extreme southern Sinaloa and adjacent Jalisco (Webb, 1984, subsequently reported the species from adjacent Durange) were de¬ scribed with “dark bluish black” blotches on fore part of body, separated by “pale blue interspaces.” The photographs reveal the size of the blotches and interspaces much the same as in the Chihuahua specimens, but there is no mention of red or yellow in the coloration. The two freshly-killed specimens recorded by Hardy and McDiarmid (1969), taken in the same area as the types, were described as “bright orange-red on head, neck and throat, followed by a salmon to pale pink belly at midbody.” That descrip¬ tion conforms to a certain extent with the pattern of the Chihuahua specimens, but on the contrary “the dorsal blotches were dark brown, and the interspaces were tan.” Perhaps as a lapsus, the venter was stated to be “immaculate creamy white” in all specimens. In both the types and the present specimens the ventral surfaces are dark gray. Of special interest is the specimen recorded by Nickerson and Heringhi (1966) from “Anna Maria mine, approximately 20 miles east of Alamos.” This locality is very close to the one from which the Chihuahua specimens came, and therefore it is assumed that their identity is the same. However, the anterior blotches are referred to as “dark,” contrary to the condition in the Chihuahua specimens. No other informa¬ tion on color was given for the Sonora specimen. Hale (1990), recording material from the vicinity of Alamos, Sonora, taken in 1989, noted that the species is “Patterned with a dark head and brown lateral bars anteriorly changing to striping posteriorly finally becoming uniformly dark on the tail. What makes this snake stand out is the suffusion of red and bluish coloration on the head and anterior part of the dorsum. Some specimens can justifiably be termed purple.” In the Chihuahua specimens the head is reddish brown above, but not “dark;” page 78 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 the blotches anteriorly are red, not brown; and there is no striping anywhere on the body. Even assuming that the species is quite variable in color and pattern, and that Sonora and Chihuahua specimens represent the same taxon, it is still not clear that the southern Sinaloa population is the same taxonomically. Its description differs to a certain extent from that of the northern specimens, and there is a hiatus of over 500 km between their known ranges. Further material will be necessary to determine whether at least subspecific differentiation has occurred. Continuity of range is not, however, impossible, because the foothills area between southern Sinaloa and south¬ western Chihuahua/southeastern Sonora is accessible only with difficulty and has been little explored herpetologically. Acknowledgments. CONAB IO kindly provided support for field work by JLE under projects U003, X004 and AE003. Literature Cited. Hale, S.F. 1 990. Alamos field trip 1989: trip notes. Part V. Tucson Herp. Soc. Newsl. 3(2): 12-15. Hardy, L.M. 1963. Description of a new snake (genus Dryadophis) from Mexico. Copeia 1963: 669-672. 1 964. A replacement name for Dryadophis fasciatus Hardy. Copeia 1 964: 714. _ and R. W. McDiarmid. 1969. The amphibians and reptiles of Sinaloa, Mexico. Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist. 18: 39-252. Nickerson, M.A. and H.L. Heringhi. 1 966. Three noteworthy colubrids from southern Sonora, Mexico. Great Basin Naturalist 26: 136-140. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 79 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 Webb, R.G. 1 984. Herpetogeography in the Mazatlan-Durango region of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Pp. 217-241 in Seigel, R.A. et al., Vertebrate ecology and systematics: a tribute to Henry S. Fitch. Univ. Kan¬ sas Mus. Nat. Hist. Spec. Publ. (10): 1-278. JALE: Laboratorio de Ecologia, UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepanda, Estado de Mexico , 54090 Mexico. DC and HMS: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334. Received 17 December 2003 Accepted 28 December 2003 page 80 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 A Second Record of Pituophis deppei (Deppe’s Gopher Snake) in Chihuahua Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Hobart M. Smith and David Chiszar Abstract. Pituophis d. deppei is recorded and described form Guicorichi, near Chinipas on Pacific slopes of southwestern Chihuahua. The single specimen differs from de¬ scriptions in having the anterior, white dorsal ground color gradually becoming in¬ creasingly pink posteriorly, correlated with a reduction of the elongate black mark in the center of each scale outside of the black blotches on body and tail. Duel 1 man (1960) reviewed knowledge and certain variation of Pituophis deppei (Dumeril), and provided the only known locality for the species in the state of Chihuahua, at “Samachique” (-Samachic or Samachf). Two other specimens were cited from “Chihuahua,” without precise locality. All were collected well over 75 years ago. A fourth specimen (Unidad de Biotecnologia y Prototipos 11857) from the state, and only the second with a precise locality, was taken by JLE on September 5, 2003, at Huicorichi, mpio Chinipas (27°38,6.5"N, 108°27'51.4”W), 1990 m. It is a mature adult male in excellent condition, 1392 mmTTL, tail 201 mm, with 27-29-21 scale rows, 232 ventrals and 72 subcaudals. These counts are only slightly higher than those reported for males in Duellman (1960). The head scales are normal for the species; rostral scarcely protuberant; intemasals about half the size of the two prefrontals; preoculars 1-1; postoculars 3-3; 3-3 anterior temporals; 8-9 supralabials; 11-12 infralabials; minimum of two scales separating posterior chinshields. There are 28 spots on body, 1 1 on tail, all solid black and longer than their interspaces (about twice as long on body and about 1 1 scale rows wide). A series of smaller, round (or, anteriorly, elongate) spots on sides, separated by mostly one row of scales from median blotches (with which they mostly alternate), and two from ventrals; another row of similar spots on the ends of the ventrals; the spots in both rows black at anterior and posterior ends of body, brownish in between. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 81 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 All scales between the blotches on the dorsum and sides of the anterior two- thirds of the body have a sharply defined, black, elongate streak in the middle; poste¬ rior to that point they come light brown, scarcely darker than the rest of the scale, and diffuse. The marks on the scales between the dorsal blotches become lighter around midbody, anterior to the position of change between the lateral blotches. On about the anterior half of the body the ground color is white; posteriorly it becomes increasingly pink to the tail, where it becomes a rather bright reddish brown. The ventral surface of the tail is pink between the lateral dark spots, which are re¬ placed on the terminal quarter of the tail by a continuous median black line. The ground color of the ventral surface of the head and body is white, with a very faint pinkish tinge posteriorly. The posterior edges of some of the median infralabials are black; the dorsum and sides of the head are uniform tan. Discussion. Duellman (1960) did not indicate the occurrence of pink or reddish color in any of the extensive series he examined. However, if present in life it likely would have faded in long-preserved specimens. He likewise described the ground color as “tan or straw,” not white anteriorly. The spots on the sides of the venter are not described, and the characteristics of the streaking on individual scales appear to dif¬ fer from his descriptions. Whether the Chihuahua population is unique in these and other features remains to be determined by additional fresh material from there and elsewhere. Acknowledgment. CONABIO kindly provided support for field work by JLE under projects LI 03, U003, X004, AE003 and BE002. Literature Cited. Duellman, W.E. 1960. A taxonomic study of the Middle American snake, Pituophis deppei . Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist. 10: 599-610. JLE: Laboratorio de Bcologia , UBIPRO , Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala , Tlalnepantla, Bstado de Mexico , 54090 Mexico . page 82 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 HMS and DC: Received: Accepted: University of Colorado Museum » Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334 USA. 13 January 2004 28 January 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 83 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 News and Notes Book Review: Holman, J. Alan. 2003. Fossil Frogs and Toads of North America. Univ. of Indiana Press, Bloomington. 246 pp., 103 figs. 47 color photos. Cloth ISBN 0-253-34280- 5. $79.95. This book provides a detailed overview of anatomical features of living and fossil frogs and toads, with emphasis on osteological features, as anuran fossils are primarily only represented by fragile fragments of bone. Comments on dentition, skin, food procurement, vocalization, courtship and mating, eggs and larvae are fol¬ lowed by an historical account of the reasonably small number of active herpetolo¬ gists working on fossil anurans. This is followed by a well illustrated overview of the anuran skeleton, with emphasis on the major structures used in identification of fos¬ sil anurans. The author fully stresses that the student and professional should have a sizable series of modem anuran species available for comparison with fossil remains. It is important not to rely on identification of fossil frogs and toads on the basis of written descriptions or figures in books. Chapter 2 comprises the major portion of this volume, and covers the system¬ atic accounts (p. 38-186). Each genus discussed is represented by the genotype, ety¬ mology, and diagnosis, followed by species accounts for the known forms. Detailed information on the holotype, locality and horizon, diagnosis, and description cover each species, along with figures, or photographs taken from previous publications illustrate each species. Forty-eight excellent color plates of existing living species are centrally located in the text. The author provides for fossil taxa still living, mod¬ em characteristics, ecology, along with descriptions and geographical distribution for each, followed by general remarks on its fossil history. The author questions Nezpervius assignment as an anuran, unless it had a dif¬ ferent type of locomotion than any other anuran species. The third part of the book presents an epoch-by-epoch discussion of Meso¬ zoic, Tertiary, and Pleistocene anurans, with comments on the phylogeny and rela¬ tionship of fossil and present day species. The only errors I noted were p., 3, “the femur is very long, and long: and p. 29 in which Shudan and Jenkins 1995, should be (1995). A total of 295 references are cited on fossil anurans, and related subjects, of which 75 are from the authors own pen; this gives an excellent indication of his page 84 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 News and Notes knowledge of this subject. This actually is the first reference book strictly related to fossil anurans of North America, and is most needed volume for those interested in fossil anurans, or anyone interested in biogeography, or zoogeographical studies. It will stand as a landmark for years to come. Harlan D. Walley » Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb , Illinois 60115. Received: 26 January 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 85 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 News and Notes Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 410-580-0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows. Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts. OUR CURRENT NEEDS: • Outdoor Shed • Power & Hand Tools • Bleach • Paper Towels • Copy Paper • Piece of Property with a Building www.reptileinfo.com page 86 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 2 News and Notes June 2004 Volume 40 Number 2 June 2004 News and Notes page 88 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologscal Society Society Publication Back issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $. 25/page. 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A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League 30 SEPTEMBER 2004 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 3 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 CONTENTS Note on Reproduction of the Yellowbelly Sea Snake, Pelanis platurus (Serpentes: Elapidae) from Costa Rica Stephen R. Goldberg . . . . . . . 91 A den site utilized by the Northern Red-bellied Snake, Storeia occipitomaculata occipitomaclata, in Pennsylvania Brian S. Gray and Mark Lethaby . . . . . . . 94 Effects of Seasonal Acclimation on Food Consumption and Prey Selection in the Skink Mabuya brevicollis TalalA. Zari . . . . . . . . . . . 97 A New Species of Atr actus (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Northeastern Venezuela Allan L. Markezich and Cesar L. Barrio- Amoros . Ill Observations On Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum Complex, Family Ambystomatidae) In Mexico With Description Of A New Species Robert G. Webb . . . . . 1 22 A Review of the Taxonomic Status of the Members of the Sonora michoacanensis Group (Serpentes: Colubridae) Paulino Ponce-Campos, Hobart M. Smith, Herbert S. Harris, Jr., and David Chiszar . 144 Book review: The Amphibians of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Harlan D. Walley . . . . . . . . . 152 Book review: Snakes of Zambia Harlan D. Walley . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 BULLETIN OF THE mbt)6 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society” newsletter and on the website, www.naturalhistory.org. Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Note on Reproduction of the Yellowbelly Sea Snake, Pelamis platurus (Serpentes: Elapidae) from Costa Rica The yellowbelly sea snake, Pelamis platurus is the most widely distributed sea snake and is mainly restricted to tropical and subtropical warm oceans; it occurs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans to the western coasts of the Americas (Ernst and Ernst, 2003). Information on their reproduction from most areas is anecdotal. Nor¬ mally brood size is 1-8 (Visser, 1967). Kropach (1975) found newborn P. platurus every month in the Gulf of Panama suggesting breeding may occur throughout the year. To my knowledge, there are no reports of P platurus litter sizes from Costa Rica. The purpose of this note is to report litter sizes from P platurus from Costa Rica. Seasonal information on reproductive activity of P platurus adds to our under¬ standing of the reproductive cycle which has yet to be described. Fourteen P platurus (ten females, mean snout- vent length, SVL = 601 mm± 36 SD, range = 543-645 mm; four males, SVL=557 mm ± 38 SD, range = =522-610 mm) from the west coast of Costa Rica were examined from the herpetology collec¬ tion of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, LACM, Los Angeles, California. Specimens were collected 9 February 1935 (LACM 3158, 3160-3162); 27 July 1953 (LACM 20242); 13 July 1961 (154592); 29 February 1973 (154593); 1 May 1975 (LACM 116318, 116319, 116321-116325). The left ovary or testis was removed for histological examination. Tissues were embedded in paraffin and histo¬ logical sections were cut at 5 microns. Sections were mounted on glass slides and were stained with Harris’ hematoxylin followed by eosin counterstain. Testis slides were evaluated to determine the stage of the testicular cycle; ovary slides were exam¬ ined for yolk deposition = secondary yolk deposition {sensu Aldridge, 1979). Ovi- ductal eggs or embryos were counted; no histology was done on them. An unpaired t- test was done to compare male and female body sizes. There was no significant difference between male and female P. platurus body sizes (£=1.7, df= 12, P=0.12). Two females from February and one from May had inactive ovaries with no yolk deposition in progress. One female from July was un¬ dergoing early vitellogenesis, LACM 20242, SVL=645 mm. One female from Feb¬ ruary, LACM 1 54593, SVL=53 1 mm contained 3 oviductal eggs. Three females from May contained oviductal eggs; LACM 116321, SVL=633 mm, 4 oviductal eggs. One female from May contained two well-developed embryos. LACM 116318, SVL=583. One female from July contained four embryos: LACM 154592, SVL=614 mm. Mean litter size for six females was 3.7 ± 1.0 SD, range: 2-5. This is within the range of 1-8 litter sizes for P platurus from Visser (1967). These data show that Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 91 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 females > 531 mm SVL from Costa Rica are of adult size. Testicular histology was similar to that of the elapid Micruroides euryxanthus as studied by Goldberg (1997). Only two stages of the testis cycle were present: recrudescence (renewal of the cycle characterized by a proliferation of germinal cells; spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes predominate); spermiogenesis (sperm for¬ mation, lumina of seminiferous tubules are lined by mature spermatozoa; rows of metamorphosing spermatids are present). Two males from February had testes in the recrudescence stage. Two males from May were undergoing spermiogenesis (LACM 116319, SVL=553 mm; LACM 116325, SVL=522 mm). These data show that males > 522 SVL from Costa Rica are of adult size. In conclusion, the above data shows that P platurus females from Costa Rica contain oviductal eggs or embryos in February and May and males contain sperm in May. Examination of additional monthly samples will be required before the P. platurus reproductive cycle is known from Costa Rica. Literature Cited Aldridge, R.D. 1979. Female reproductive cycles of the snakes Arizona elegans and Crotalus virdis. Herpetologica 35:256-261. Ernst, C.H. and E. M. Ernst. 2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Books, Washington, ix+668 pp. Goldberg, S.R. 1 997. Reproduction in the western coral snake, Micruroides euryxanthus (Elapidae), from Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Great Basin Natu¬ ralist 57:363-365. Kropach, C. 1975. The yellow-bellied sea snake, Pelamis, in the eastern Pacific. In: The Biology of sea snakes, pp. 185-213. (Dunson, W.A., ed.) University Park Press, Baltimore, Maryland. Visser, J. 1967. Color varieties, brood size, and food of South African Pelamis platurus (Ophidia: Hydrophilidae). Copeia 1967:219. page 92 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Stephen R. Goldberg Whittier College , Department of Biology, Whittier, California 90608. Received: 20 February 2004 Accepted 1 8 March 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 93 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 A den site utilized by the Northern Red-bellied Snake, Storeia occipitomaculata occipitomaclata, in Pennsylvania Information regarding the hibernation site of Northern Red-bellied Snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) in Pennsylvania is scarce (Hulse et al., 2001). Lachner (1942) reported on a hibemaculum located about 76.2 cm below the surface of a gravel bank in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. This site contained sixteen snakes, two of which were S. o. occipitomaculata , and four salamanders. In other parts of the species range, ant nests, rock crevices, mammal burrows, and man-made structures are used as hibernation sites (Harding, 1997; Ernst and Ernst, 2003). Herein we report the discovery of an aggregation of snakes, including a S. o. occipitomaculata at the entrance of a hibemaculum. Figure 1. A jevenile Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeia occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) among Smooth Green snakes (Opheodrys vernalis) found at a hi¬ bernation site beneath corrugated metal sheeting. A young Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) was also found at the site. page 94 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 On 15 April 2002, between 1700-1730 h, at a site near West Springfield, Erie County, Pennsylvania, a juvenile Northern Red-bellied Snake (S. o. occipitomaculata), a juvenile Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon), and eleven juvenile and adult Smooth Green snakes (Opheodrys vernalis) were found beneath a piece of cor¬ rugated metal sheeting (fig. 1). The metal sheet was ca. 60x100 cm. Numerous en¬ trance ways leading to an underground hibemaculum were present in the sandy soil beneath the sheeting. Most of these openings were constructed by ants, however, a mammal burrow was also present. The den site is located in an ecotonal area between an old field and deciduous woods. Environmental conditions at the time of the obser¬ vation were mostly cloudy, with an air temperature of 26°C. It had rained the previ¬ ous day. The corrugated metal sheeting may allow snakes emerging from the hiber- naculum to thermoregulate under the solar-heated sheeting, thus allowing them to avoid predation by some predators, such as birds. However, on a prior occasion (1 April 2001), two partially consumed juvenile Eastern Garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis ) were discovered beneath the metal sheeting within the entrance of a mammal burrow (probably a shrew). Therefore, predation by small mammals within and at the entrances of a hibemaculum may not be reduced. Storeria o. occipitomaculata has previously been reported to den with conspe- cifics, as well as Diadophis punctatus edwardsii, Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum, O. vernalis, S. Dekayi dekayi, T. sauritus, and T. s. sirtalis (Schmidt and Davis, 1941 ; Lachner, 942, Wright and Wright, 1957). As far as we are aware, this is the first report of Pennsylvania S. o. occipitomaculata and N.s. sipedon utilizing the same den site. Acknowledgments We wish to offer our thanks to Hobart Smith for reviewing the manuscript. Literature Cited Ernst, C.H. and E.M. Ernst. 2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Books. Harding, J.H. 1 997. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 95 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Hulse, A.C., C.J. McCoy, E.J. Censky. 2001. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Lachner, E.A. 1942. An aggregation of snakes and salamanders during hibernation. Copeia 1942:262-263. Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. 1941. A field book of snakes of the United States and Canada. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. Wright, A.H. and A. A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of snakes of the United States and Canada. 2 vols. Ithaca. Comstock Publishing Co. Brian S. Gray and Mark Lethaby BSG: 1217 Clifton Drive , Erie , Pennsylvania. 16505-5215, ML: 535 East 29th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania, 16504-1113. Received: 2 February 2004 Accepted: 16 February 2004. page 96 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Effects of Seasonal Acclimation on Food Consumption and Prey Selection in the Skink Mabuya brevicollis Tolal A. Zari Abstract Food consumption and prey selection in the skink Mabuya bevicollis of dif¬ ferent sizes were measured during four seasonal acclimations. Total food consump¬ tion rates were influenced by body mass and season. The intraspecific exponents of body mass in relation to total food consumption of M. bevicollis (mean b=0.39) did not differ significantly between seasons. Summer and spring-acclimated M. bevicollis had significantly higher total food consumption rates than winter-acclimated lizards. Mean cricket consumption rates were also affected by body mass and season, while mean mealworm consumption rates were affected by body mass. There were also significant effects of season x size interactions on total food consumption, cricket food consumption, and mealworm consumption. The proportion of crickets in the diet decreased during winter. Ontogenetic changes in prey selection were observed. Small lizards consumed significantly more crickets than mealworms during the four seasons. However, old large lizards consumed significantly more mealworms than crickets during the four seasons. Introduction. The food consumption of lizards is most commonly determined by indirect methods (Harris, 1964; Johnson, 1966; Avery, 1971, 1978: Pilorge, 1982). However, the food consumption of captive lizards has been measured directly by several work¬ ers (e.g. Dutton et al, 1975; Andrews, 1979; Avery, 1971, 1984; McClelland, 1985; Waldschmidt et al, 1986; Zari, 1998). Moreover, energy consumption has been de¬ termined suing double-labelled water, a technique developed primarily for the mea¬ surement of field metabolic rates (Anderson and Karasov, 1981). Ontogenetic shifts in prey preferences have been reported for many reptile species (Paniagua, 1976; Saint-girons, 1980; Godley, 1980; Mushinsky et al, 1982; Hailey, 1984). Moreover, many studies have investigated the modes of foraging in reptiles (Pianka, 1966, 1986; Schoener, 1971; Robinson, 1978; Huey and Pianka, 1981; Bowker, 1984; Hailey, 1984). Key Words: Seasonal acclimation, food consumption, prey slection, skink, Mabuya brevicollis , body mass. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 97 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Seasonal effects on physiological aspects in many lizards have not been well researched (e.g. Zari, 1997, 1999). Mabuya bevicollis occurs in Saudi Arabia, North Yemen, South Yemen, Dhofar and northeastern Africa (Arnold, 1986). There are no other published studies on the effects of seasonal acclimation on food consumption and prey selection of this species. Therefore, food consumption and prey selection (crickets and mealworms) in Mabuya bevicollis of different sizes acclimated to four different seasonal phototherm al acclimation regimes have been investigated. Materials and Methods Animals M. bevicollis were collected from southwestern Saudi Arabia. The lizards were maintained in plastic or glass aquaria ranging in size from 30 x 20 x 20 cm to 1 1 8 x 42 x 42 cm, located in a constant temperature room. Food (crickets and meal¬ worms) and water were always available. The lizards were acclimated to four differ¬ ent seasonal night-time temperatures. They were allowed to raise their body tempera¬ tures by behavioral thermoregulation during the light period. Spring-acclimated liz¬ ards were studied from March to May; summer-acclimated lizards from June to Au¬ gust; autumn-acclimated lizards from September to November and winter-acclimated lizards from December to February. For each seasonal acclimation regime, the heat lamps were turned on in the room every day for a period corresponding to the mean photoperiod of that season and the temperature of the room was set at the mean night¬ time temperature for that season. It was assumed that the appropriate mean night¬ time temperature for each season was the mean of the daily minimum temperature for the three months which form that season. Lizards were acclimated to these seasonal regimes for at least three weeks before any experiments were conducted. Photoperi- odic and night-time temperature data for the four seasons are given in Table 1. Table 1 . Seasonal photothermal acclimation regimes used in the present work. Season Spring Summer Autumn Winter Night-time temperature (°C) 24±1 28±1 25±1 21±1 Photoperiod (Light: Dark) (h) 12.30:11:30 13.00:11.00 11.45:12.15 11.15:12.45 page 98 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Food consumption rate Lizards of different body sizes were kept individually in plastic aquaria mea¬ suring 43 x 23 x 26 cm, fitted with wooden lids and with 40-watt light bulbs attached to the underside of the lids to provide a photothermal gradient. These bulbs were on for 1 1. 15 to 1 3 hours daily, and air temperatures in the laboratory ranged between 20- 29°C (night-time) depending on the season under the study (Table 1). The lizards were allowed to settle down in these aquaria with food and water for two days before the experiment. They were provided daily with weighed quantities of crickets and mealworms. At the end of each day, any food uneaten was removed and reweighed. Crickets and mealworms were weighed to the nearest 0. 1 mg. Food consumed daily was measured by weight difference. Small lizards (1.8-7 g) were fed on small crick¬ ets and small mealworms. Medium-sized (9.4-39.8 g), young large lizards (55.4-98.3 g) and old large lizards (106.1-134.2 g) were fed on a mixture of crickets and meal¬ worms of different sizes. Each experiment lasted for a period of 14 days. Each lizard was weighed at the start and at the end of the experiment. Lizards were acclimated to their seasonal acclimation temperatures and photoperiods for three weeks before any measurements were made. The total food consumption rate (TFC) is the sum of cricket consumption (CFC) and mealworm consumption (MFC) during the experimental period, expressed as mg dry mass per day. Therefore, samples of fresh crickets and mealworms of differ¬ ent sizes were taken at different times for the measurement of dry mass. They were dried at 70°C in an oven to constant weights. Statistical analysis Regression analyses of log-transformed food consumption rates and log body mass data were carried out by the method of least squares. For the analysis of cova¬ riance (ANCOVA), results were first tested for a significant difference between slopes. If none existed, the regressions were recalculated using a common slope, and the difference between intercepts (elevations) was tested for significance. Comparisons between experimental groups were made using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05 (Sokal and Rohlf, 1981). Results. The relationships between log total food consumption rate and log body mass of various body masses were investigated during the four seasons (Table 2). The Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society page 99 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 relationship between total food consumption (mg dry mass/day) and body mass (g) was described by the equation: Log TFC = log a + b log M or the allometric form TFC = aMb where TFC is the rate of total food consumption, log a is the intercept, b is the regression slope (or mass exponent), and M is the body mass. Table 2 shows the values of log a, b along with correlation coefficients r and p values. There are positive relationships between the log-transformed total food consumption rate and body mass during all four seasons. The regression lines of all these relationships fit the data well. The intraspecific exponents of body mass in relation to food con¬ sumption (mean b = 0.39) did not differ significantly between seasons (p > 0.05 by ANCOVA). Summer and spring-acclimated M. brevicollis have significantly higher total food consumption rates than winter-acclimated lizards (P < 0.05 by ANCOVA). The rates of total food consumption, cricket consumption, and mealworm consumption for each season are given in Table 3 and Fig. 1 . Two-way ANOVA demonstrated significant effects of season (p < 0.001) and size (p < 0.001) and their interaction season x size (p< 0.001) interaction on total food consumption. Summer-acclimated young large lizards have a significantly higher mean total food consumption rate than autumn (P< 0.01 by t-test) and winter-acclimated young large lizards (P < 0.001 by t-test). The mean total food consumption rates of spring- acclimated young large M. brevicollis are higher than those of winter-acclimated lizards (P < 0.02 by t-test). Spring-acclimated old large lizards have a higher mean total food consumption rate than autumn-acclimated lizards (P < 0.05 by t-test). Two-way ANOVA demonstrated significant effects of season (p < 0.001) and size (p < 0.001) on cricket food consumption. There was also season x size (p < 0.001) interaction. Significant seasonal effects were observed for young large M. brevicollis on mean cricket consumption (P < 0.05 by t-test). Two-way ANOVA demonstrated significant effects of size (p < 0.001) on mealworm food consump¬ tion. There was also season x size (p <0.01) interaction. Seasonally acclimated small M. brevicollis consume significantly more crickets than mealworms in all seasons (P < 0.05 by t-test). Summer-acclimated medium-sized lizards consume significantly more crickets than mealworms (P < page 100 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 0.01 by t-test). Seasonally acclimated young large M. brevicollis consume signifi¬ cantly more crickets than mealworms during summer (P < 0.001 by t-test), while they consume significantly more mealworms during autumn and winter acclima¬ tion (P < 0.05 by t-test). Seasonally acclimated old large M. brevicollis consume significantly more mealworms than crickets during the four seasonal acclimation regimes (P < 0.05 by t-test). Discussion. The present intraspecific exponents of body mass in relation to total food consumption of M. brevicollis range from 0.35 to 0.48. These slopes did not differ significantly between seasons. However, they are lower than those reported for many other lizard species (e.g. Avery, 1971, 1978; Turner et al., 1976; Nagy, 1987; Zari, 1998). Summer and spring-acclimated M. brevicollis have significantly higher total food consumption rates than winter- acclimated lizards. Summer-acclimated young large lizards have a higher mean total food consumption rate than autumn and winter-acclimated M. brevicollis. The mean total food consumption rate of spring-acclimated young large M. brevicollis is higher than that of winter-acclimated lizards. Since the mean total food consump¬ tion rate varies mainly in adult M. brevicollis , it is suggested that reproductive and sexual activities during spring and summer combined with the effects of tempera¬ ture may cause these differences. The mean selected body temperature of M. brevicollis was the highest during the summer (35.1° C) and the lowest during winter (34.5°C) (Zari, 1987). Nagy (1983) reported that there is probably a parallel relationship between changes in temperature and in lizard energetics. Much variation may exist among different species of lizard in their dependence upon food resources during winter. Lizards at high latitudes or altitudes may not be able to feed during winter as a result of temperature limitations on their activity or the activity of their prey, or as a result of snow cover. Avery (1971, 1978) reported that the food consumption rates of Lacerta vivipara, Podarcis muralis and P. sicula are dependent upon the weather, particularly upon the amounts of solar radiation. The mean cricket consumption rates of both summer and spring-acclimated young large M. brevicollis are higher than those of autumn and winter-acclimated lizards. Summer-acclimated young large lizards also have higher mean cricket food consumption rates than spring-acclimated lizards. Avery et al (1982) found that the basking time of Lacerta vivipara increases, while foraging time and contact with and capture of prey decreases, at low levels of simulated solar radiation. Thus prey selection may be consequence of thermoregulatory status. When L. vivipara are not able to thermoregulate, the proportion of crickets in the diet decreases. This Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 101 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 reduction of fast-moving prey in the diet at low temperatures could have been an important selective force resulting in the evolution of reptilian thermoregulatory behavior. Small M. brevicollis consume significantly more crickets than mealworms during the four seasons. However, old large lizards consume significantly more mealworms than crickets during the four seasons. Crickets and mealworms differ as food items (e.g. in water content, ash content, organic matter content, energy content and mobility). Any one of these could be responsible for the apparent prey preferences. This ontogenetic change in diet may be due to the greater foraging efficiency of the older and more experienced lizards. Ontogenetic changes of diet are known in several reptile species (e.g. Paniagua, 1976; Saint-Girons, 1980; Mushinsky et al ., 1982). Haily (1984) observed that the prey types change with growth in the snake Natrix maura. Juvenile N. maura feed mostly on earthworms and tadpoles, while adults snakes feed mostly on fish and some frogs. Godley (1980) reported that the snake, Regina alleni , has dramatic seasonal and ontoge¬ netic shifts in food habits. Juveniles consume more but smaller prey than adults; they feed on odonate naiads that are higher in protein but lower in ash content than the decapods which are consumed by the adults. Therefore, juveniles have gener¬ ally a higher energetic intake per gram body mass than adults. M. brevicollis appear to forage actively in Dhofar (Arnold, 1980), in Kenya (Bowker, 1984) and in Saudi Arabia (Zari, 1987). This behavior supports the observation that most skinks forage widely (Pianka, 1986). In the laboratory, adult M. brevicollis prefer small and medium-sized crickets and mealworms. They seldom eat Tenebrio beetles or large crickets. They eat pieces of meat and fruit when insects are not provided. In the study area, a rich supply of invertebrates is evident at ground level. The diet of wild M. brevicollis mainly consists of crickets, insect larvae, spiders and grasshoppers (Zari, 1987). Avery (1966) found that Lacerta vivipara favors soft-bodied prey, although it sometimes eats woodlice and beetles. Food selection could be a beneficial adaptation in a species in which food intake is usually limited more by the ability to digest food than to acquire it, as may be the case in L. vivipara (Avery, 1971). All animals display food preferences and their food selection may be in response to available quantity or to quality (Prosser and Devillez, 1991). Bennett and Dawson (1976) reported that the energetic demands of smaller animals could be met with a diet of insects. However, the higher total caloric demands of larger animals is met by switching to more abundant plants, which do not require as much energy to harvest. page 1 02 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Table 2. Statiscial parameters of the regression relationships between total food con¬ sumption (mg dry mass day '*) and body mass (g) in seasonally acclimated M. brevicollis. No represents the number of experiments. Season N r log a b P Spring 23 0.88 1.76 0.48 <0.0001 Summer 27 0.61 1.94 0.36 <0.01 Autumn 25 0.61 1.88 0.35 <0.01 Winter 29 0.69 1.76 0.39 <0.001 Table 3. Mean total food consumption (TFC), cricket consumption (CFC) and meal¬ worm comsumption (MFC) (mg dry mass/ day ± S.E.) for M. brevicollis of different size classes under the four seasonal acclimation regimes. Season N M(g) X±S.E. TFC X±S.E. CFC X±S.E. MFC X±S.E. A- Spring 6 2.04 ±0.13 71.38 ±8.11 54.59 ±6.17 (76.48%) 16.79 ±3.18 (23.52%) 4 23.05 ±5.39 374.37 ±26.55 211.87 ±17.17 (56.59%) 162.50 ±20.54 (43.41%) 7 77.52 ±6.46 543.82 ±78.06 271.28 ±36.56 (49.88%) 272.54 ±55.23 (50.12%) 3 122.57 ±8.49 378.37 ±16.61 85.93 ±47.51 (22.71%) 292.43 ±38.69 (77.29%) B- Summer 4 2.79 ±0.56 92.12 ±15.88 80.07 ±16.16 (86.92%) 12.05 ±4.31 (13.08%) 6 21.04 ±2.52 393.19 ±35.45 280.27 ±43.42 (71.28%) 112.92 ±22.96 (28.72%) Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 103 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Table 3. continued Season N M(g) X+S.E. TFC X±S.E. CFC X±S.E. MFC X±S.E. 9 84.48 ±4.05 640.26 ±48.01 431.39 ±47.91 (67.38%) 208.88 ±27.27 (32.62%) 8 118.97 ±1.91 355.20 ±81.01 89.16 ±42.83 (25.10%) 266.04 ±64.12 (74.9%) C- Autumn 6 3.20 ±0.49 83.16 ±16.53 66.89 ±15.44 (80.44%) 16.27 ±8.53 (19.56%) 6 14.42 ±1.73 456.66 ±68.36 (44.05%) 201.17 ±44.88 (55.95%) 255.49 ±69.09 9 81.79 ±1.524 402.29 ±55.30 126.06 ±32.52 (31.33%) 276.23 ±51.30 (68.67%) 4 121.25 ±6.50 225.23 ±39.19 46.06 ±7.34 (20.23%) 179.17 ±38.72 (78.67%) D Winter 7 4.37 ±0.59 74.71 ±12.88 53.38 ±5.90 (71.45%) 21.33 ±9.39 (28.55%) 9 27.92 ±3.09 371.42 ±47.76 175.53 ±29.62 (47.26%) 195.89 ±40.75 (52.74%) 8 85.26 ±2.86 304.25 ±37.25 88.89 ±36.29 (29.21%) 215.24 ±41.87 (70.79%) 3 124.83 ±5.37 227.66 ±61.55 26.80 ±26.80 (11.77%) 200.87 ±55.82 (88.23%) page 104 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Mean food intake (mg dry mass/day) Mean food intake (mg dry mass/day) Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Fig. 1 Seasonal effects (A-D) on mean food intake (mg dray mass/day) for M brevicollis of different size classes (1= small lizards; 2 = medium-sized lizards; 3 -young large lizareds; 4 = old large lizards). A- Spring 800 600 1 j Size B- Summer 800 1 Size S!j MEALWORM M CRICKET Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 105 Mean food intake (mg dry mass/day) Mean food intake (mg dry mass/day) Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 D- Winter 800- 600 j 400 J 200: | Ox MEALWORM CRICKET Size page 106 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Literature Cited Anderson, R.A. and Karasov, W.H. 1981. Contrasts in energy intake and expenditure in sit-and-wait and Andrews, R.W. 1979 widely foraging in lizards. Oecologia (Berl) 49:67-72. Reproductive effort of female Anolis limifrons (Sauria: Iguanidae). Copeia 1979: 620-626. Arnold, E.N. 1980. The scientific results of the Oman flora and fauna survey 1977 (Dhofar). The reptiles and amphibians of Dhofar, Southern Arabia. J. Oman. Stud. Spec. Rep. No. 2:273-332. 1986. A key and annotated check list to the lizards and amphibians of Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 8:385-435. Avery, R.A. 1966. Food and feeding habits of the common lizard Lacerta vivipara in the west of England. J. Zool. Lond. 149: 115-121. 1971. Estimates of food consumption in the lizard Lacerta vivipara Jacquin. Journal of Animal Ecology 40:351-366. 1978. Activity patterns, thermoregulation and food consumption in two sympatric lizard species from central Italy. Journal of Animal Ecology 47: 143-158. 1984. Physiological aspects of lizard growth: the role of thermoregula¬ tion. Symp. Zool. Soc. Lond. 52: 407-424. Bedford, J.D. and Newcombe, C.R 1982. The role of thermoregulation in lizard biology: predatory effi¬ ciency in a temperate diurnal basker. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 1 1 : 251-267. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 107 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Bennett, A.F. and Dawson, W.R. 1976. Metabolism. In Biology of the Reptilia. (C. Gans and W.R. Dawson, eds). Academic Press, London, 5(3): 127-223. Bowker, R.G. 1984. Precision of thermoregulation of some African lizards. Physiol. Zool. 57: 401-412. Godley, J.S. 1980. Foraging ecology of the striped swamp snake, Regina alleni in southern Florida. Ecol. Monog. 50: 411-436. Hilay, A. 1984. Thermal ecology of the Natricine snake, Natrix maura. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Nottingham. Harris, V.A. 1964. The Life of the Rainbow Lizard. Hutchinson Tropical Monographs, Hutchinson & Co. Ltd., London. Huey, R.B. and Pianka, E.R. 1981 . Ecological consequences of foraging mode. Ecology 62: 991-999. Johnson, D.R. 1 966. Diet and estimated energy assimilation of three Colorado lizards. Am . Midi. Nat. 76:504-509. McClelland, M.H. 1985. The thermal physiology and energetics of European lacertid liz¬ ards. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Nottingham. Mushinsky, H.R., Herbrard, J.J. and Vodopich, D.S. 1982. Ontogeny of water snake foraging ecology. Ecology 63: 1624- Nagy, K.A. 1983. 1629. Ecological energetics of a lizard. In Lizard Ecology Studies on a Model Organism. Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge. (R. Huey, T. Schoener and E. Pianka, Eds.). 1987. Field metabolic rate and food requirement scaling in mammals and birds. Ecological Monographs 57: 111-128. page 108 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Paniagua, C.D. 1976. Alimentacion de la culebra bastarda (Malpolon monspessulanus): Phidia Colubridae, en el S. 0. de Espana. Donana, Acta Verte- brataB, 113-127. Pianka, E.R. 1966. Convexity, desert lizards and spatial heterogeneity. Ecology 47: 1055-1059. 1986. Ecology and natural history of desert lizards. Princeton Univer¬ sity Press. Pilorge, T. 1982. Ration alimentair et bilan enrgetique individuel dans une popula¬ tion de montague de lacerta vivipara. Can. J . Zool. 60: 1945- 1950. Prosser, C.L. and DeVillez, E.J. 1991. Feeding and digestion. In: Prosser, C.L. (Ed), Environmental and Metabolic Animal Physiology , pp. 205-229. Wiley-Liss, Inc., New York. Saint Girons, H. 1980. Thermoregulation in reptiles with special reference to the tuatara and its ecophysiology. Tuatara 24: 59-80. Schoener, T.W. 1971. Theory of feeding strategies. Ann. Rev. Ecol. and Syst. 2: 369- 404. Sokal, R.R. and Rohlf, F.J. 1981. Biometry: the Principles and Practice of Statistics in Biological Research , 2nd ed. W. H. Freeman, San Francisco. 859 pp. Turner, F.B., Medica, P.A. and Kowalewsky, B.W. 1976. Energy utilization by a desert lizard (Uta stansburiana) . US-IBP Desert Biome Monograph No. 1. Logan: Utah State University Press. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 09 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Waldschmidt, S.R., Jones, S.M. and Porter, W. R 1986. The effect of body temperature and feeding regime on activity, passage time, and digestive coefficient in the lizard Uta stansburiana. Physiol. Zool. 59: 376-383. Zari, T.A. 1987. The energetics and thermal physiology of the Wiegmann’s skink, Mabuya brevicollis. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Nottingham. 1 997. Effects of body mass, temperature, and season on resting metabo¬ lism of the nocturnal gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis. Zool. Middle East 14 77-85. 1 998. Effects of sexual condition on food consumption and temperature selection in the herbivorous desert lizard, Uromastyx philbyi. J. Arid Environ. 38: 371-377. 1999. Seasonal acclimatization in metabolic rate of the fan-fingered gecko Ptyodactylus hasselquistii (Reptilia: Gekkonidae). J. Therm. Biol. 24: 137-142. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciene, King Abdul Aziz University, P. O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Sauti Arabia Received: 23 January 2004 Accepted: 16 February 2004 page 110 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 A New Species of Atractus (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Northeastern Venezuela Allan L. Markezich and Cesar L. Barrio-Amoros Abstract Atractus matthewi (Serpentes: Colubridae) is described from elevations of 1660-2130 m in the Mt. Turimiquire region of northeastern Venezuela. The new spe¬ cies is diagnosed by the following set of characters: IVdorsal scale rows, 7 supralabials and infralabials, 9 maxillary teeth, 160-168 ventrals, 23-28 caudals, dorsal body color pattern of medium brown ground color without bands, spots, or other distinct pat¬ terns, ventral body pattern with dark and light transverse bands on each ventral scale, medium size (about 365 mm), and a short tail. Past misidentifications and confusion with the poorly known species Atractus fuliginosus and A . lasallei have masked the existence of Atractus matthewi , which is the twenty-first Atractus species currently known from Venezuela. Resumen Se describe la culebra Atractus matthewi (Serpentes: Colubridae) de elevaciones entre 1660-2130 m en Monte Turimiquire, al noeste de Venezuela. La nueva especie se distingue por los siguientes caracteres: 17 dorsales, 7 supralabiales e infralabiales, 9 dientes maxilares, 160-168 ventrales, 23-28 caudales, color dorsal matron sin bandas, manchas u otro diseno caracteristico; diseno ventral con bandas transversales oscuras y claras en cada escama ventral; tamano mediano (sobre los 365 mm); y cola corta. Identificaciones errdneas y confusiones con las poco conocidas especies A. fuliginosus y A. lasallei han ocultado laexistencia de A. matthewi en el pasado. A . matthewi es la Atractus especie 21 conocida de Venezuela. Introduction Many of the small, neotropical colubrid snakes in the genus Atractus are poorly known and usually quite perplexing to work with on a systematic basis as Hoogmoed (1980) aptly pointed out. In their widely-used catalogue, for example, Peters and Orejas-Miranda (1970) presented an identification matrix containing many unknown character values for approximately 70 known species at that time, attesting to the poor state of Atractus systematics. This situation has improved but little over the past 35 years. While the genus is widespread in the neotropics, only two regional Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 1 1 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 revisionary works provide comprehensive systematic information about Atractus species (Savage, 1960; Hoogmoed, 1980) in the northern neotropics and are the most comprehensive for the genus to date. In earlier works Roze (1961, 1966) provided valuable knowledge of Atractus species in Venezuela but aside from several recent descriptions of new species (e.g. Barros, 2000; Schargel and Garcia-Perez, 2002) and geographic distribution notes (e.g. Markezich, 2002) a recent comprehensive revi¬ sion of this genus in Venezuela is lacking. During our investigations into the varia¬ tion and diversity of this genus in Venezuela, currently from which 20 Atractus spe¬ cies are known, a new species from northeastern Venezuela was discovered and is described here. Methods Scale counts and length measurements were taken in conventional ways. Sex was determined by noting the presence of an everted hemipenis or by ventral incision of the tail. Maxillary tooth counts included empty sockets and were taken on the right side. All specimens of A. matthewi had complete tails. In addition to the holotype and paratypes of A. matthewi , a list of compara¬ tive specimens examined is given in Appendix 1 ; other data for species comparisons were from literature descriptions. Museum abbreviations are: AMNH, American Museum of Natural History, New York; ANSP, Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila¬ delphia; BMNH, British Museum of Natural History, London; CM, Carnegie Mu¬ seum of Natural History, Pittsburgh; EBRG, Estacion Biologica Rancho Grande, Maracay, Venezuela; FMNH, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago; MCNG, Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional Experimental de los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, Guanare, Venezuela; MCZ, Museum of Compara¬ tive Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; USNM, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. Atractus matthewi sp. nov. Holotype : AMNH 29316, adult male, Venezuela, Estado Sucre, Carapas, collected by G. H. H. Tate, date unknown. While specific coordinates were not cited in the AMNH catalogue, Carapas is 10° 07’ 56”N, 63° 53’ 00”W (MARNR, 1978). Paratypes : All are from Estado Sucre or Estado Anzoategui in Venezuela. EBRG 3952 (adult male), Anzoategui, Cerro La Laguna, sector Las Antenas, Macizo del Turimiquire, 1860-2130 msnm, D.S. Hernandez, Jul. 1999; EBRG 3953 (juve¬ nile), Anzoategui, Cerro La Laguna, Carretera La Piedra, Sector Las Antenas, Macizo page 112 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Figure 1. Atractus matthewi sp. nov. A. Holotype, AMNH 29316, adult male, Carapas, Estado Sucre, Venezuela; B. Paratype, FMNH 17832, juvenile fe¬ male, Estado Sucre, Mt. Turimiquire. Ontogenetic variation in color pattern is evi¬ dent. C D Figure 2. Scalation and ventral color pattern of the holotype of Atractus matthewi sp. nov. A. dorsal; B. lateral; C. ventral cephalic views; D. ventral color pattern at midbody. AMNH 29316, male, Carapas, Estado Sucre, Venezuela. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 1 3 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 del Turimiquire, 1860 msnm, D.S. Hernandez, 24 Sept. 1999; EBRG 3954 (adult female), Anzoategui, Cerro La Laguna, sector Las Antenas, Macizo del Turimiquire, 2130 msnm, D.S. Hernandez, 27 Sept. 1999; EBRG 3793 (juvenile), Sucre, Serrania de Turimiquire, cerca de la Piedra, 10° 00' 20" N - 64° 27' 50" W, 1660 msnm, R.A. Rivero, 21 Jul. 2000. FMNH 17832, juvenile female, Sucre, from Mt. Turimiquire, 6000’, E. R. Blake, 22 Feb. 1932. Diagnosis'. A short-tailed species of Atractus diagnosable from the other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: (1.) 17-17-17 dorsal scale rows; (2.) loreal 2.5 times longer than high; (3.) intemasals small; (4.) 7 supralabials and 7 infralabials, rarely 6 of each; (5.) 9 maxillary teeth, rarely 8; (6.) ventrals 160-168, caudals 23-28; (7.) dorsal body color pattern of medium brown ground color with small apical dark spots on each scale on lateral sides except on scales in DSR 1 and 2, which have light ventral coloration and variable dark scale edging; (8.) ventral body pattern with dark and light transverse bands on ventral scales; (9.) color pattern of dorsal tail surface with light and dark mottling; (10.) medium size, approximately 365 mm total length; (11.) tail/total length, 9-11%; and (12.) hemipenis bilobed and differentiated. Atractus matthewi differs from other Venezuelan Atractus species in the following ways. Its 17 dorsal scale rows distinguish it from A. elaps, erythromelas , insipidus, taphorni , trilineatus , ventrimaculatus, and vittatus, which all have 1 5 DSR. It differs from the other 13 Venezuelan species with 17 DSR generally in its dorsal and ventral color pattern as well as in other characters. It differs from A. univittatus in lacking a dark middorsal stripe and having more maxillary teeth (5-6 in univittatus ); from torquatus in a lower supralabial, caudal, maxillary tooth number, and tail length (8 SL, 28-52 C, 8 maxillary teeth, in torquatus ; . 14-. 16 tail/total length ratio in torquatus males); from emigdioi in lacking a distinct, striped dorsal pattern and in a higher caudal number (18-24 in emigdioi)’, from mariselae in lower labial and caudal num¬ bers and a higher number of maxillary teeth (8 SL and IL, 5 maxillary teeth, 31-39 C in mariselae); from steyermarki in a higher number of maxillary teeth (6 in steyermarki) and from this species and duidensis in lacking a uniform dark dorsal and ventral surface; from pamplonensis in a lower ventral count (172-1 84 in pamplonensis); from fuliginosus in having more maxillary teeth (6 in fuliginosus). It differs from A. badius, lancinii, major, riveroi , and turikensis by lacking a dorsal color pattern of distinct bands, partial bands, spots, or blotches. Description ofHolotype: An adult male, total length 365 mm; SVL 327mm; tail length 38 mm, tail complete; tail/total length, 10.4%.; head length 12.9 mm; snout/head, 27.1%; head/SVL, 3.9%; eye diameter 1.25 mm; greatest head width page 114 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 5.10 mm at level of 7th supralabial; width at midbody 6.8 mm; head not distinct from neck. Rostral concave, 2.4 times linearly wider than high, visible from above, bor¬ dered by nasals, intemasals, and first supralabials; intemasals small, width slightly larger than 1/2 length of prefrontal suture and not separated by rostral and prefrontal; prefrontals slightly longer than broad; frontal pentagonal and slightly wider than long, shorter than the distance from its anterior edge to the tip of snout and shorter than the parietals; loreal pentagonal, contacting orbit, 2.5 times as long as high and longer than the postnasal; lower edge of loreal with an apex contacting suture between 2nd and 3rd supralabials; preoculars absent; supraocular single, bordering upper margin of orbit; two postoculars bordering posterior margin of orbit; temporals 1+2; upper posterior temporal elongated, greater than three times as long as high and three times longer than the middle and lower posterior temporals; mental triangular; supralabials 7, third and fourth contacting orbit; infralabials 7, first three contacting single pair of genials which are twice as long as wide and in broad contact medially; mental sepa¬ rated from genials by first pair of infralabials. Dorsal scales smooth, in 17-17-17 rows, without apical pits. Ventrals 160, caudals divided, 27. Anal plate entire. Maxil¬ lary teeth 9 on both sides. There is damage to this specimen in a small area at ventral number 124. The left hemipenis (in situ) is differentiated, bilobed, and extends to the 9th caudal. Base of organ with longitudinal plicae extending to caudal 3, followed by a region of small spines increasing in size to the level of the sulcus spermaticus bifur¬ cation at caudal 6. Spines abruptly followed by flounces with small, soft, spinelike projections extending apically to tip of the organ. Narrow, naked basal lateral pocket extending to caudal 3. No specimen in the type series has a fully everted hemipenis. Color Pattern: The dorsum is medium brown and lacks spots or bands and other features associated with groups of scales but displays three differentiated areas related to differences in the pattern on each scale. The middorsal area involving dor¬ sal scale row (DSR) 8-11 is patternless; DSR 3-7 has brown scales with small black apical spots; the ventrolateral DSR 1-2 consist of scales with both brown and the light cream color of the ventral surface, approximately one-half of each on each scale at midbody. Pattern on tail contrasts strongly with body pattern and consists of dark and light mottling, with light mottling forming vague, thin lateral stripes. Dorsal head surface dark brown, darker than body ground color, with light brown spots on each parietal. Supralabials cream with reduced brown flecking on dorsal borders and a dark spot on SL 7. Throat cream with brown spotting on infralabials and reduced spotting on genials. Ventral surfaces boldly patterned with Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 115 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 brown and cream transverse banding, with the brown banding associated with ven¬ tral scale sutures. Brown spots instead of banding occurs on anterior ventrals poste¬ rior to the neck, gradually becoming elongated and forming transverse bands at ven¬ tral number 18. Ventral tail surface with bold brown mottling not organized into transverse bands. Variation : In addition to character variation mentioned in the “Diagnosis” section previously, several other aspects of variation in the specimens examined are worth mentioning. The snout-vent length range is 146-334, and total length 170-372 mm. Five of the six specimens exhibited 7 supralabials (SL) and infralabials (IL), with SL 3-4 contacting the orbit and the first 3 IL contacting the single pair of chin shields. EBRG 3954 has 6 SL and 6 IL, with 2 IL contacting the chin shields. Five specimens have temporal scalation as in the holotype (Fig. 2), displaying an elon¬ gated upper temporal but EBRG 3954 displays a shortened upper temporal. Maxil¬ lary tooth counts were 9 (3 specimens) and 8 (1 specimen); this character could not be determined in the other two specimens. Adult color pattern variation is relatively minor, with differences being mainly due to the degree of dark pigment in the dorsal and ventral color pattern. For ex¬ ample, the holotype and EBRG 3952, an adult male, have much bolder and some¬ what thicker dark ventral scale edging than in EBRG 3954, an adult female. There are not enough specimens to draw conclusions about sexual dichromatism in this series. Atr actus matthewi exhibits some degree of ontogenetic variation of color pattern (Fig. 1). While the dorsal body surface of adults is essentially brown with few features, the juvenile pattern is less uniform, has more light ventral coloration on the lateral sides, and appears to have very thin multiple stripes. As a typical example, in FMNH 17832 (167 mm SVL) there are brown scales on DSR 1-2 that are edged with the light coloration on the ventral surface. DSR 3-5 also have ventral coloration on each brown scale but a reduced degree compared with DSR 1-2. DSR 6-9 consist of scales that are brown with black apical spots and basal black mottling. The scales in each row are rather uniformly patterned, hence giving the appearance of very thin, thread-like stripes, especially on the lateral sides. A middorsal zone devoid of black scale spots, as in the holotype, is absent. The ventral body and dorsal and ventral caudal surfaces of juveniles are similar to the holotype, with the tail pattern strongly contrasting with that anterior to the vent. The dorsal cephalic plates from the pari- etals to the snout are a uniform dark brown while the snout from the intemasals to the rostral displays a lighter brown with some light mottling, giving the juvenile head a darker appearance. While such ontogenetic variation is more pronounced than in- page 116 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 traspecific adult variation, juveniles could not easily be confused with other known species of Atr actus. Distribution : Known localities of Atractus matthewi are in the Serrania de Turimiquire region of northeastern Venezuela, which is in the eastern part of the Cordillera de la Costa. It occurs at elevations of 1660-2130 m as indicated by locality data of five specimens. Etymology : The specific epithet refers to Matthew L. Markezich, the son of ALM who has remained a constant source of help and inspiration to his father. Discussion : The holotype and a paratype (FMNH 17832) of Atractus matthewi were examined by Roze (1961), and he assigned these specimens to the species A. fuliginosus. Curiously, he assigned this name to these specimens but also empha¬ sized several taxonomic differences from the holotype of fuliginosus. We examined the holotype of A. fuliginosus (Coluber fuliginosus Hallowell, ANSP 3333, female), and found it to be in relatively poor condition and extremely faded. However, enough taxonomic data were evident to allow us to conclude that this specimen is clearly not conspecific with A. matthewi. The normal SL (7), IL (7), and maxillary tooth number (9) of Atractus matthewi all vary from the holotype of fuliginosus (6 SL, 6 IL, 6 maxillary teeth). The maxillary tooth number is particularly important. Nine maxil¬ lary teeth, a relatively high number in Atractus , was cited by Roze (1966) in subse¬ quent publications as being diagnostic of fuliginosus ; he apparently based this upon extrapolation from these two specimens of A. matthewi to the fuliginosus holotype. He apparently did not examine the maxillary teeth in the type of fuliginosus because of the damage to the snout region but the maxillae are intact on both sides. If the type of fuliginosus and these specimens are conspecific, this would represent an extremely broad range of intraspecific variation of this character, which usually varies by one and rarely two teeth within a species (see Savage, 1960, p. 22). Furthermore, the type locality of fuliginosus was cited by Hallowed (1845) as “Columbia, within 200 miles of Caracas”, suggesting a western locality (Roze, 1958) far removed from the Turimiquire region. Another ongoing study by us indicates that fuliginosus may be related to Atractus univittatus , but the condition of the fuliginosus holotype precludes any certain synonymy. Atractus fuliginosus will likely remain problematical. In a report on the herpetofauna of the Mt. Turimiquire region of Venezuela, Schmidt (1932) identified a paratype (FMNH 17832) of A. matthewi as Atractus lasallei, a species described by Amaral (1931) from San Pedro, which is north of Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia. It has subsequently never been recorded from Ven¬ ezuela. The original description, information in Perez-Santos and Moreno (1988), Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 1 7 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 and examination of a specimen of A. lasallei (MCZ 32799) from the type locality indicate that this species differs from matthewi in several respects. It has a narrower rostrum, fewer caudals (22-24), fewer infralabials (6), and different dorsal and ven¬ tral color pattern. The presence of 8 maxillary teeth and an undifferentiated hemipenis in A. lasallei also significantly differ from matthewi ; these two characters have not been previously reported in the literature on A. lasallei. As with many Colombian Atractus species, a redescription of the holotype and more information about taxo¬ nomic variation in lasallei would be desirable. Nothing is known of the ecology of Atractus matthewi. From collection data, elevations of 1660-2130 m in the Cerro Turimiquire region suggests it is a medium to high elevation form and is possibly endemic to this area. Roze (1961) was thor¬ oughly familiar with Atractus species in the principal Cordillera de la Costa region around Caracas, and he did not ally the two specimens he misidentified as juliginosus with any Atractus species from there. Also, A. matthewi cannot be associated with any species currently known from Suriname (Hoogmoed, 1980). The Serrania de Turimiquire is a disjunct range of the Cordillera de la Costa with a maximum eleva¬ tion of 2630 m. from which several endemic anurans and reptiles are known (Schmidt, 1932; Barrio- Amoros, 1998; Duellman, 1999). Acknowledgments We appreciate the help of the following museum curators or assistants who kindly furnished loans of numerous specimens: C. J. Cole and L. S. Ford (AMNH), E. Daeschler and N. Gilmore (ANSP), C. McCarthy (BMNH), J. Wiens (CM), F. Bisbal, A. Naveda, and R. Rivero (EBRG), A. Resetar and H. Voris (FMNH), D. C. Taphom and J. E. Garcia-Perez (MCNG), J. Rosado (MCZ), G. Zug (USNM). Donald C. Taphom, Juan Elias Garcfa-Perez, and Oscar E. Leon of UNELLEZ and MCNG, Guanare, Edo. Portuguesa, extended generous assistance and hospital¬ ity to ALM during his studies in western Venezuela. Walter E. Schargel furnished various types of assistance to us with the project. Lynne Majetic, Rock Island, Illi¬ nois, created the excellent drawings in this paper. Fieldwork was made possible by the PROFAUNA division of the Venezu¬ elan Ministerio del Ambiente y de los Recursos Naturales Renovables (MARNR), Caracas, who issued collecting permits to ALM. This project was funded in part by a National Geographic Society grant (6176-98) to ALM. page 1 1 8 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Amaral, A. do. 1931. Literature Cited Studies of neotropical ophidia. XXIII. Additional notes on Co¬ lombian snakes. Bull. Antivenin Inst. America IV: 85-89. Barrio-Amoros, C. L., 1998. Sistematica y Biogeografia de los anfibios (Amphibia) de Ven- ezuela. Acta Biologica Venezuelica 18(2): 1-93. Barros, T. R. 2000. Una nueva especie de Atractus (Serpentes: Colubridae) de la Si¬ erra de Perija, Estado Zulia, Venezuela. Anartia, publicaciones ocasionales del Museo de Biologia de la Universidad del Zulia, Num. 11. 10 p. Hallowed, E. 1845. Description of reptiles from South America, supposed to be new. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia: 241-247. Hoogmoed, M. S. 1980. Revision of the genus Atractus in Suriname, with the resurrec- tion of two species (Colubridae, Reptilia). Zool. Verb. Leiden 175. 47 p. Markezich, A. L. 2002. New distribution records of reptiles from western Venezuela. Herpetol. Rev. 33: 69-74. MARNR, 1978. Gacetilla de Nombres Geograficos. Ed. Provison. No. 5. Ministerio del Ambiente y de los Recursos Naturales Renovables, Caracas. 340 p. Perez-Santos, C. and A. G. Moreno. 1988. Ofidios de Colombia. Mus. Reg. Sci. Natur. Torino, Monogr. VI. 517 p. Peters, J. A. and R. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of the Neotropical Squamata. Part I. Snakes. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D. C. 347 p. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 119 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Roze, J. A. 1 958. On Hallowell’s type specimens of reptiles from Venezuela in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Notulae Naturae 309. 3 p. 1961. El genero Atractus (Serpentes: Colubridae) en Venezuela. Acta Biol. Venez. 3: 103-119. 1966. La Taxonomia y Zoogeographia de los Ophidios de Venezuela. Univ. Central de Venezuela, Edic. Biblioteca 28. Caracas. 362 p. Savage, J. M. 1 960. A revision of the Ecuadorian snakes of the colubrid genus Atractus. Misc. Publ., Mus. Zoology, Univ. of Michigan No. 112: 1- 86. Schargel, W. E. and J. E. Garcia-Perez. 2002. A new species and a new record of Atractus (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Andes of Venezuela. J. of Herpetology 36: 398-402. Schmidt, K. P. 1932. Reptiles and amphibians of the Mandel Venezuelan Expedition. Field Mus. Nat. History, Zool. Series, Pub. 309; 159-163. ALM: Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Black Hawk College, Moline, IL markezicha@ .bhc.edu CLB: Fundacion AndigenA. Apartado Postal 210. 5 101 -A Merida, Venezuela cesarlba@ yahoo, com Appendix 1 . Specimens examined Atractus badius. Colombia: Anda Goya, BMNH 1915.10.21.22. Atractus duidensis. Venezuela: Amazonas, Summit Pk #7, Mt. Duida region, AMNH 36607 (paratype). Atractus erythromelas. Venezuela: Merida, BMNH 1946.1.7.12-15 (types). Atractus fuliginosus. Venezuela: within two hundred miles of Caracas. S. Ashmead, ANSP 3333 (holotype). Atractus lasallei. Colombia: Antioquia, Culebra de San Pedro, N of Medellin, N. Maria, MCZ 32799. Atractus riveroi. Venezuela: Amazonas, Camp #3, Churui-Tepui, AMNH 81812. Atractus steyermarki , Guyana: Roraima, BMNH page 120 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 1976.348. Atractus trilineatus. Guyana: Akvero Rest. House, Aruka R. Barama Dist., MCZ 49065; Trinidad: St. Augustine, MCZ 88507. Atractus torquatus. Surinam: Commewijne, Plantation Ma Retraite, AMNH 130487. Atractus univittatus. Tobago: Charlotteville ca. 1.25 mi SSW of, along central ridge, 11°18’ 18”N, 60°33’38”W, A. J. Braswell, J. D. Hardy, Jr., W. M. Palmer, D. L. Stephan, 27 Dec. 1998, USNM 228024; Venezuela: Estado Miranda, Naiguata, Los Canales, planta electrica de Naiguata, E. Mondolfi and G. Vivas, 23 July 1939, CM 22773; Estado Portuguesa, 12 km (road) S Rio Guanare bridge on Guanare-Biscucuy Road, 7 July 1993, 2230 hrs, A. L. Markezich and O. J. Leon, MCNG 1479; Estado Portuguesa, Municipio Guanare, La Colonia, 11 December 1990, D. C. Taphom, MCNG 1611. Atractus ventrimaculatus. Venezuela: Estado Merida. BMNH 1.5.12-13 (types); Merida. MCZ 7316. Atractus vittatus. Venezuela: Caracas, BMNH 1946.1.6.47 (type). Received: 22 July 2004 Accepted: 26 July 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 121 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Observations On Tiger Salamanders ( Ambystoma tigrinum Complex, Family Ambystomatidae) In Mexico With Description Of A New Species Robert G. Webb Abstract This paper results from an effort to taxonomically recognize two different kinds of Ambystoma tigrinum- like salamanders in the Mexican state of Durango, both currently masquerading as A. velasci. Ambystoma velasci is discussed and is not applicable to either Durango population. One Durango population, sympatric with A. rosaceum in the pine-oak forested highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental, is de¬ scribed as a new species; patterns of metamorphs (either uniformly pale brownish or with some dorsal dark marks) and large larvae (dorsal dark markings) resemble some populations of A. tigrinum nebulosum. The other Durango population occurs in the open lands of eastern Durango and elsewhere on the Mexican Plateau; metamorphs are yellow-spotted and tentatively assigned to A. subsalsum. Ambystoma flavipiperatum and A. amblycephalum may have some affinity with specimens here treated as A. subsalsum. This report emanates from a study of tiger salamanders in the Mexican state of Durango. Excluding Ambystoma rosaceum , two other different kinds of Ambystoma occur in Durango. One population is characteristic of pine-oak forested highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental (sympatric with A. rosaceum ); transformed salamanders are either uniformly brownish or have some black spotting (no yellow spots) and large (but not small) larvae (may be sexually mature) are patterned with irregular black marks. The other population occurs at lower elevations in eastern Durango; transformed salamanders have dorsal patterns of yellow spots. The only name (other than rosaceum) currently applied to Ambystoma popu¬ lations in Durango is Ambystoma velasci. Shaffer and McKnight (1996) indicated an extensive geographic range for A. velasci from Chihuahua and Durango (samples 45- 47) and Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, and Guanajuato (samples 48-50) south into the Transverse Volcanic Range. The purpose of this report is to nomenclaturally dis¬ pose of the two distinct Durango populations, neither of which is considered appli¬ cable to A. velasci. page 122 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Methods. Characters utilized include patterns of larvae and transformed animals, and numbers of gill rakers; costal grooves, usually 10 or 11, were not treated in detail. There are four raker-bearing arches or bars (ceratobranchials); the first and fourth arches bear one row of rakers, and the second and third have two rows of rakers generally alternating on anterior and posterior edges (see illustration in Lauder and Shaffer, 1985:307, Fig. 6). Gehlbach (1967:522.2, Remarks, item 5, A. tigrinum ) noted gill rakers increasing in number with body size. Collins (1979:353) reported no significant correlation between number of gill rakers and SVL (A. tigrinum , n = 59). Shaffer (1983:72) found no ontogenetic effects in number of gill rakers relative to SVL, and (1984b: 1209) remarked that gill rakers increase in size, not number. Gill raker counts in this study (A. tigrinum complex) likewise indicated no increase in number with increasing size (SVL). In the early stages of this study, gill rakers were counted on the 4th arch, whereas previous authors used the anterior edge of the 3rd arch. Gill raker counts derived from both arches of two different geographic samples (Durango and Zacatecas, representing the two different kinds of Ambystoma in Durango) revealed: (1) counts about the same on 4th arches regardless of sample, (2) counts about the same on 3rd and 4th arches of Zacatecas sample, but (3) counts differ¬ ent on 3rd and 4th arches of Durango sample. In the Durango sample (vicinity Navios, n = 36, AMNH, UTEP), respective counts on the 3rd (higher counts) and 4th (lower counts) arches averaged 16.9 (15-20) and 14.9 (13-17), whereas corresponding re¬ spective counts for the Zacatecas sample (UTEP, n ~ 12) averaged 14.9 (14-16) and 14.6 (14-15). Gill rakers (unless noted otherwise) are those counted on the anterior edge of the 3rd arch, including nubbin-like prominences at extremities (left side only). The following museum codes cited in the text identify the repository of speci¬ mens: AMNH, American Museum of Natural History, New York; CAS, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco; FMNH, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago; MCZ, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge; MVZ, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley; TTU, The Museum, Texas Tech University, Lubbock (herpetology collection now part of TNHC, Texas Natural History Collection, Austin); UCM, University of Colorado, Boulder; UTA, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington; UTEP, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso. Ambvstoma velasci Pages Ambystoma velasci is briefly discussed to negate assignment to either Durango population. Velasco (1879) described both larvae and transformed salamanders from Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 123 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 the temporary “el lago de Sta. Isabel” (p. 211, 220); he noted (p. 215) “ Siredon ( Sp . Nobis)” and (p. 216) the name [Siredon] “ Tigrina ” (mentioned only once in text). Duges (“1891”[1888]:142), in his account of “Amblystoma” tigrinum, cited the ref¬ erence to Velasco’s description and to Salamandra tigrina Green, 1825, and, recog¬ nizing “sinonimia” names, employed the replacement name “ Amblystoma Velasci .” Duges (p. 142), although not specifically citing the name Velasco, cited part of Velasco’s description (p. 214, paragraph beginning “El cuerpo...”) and embellished the type locality (p. 143), “Vive en la laguna de Santa Isabel, en la Villa de Guadalupe y en los pueblos de Santa Isabel y Zacatengo.” Maldonado-Koerdell in Gehlbach (1967) updated the type locality as “Villa Gustavo Madero [= G.A. Madero or Villa Madero], Distrito Federal, now within the limits of Ciudad Mexico.” Syntypes of A. velasci are seemingly non-existent. Smith and Necker (“1943” [1944]: 185), in dis¬ cussing Duges’ types of Mexican reptiles and amphibians, noted that no type (mate¬ rial) specimen is known of Siredon tigrina. Two alternative spellings ( velasci and velascoi) have been employed. The original spelling of the replacement name is velasci (see above). Smith and Taylor (1948: 12, mentioned in Gehlbach, 1967) noted velascoi as used by both Lafrentz and Wolterstorff [papers not seen by me]; they noted Lafrentz’s habitat as Lakes Texcoco and Zumpango (see below). Smith and Smith (1993:11) argued for the correct spell¬ ing as “velascoi,” seemingly regarding an incorrectly spelled patronym as an “inad¬ vertent error” (ICZN, 1999 [Art. 32.5.1]) that should be corrected [Art. 32.5.1.1]. Otherwise, velascoi may be regarded as an unjustified emendation, which is not cur¬ rently “in prevailing usage” (as is velasci ), and thus not qualifying as a justified emendation [Art. 33.2.3.1]. Brandon (1988; 1989:Fig. 2-1 [map]) regarded tiger salamanders in Lake Zumpango and Lake Texcoco (Edo. de Mexico) as A. velasci (previously described by Taylor and Smith, 1945, as A. lacustris, a junior subjective synonym) and also specimens from Nopaltepec (Edo. de Mexico) and Xochimilco (D.F.). Taylor and Smith (1945:P1. 18, Fig. 1) described and illustrated the holotype (with gill stubs) of A. lacustris as mostly brownish olive with some dark spots on the head and back, and black mottling on the tail. Brandon (1988:429) described larvae (84, 85, 92 mm SVL) as yellowish with prominent black spots, and transformed individuals (illustrated in Brandon, 1988:Figs. 1-3) as dark with small yellow spots that varied individually in number, size, and brightness. Brandon (1989:19) noted the Xochimilco specimens as market-purchased, branchiate adults that after transformation in the laboratory were brown with a variable (individual and ontogenetic) pattern of cream or yellow mark¬ ings; a transformed Xochimilco adult is illustrated in Brandon (1989:20, Fig. 2-2B; same specimen [RAB A5-7] in Brandon, 1988:429, Fig. 3 A and B). Laboratory trans¬ page 124 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 forms of the axolotl (A. mexicanum) have similar dorsal patterns (black with flecks of white) but differ from A. velasci in having long, slender digits (photo in Brandon, 1989:20, Fig. 2-2A). In their introductory survey of amphibians and reptiles of Chi¬ huahua, Lemos-Espinal et al. (2004:5 1 , Pis. 4, 5) provided color photos of a larva and transformed adult labeled A. velasci ; the adult (PL 5) has thick digits and a dorsal pattern similar to that of A. velasci as illustrated in Brandon (1988), but both color photos (unlike some others) are without locality data. Brandon (1988:429) noted some animals of velasci as “nearly identical to Velasco’s (1879) illustrations” [= Plate VII, larvae; Plate VIII, gill stubs and transformed]. Taylor and Smith (1945:533) noted 12 costal grooves (A. lacustris holotype and large larva). Krebs and Brandon (1984:241, Table 2) recorded gill rakers of 26 A. lacustris (= A. velasci , from Lake Zumpango fide Brandon, 1988:429) averaging 32.6 (28-36, both sides summed), which translates to about 16.3 (14-18, one side only). The historic geographic range of Ambystoma velasci seems to have included the high-elevation lakes throughout most of the Valley of Mexico. Brandon (1988, 1989) commented on the urban expansion of Mexico City and the disappearance of much of the original habitat of the Basin of Mexico lake system. Probably A. velasci occurs to the west in the Transverse Volcanic Range, but other alleged records of occurrence (Shaffer and McKnight, 1996; Irschick and Shaffer, 1997) need reevalu¬ ation. Flores-Villela (1993:20) listed A. velasci as endemic to the Transverse Volca¬ nic Range, and A. tigrinum also in the Transverse Volcanic Range and to the north in Mexico. Relying on Brandon’s (1988) description and illustrations of Ambystoma velasci (see above) in which dark metamorphs have many, close-set, small pale spots, the name velasci is not applicable to either the montane Durango population of A. tigrinum (metamorphs lacking pale, dorsal markings) or the A. tigrinum-likc speci¬ mens in eastern Durango (metamorphs having few and large, widely spaced, dorsal yellow spots and other differing pattern features as well as fewer gill rakers, see below). Durango Lowland Population Aside from Ambystoma velasci (and laboratory transforms of A. mexicanum , see above), transformed adults of three species of Mexican Ambystoma (see list in Brandon, 1989, Table 2-1) have dorsal patterns of pale (yellowish, cream) spots, A. rosaceum, A. subsalsum, A. flavipiperatum, and A. amblycephalum (metamorphs with only cream spots ventrolaterally on body). Ambystoma rosaceum is a distinct species (Shaffer, 1983, and personal data). Cursory study suggests that the pale-spotted, pond¬ dwelling metamorphs in the open lands of eastern Durango (and elsewhere on the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 125 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Mexican Plateau) closely resemble, and are here provisionally referred to, A. subsalsum', both A. amblycephalum and especially A. flavipiperatum (see below) may have some taxonomic affinity with A. subsalsum. The type material of Taylor’s Ambystoma subsalsum (1943, hereafter as “ subsalsum ”) consisted of several sexually mature larvae and only one transformed specimen, the holotype. Brandon et al. (1981) discussed Taylor’s description of subsalsum and determined that the transformed, yellow-spotted holotype (FMNH 100007, female, SVL77 mm, tail 47 mm, illustrated in Taylor, 1943:153, Fig. 2 [side view] and Fig. 3 [top of head]) was not conspecific with the nearby paratypic larvae (in Lake Alchichica), which they described as A. taylori. Brandon et al. (1981) re¬ described the holotype of subsalsum (“a few hundred yards from” [Taylor, 1943: 152] Lake Alchichica, Puebla), illustrated the yellow-spotted dorsal patterns of a trans¬ formed male and female from Puebla resembling the holotype of subsalsum (1981, Fig. 1), and considered other transformed specimens from Puebla, Hidalgo, and Tlaxcala as conspecific with the holotype of subsalsum. The two specimens illus¬ trated in Brandon et al. (1981, Fig. 1) are similar to A. tigrinum- like salamanders from the Mexican states of Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and Aguascalientes (discussed below), all of which (accounting for some variation) are tentatively con¬ sidered conspecific and referable to subsalsum. The largest sample of subsalsum includes five transformed adults (UTEP 7883-87) and a lot of 12 larvae (UTEP 7888) from one locality in Zacatecas, 24 km [15 road mi] SW (Hwy 54) San Tiburcio (Hwy 54-62 intersection), 1981 m [6500 ft], 26-28 July 1975. The five transformed specimens, four males 160 (94+66), 170 (98+72), 181 (101+80) and 196 (110+86) mm with enlarged cloacal areas (less so in smallest) and one female 152 (90+62) mm in total length, are blackish dorsally with yellow spots. The dorsal yellowish spots of varying size occur on the head, body (irregular in dorsolateral rows) and limbs, and may be rather large and blotch-like on the tail (UTEP 7885-86). The dorsal spots in one male (UTEP 7885) are slightly ocellate. Dorsal body patterns are faded in the two largest males (UTEP 7883-84, near marbled pattern in UTEP 7883), otherwise spots are relatively few in number (ca.13, 13, and 14 on body between limb insertions). The black dorsal background terminates abruptly on the side of the body, which often has spaced, vertical, black bars/lines (coincident with costal grooves) interconnecting (may be incomplete) the dark dorsum and a dark-patterned venter (if present). The belly may be dark with (UTEP 7885) or without (UTEP 7887) an irregular pattern of yellow spots or is faded and pale without dark markings (UTEP 7883-84, 7886). Ventrolateral pale bands (usually interrupted into pale spots between vertical black bars) are of variable distinctess. Faded yellow spots/marks may occur on the underside of the head. Costal page 126 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Figure 1. Ambystoma sub sal sum (24 km SW San Tiburcio [junction Hwys 54-62], Zacatecas). Specimen sequence same in both dorsal (above) and ventral (below) views; top to bottom: UTEP 7884 (male, 110+86 mm), 7887 (male, 98+72 mm), 7885 (male, 94+66 mm), and UTEP 7886 (female, 90+62 mm); photos Carl S. Lieb. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 27 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 grooves number 10 (or 11). This pattern variation is illustrated in four transformed adults (dorsal and ventral views) in Fig. 1. The 12 small larvae (none sexually ma¬ ture) overall are patternless and a uniformly pale olive; the tail fins with small dark markings are generally darker than the musculature and often darkest distally (tip). The SVL of these larvae averages 51.3 (46-56) mm, tail length 38.1 (31-43) mm, and the total length 89.6 (79-97) mm; the tail/total length averages 0.43 (0.39-0.45). Gill rakers (n = 12) average 14.9 (14-16, 3rd arch) and 14.6 (14-15, 4th arch). Six additional transformed specimens are regarded as conspecific with those described above from Zacatecas. These are: FMNH 1382 (female, 97+76 mm, La¬ bor, Durango); FMNH 1935 (female, 75+60 mm, “Durango, Mexico”); MCZ 44270 (male, 98+86 mm, 13 mi N Cd. Durango, Durango); TTU 5997 [- TNHC] (female, 120 km W of “Col. Valles” [attached tag, “Cueva de la Golindrina”], San Luis Potosi); UTA A-5105 (female, 105+60 mm, 15 mi W Cd. Durango, Durango); and, MVZ 65890 (female, 98+70 mm, 47 mi N Cd. Durango, Hwy 45, Durango). Three of the six (MCZ, UTA, ITU) conform to pattern features noted above for the Zacatecas specimens - dorsal patterns of pale spots on a dark background that terminates rather abruptly on the side of the body, vertical black bars, and irregular black-patterned venters with pale spots. The MVZ specimen has an unmarked belly, darkened verti¬ cal bars on right side of body (pattern indistinct), and a faded, irregular dorsal pattern (mostly coarse reticulum of pale spots). In FMNH 1935, the sides of the body (no vertical black bars or abrupt termination of dorsal ground color) and belly are black, the belly with pale spots (patterns not clear in FMNH 1382). The number of pale body spots, about 6 (TTU), 9 (MCZ), 6 (FMNH 1935), are fewer than in the Zacatecas specimens (see above), but agree in number with the two transformed adults depicted in Brandon et al. (1981:114, Fig. 1); their illustrations of subsalsum also show the black dorsal background abruptly terminating on the sides of the body, and (Fig. IB) the black vertical bars. The specimen photographed in color (patterns similar to those of Zacatecas metamorphs) by Vasquez-Diaz and Quintero-Diaz (“1997”[1998]:81) from Aguascalientes, which is presumably one of the specimens cited in Vasquez-Diaz et al. (1998), is likewise assigned to subsalsurn. In addition, Reese (1971:67) described two somewhat similarly-patterned metamorphs from Nuevo Leon, and one larva with the rather low number of 13 gill rakers. In a sample of six pond larvae from Guanajuato (UTEP 7508, Rancho La Puerta Guadalupe, 8 km [5 mi] S Ibarra, about 2499 m [8200 ft]) four (excluding two near hatchlings) with total lengths of 96, 107, 116 and 120 mm average 15.0 (14-16, 3rd arch) and 14.0 (13-15, 4th arch) gill rakers; the largest larva has discemable (but page 128 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 not well defined) yellow spots and termination of the dark dorsal ground color on each side of the body (features suggesting subsalsum). One or all of the three larval samples [48-50] of Ambystoma (not examined) listed by Shaffer and McKnight (1966:432, as A. velasci) from Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosf, and Guanajuato may be referable to subsalsum . Thus, variable features of pattern of subsalsum include the number of pale dorsal spots on the body (6-14), presence or absence of vertical, black bars on the sides of the body, dark dorsal background continuous laterally with black venter or terminating abruptly on side of body, and venter immaculate or with a black irregular pattern with pale spots. Some of this pattern variation of transformed specimens might reflect a response to different microhabitats (background matching) as discussed in Fernandez and Collins (1988). Gill rakers seem to be about the same in the Zacatecas larvae (14.9, 14-16, n = 12), the four Guanajuato larvae (15.0, 14-16), and as re¬ corded for four Puebla samples (Brandon et al., 1981 : 122, as A. tigrinum ); the corre¬ sponding values for these four Puebla samples (means, ranges of variation, based on numbers summed both sides, if averaged and halfed) are 14.8 (12.7-17.0). The above- mentioned pattern aspects of subsalsum differ from the close-set, pale multi-marked dorsal pattern of A. velasci (as depicted in Brandon, 1988:Figs. 1-3), and the gill rakers of subsalsum (means 14.9, 15.0, and 14.8) tend to be fewer than in A. velasci (16.3, 14-18). The general habitat is ponds, cattle tanks, and impoundments. Brandon et al. (1981:113, 123) recorded dug wells, irrigation systems, and other temporary waters as breeding habitat in Puebla. The Zacatecas sample of transformed adults and larvae was seined from a temporary pond (Fig. 2) in a dirt/gravel quarry; the pond, deepest part about 2 m, lacked aquatic vegetation, and contained many small snails ( Physal ) and fairy shrimp, and a localized aggregation of spadefoot tadpoles (Spea multiplicata , including car¬ nivorous morphs and some transforming tailed toadlets hopping on shoreline, UTEP 8105, n = 12). Transformed salamanders foraged in shallow water along the edge of the pond at night (not in daylight). The known extremes in elevation of salamanders provisionally assigned to subsalsum range from about 1880 m (6166 ft, Cd. Durango, Durango) to 2345 m (7692 ft, Laguna Alchichica, Puebla, Brandon et al., 1981:116), and possibly 2499 m (8200 ft, UTEP Guanajuato larvae, see above). Ambystoma flavipiperatum (Dixon, 1963), presumably a pond-dweller (four metamorphs alive on highway during heavy rain), from a desert scrub area in Jalisco (1494 m, 4900 ft) has pattern features reminiscent (in part) of some specimens herein referred to subsalsum. Dixon noted the body and limbs blackish, with bright yellow Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 129 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 spots on the dorsal surface of the head, body, tail and limbs, the ventrolateral surface of the body with a broad, irregular yellow stripe, and the venter slate-gray enclosing two longitudinal broken yellow lines. However, dorsal spots are more numerous, and presumably the abrupt termination of the black dorsum and vertical black lines on sides of body are lacking (not mentioned), but this pattern feature is variable (see above). Shaffer (1984b: 1212) recorded A. flavipiperatum larvae as also having a low mean gill raker count of 14.0 (similar to subsalsum , see above). Amby stoma amblycephalum (Taylor, 1940:420, as A. amblycephala) is based on three metamorphs (SVLs 90 [holotype], 93, and 64.5 mm; larvae unknown) from 15 km W Morelia, Michoacan; Taylor (1940:418) also listed a paratype of A. bombypellum from this same locality (an error, see below). The series of ventrolat¬ eral cream spots on the body, pale markings on the throat, and blackish dorsum (but no yellow spots) described for the holotype of A. amblycephalum (Taylor, 1940:421, and PI. XLV, Fig. 2) are pattern features shared somewhat with salamanders here treated as subsalsum. The black, yellow-marked belly pattern and dark vertical bars on the sides of Figure 2. Pond habitat of transformed adults (IJTEP 7883-87, see Fig. 1) and larvae (UTEP 7888, n = 1 2) of Amby stoma subsalsum from southwest San Tiburcio, Zacatecas (see text); photo 26 July 1975 by author. page 130 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 the body occur in other populations of A. tigrinum (at least some specimens of A. t. mavortium and A. t. nebulosum). Physiographically, the tiger salamanders here treated as subsalsum seem to be characteristic of the Mexican Plateau (mostly the southern Mesa Central) and to have taxonomic affinity with populations (A. t. mavortium) to the north (Mesa del Norte). Durango Highland Population The montane, transformed adults in Durango are either a uniform pallid brownish or dark brown dorsally with dark spots, whereas large larvae have exten¬ sive, contrasting, dark spotted patterns. These pattern features are shared somewhat with three named species in the Transverse Volcanic Range (A. lermaensis, A. granulosum, A. bombypellum). Transformed Amby stoma lermaensis (Taylor, 1940:427, type locality, Lake Lerma) have a uniform gray-black dorsum and venter, and pale digit tips (holotype illustrated by Taylor in PL XLVXII, Fig. B, male, 130+99 mm); likewise, large sexu¬ ally mature larvae are uniformly dark and unpattemed (PI. XLVIII, Fig. A, male, 135+116 mm). Taylor’s depiction of the holotype (with dorsal tail fin) of Amby stoma granulosum (Taylor, 1944:61, PI. VIII, Fig. 1, ca. 1 2 mi NW Toluca, Edo. de Mexico, shallow artificial pond), a male 92+77 mm (p. 59) that has some scattered dark marks on the back and tail, as well as smaller non-pattemed larvae assigned to A. granulosum (1944:61, PI. VIII, Figs. 2, 3), are similar to the developmental pattern-sequence of larvae in the Durango highlands (see below). Ambystoma bombypellum (Taylor, 1940:418, as A. “bombypella” type locality, “near Rancho Guadalupe, 14 km. east of San Martin, (Asuncion) Mexico”) is based on two uniformly brownish and pattern¬ less transformed adults. Taylor published two different illustrations of the holotype of A. bombypellum (“1938”[1939]:P1. XXIV, Fig. 1, as Ambystoma sp., and 1940:P1. XLV, Fig. 1); he discussed only the holotype and (1940:419) “A single paratype” taken under rotting logs on a hillside near a small permanent artificial pond (thus, the other paratype recorded by Taylor, 1940:418, from the type locality of A. amblycephalum [15 km W Morelia, Michoacan] is in error). The extensive, dark-marked pattern (including head and sides of body) of large Durango larvae differs from A. lermaensis (large larvae dark, unpattemed) and generally from the less extensive dark-marked pattern ascribed to A. granulosum. The dark, patternless dorsum and dark venter of transformed A. lermaensis and A. bombypellum is unlike the uniform, pallid brownish dorsum and pale venter of Durango adults. Shaffer (1984a) and Shaffer and McKnight (1996) determined a relatively close relationship of A. lermaensis and A. granulosum (A. bombypellum not men¬ tioned). Conant (2003:8) commented on biotic endemism associated with the Trans- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 131 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 verse Volcanic Range. Despite some general similarities in pattern, none is judged to be conspecific with the geographically far-distant montane Durango population, which is described below as a new species. Ambystoma silvensis. sp. nov. Type material. The holotype (UTEP 8097) and paratopotypes (UTRP 8093- 96, 8098-8104) were seined from a pond 4.5 road miles (7.2 km) northeast of Navios (Navios ca. 23°54'N, 105°03? W), 8000 ft (2438 m), Durango, Mexico, by Robert G. Webb, Jerry D. Johnson, and Rodolfo Corrales, Jr., 24 May 1977. The 12 types are mostly larvae but include six showing varying degrees of metamorphosis, the holo¬ type (only small gill stubs), two (8101-02) with no tail fins and gill stubs slightly longer than holotype, one (8103) with no tail fins and no gill reduction, and two (8099, 8100) with reduced tail fins (ventral fin absent in 8099) and no gill reduction. The holotype (UTEP 8097, Fig. 3) is dark brown dors ally (head, body) with small blackish marks (spot-like or irregular) on body and on rear and temporal region of the head. The ground color is pale brown on sides of the body with dorsolateral dark markings extending onto proximal part of the tail. Limbs and pale ventral sur¬ faces are unpattemed. A slight groove extends diagonally backward from the eye to the short gill stubs. Costal grooves are 10/10 (excluding axillary and inguinal creases). The medial inflection of the curved prevomerine tooth row(s) is slightly beyond the level of the anterior margins of the choanae. The total length of the holotype is 125 (72 SVL+53 tail) mm, the head width 15.9 mm. The paratopotypes are generally dark brown dorsally, paler on the sides of the body, and either mostly uniform or with dark brown marks of varying distinct¬ ness dorsally and dorsolaterally extending onto tail. The SVL in the 1 1 paratopotypes averages 80.1 (72-91) mm, tail length 64.1 (57-72) mm, total length 144.2 (129-159) mm, and tail/total length 0.44 (0.43-0.46). Gill raker counts (n = 9) average 17.1 (16- 19) on the 3rd arch and 15.6 (15-17) on the 4th arch. Etymology. Latin, silva ( sylva ), f., woods, trees, forest, and — ensis , place for or where (belonging to a place); in reference to occurrence in the pine-oak for¬ ested highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental Recognition. Ambystoma silvensis is distinguished by the combination of transformed adults having either a pale brownish, patternless dorsum or with dark spots on the head and body, and large larvae (exceeding about 80 mm SVL) having distinct patterns of irregular dark markings (Fig. 4). Transformed Ambystoma msaceum (sympatric with A. silvensis) and other transformed A. tigrimm likc salamanders in page 1 32 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Figure 3. Holotype (UTEP 8097, alive) and pond habitat of type material (UTEP 8093-8104) of Amby stoma silvensis , 4.5 road mi NE Navios, Durango (see text); photos 24 May 1977 by author. eastern Durango and elsewhere (as A. subsalsum , see above) differ from A. silvensis in having yellow- spotted dorsal patterns (near uniform blackish in some A. rosaceum). Larvae of A. rosaceum have distinctive, contrasting black-yellow marbled/striped patterns (may be neotenic, mostly blackish with some pale markings). The pattern features of A. silvensis (transformed adults/large larvae) occur in some populations of A. tigrinum nebulosum, which has higher gill raker counts than A. silvensis (see Remarks). Description of Species. The pattern of larvae changes with increasing size. Small larvae overall are uniformly gray-green (tail tips may be darkened, and bodies and fins may have tiny dark markings), lacking prominent patterns of dark markings (UCM 48486, n = 286, 8.0 mi E El Salto, 19 August 1971, largest 122 mm total Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologieal Society page 1 33 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 length; UCM 48487, n = 140, 18.9 mi E El Salto, 17 August 1971, largest 102 mm total length). In two samples of 27 larvae near the type locality (AMNH A~ 105023- 29, Navi os, 21 June 1966, and AMNH A- 1059 11 -30, 1 mi S Navies, 24 July 1965), total lengths range from 126 to 200 mm (68-114 mm SVL); none indicate metamor¬ phosis and some are sexually mature (males with swollen cloacal areas). The small¬ est AMNH larvae are rather non-descript (as above for UCM larvae) but the largest have prominent dark marks on the head, body, and tail (and fins); this dark-spotted pattern is generally present at a size near 80 mm SVL (about 145-150 mm, smallest 132 mm, total length). The combined average gill raker counts (AMNH, UTEP, n = 36) are different on the 3rd (16.9, 15-20) and 4th (14.9, 13-17) arches. Transformed Durango salamanders (CAS 91845, male, 3 mi E [Hwy 40] El Salto, 188 [98 body +90 tail] mm total length; AMNH A-53573, male, near [Estacion] Otinapa, 164 [90+74] mm) are uniformly pale brownish (all dorsal surfaces), the color darker near termina¬ tion mid-laterally on the sides of the body. Costal grooves in each are 11/11. Ventral surfaces are pale, unmarked. A patternless transformed adult and a large, dark-marked larva are depicted in Fig. 4. Habitat and Distribution. Arnby stoma silvensis is characteristic of the pine- oak forested highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Durango near 2438-2469 m (8000-8100 ft). The species is sympatric with A. rosaceum (stream-dwelling larvae, Figure 4. Ambystoma silvensis. Sexually mature male larva (above), AMNH A- 105025, 99+82 mm, Navies, Durango, and transformed adult male (below), CAS 91845, SVL 98 mm, 3 mi E El Salto, Durango; photo Carl S. Lieb.. page 1 34 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 occasional lentic sites). Larvae of A. silvensis are found in man-made ponds and cattle tanks. The type material near Navios was seined from a large, dear-water, mud-bottomed cattle tank (Fig. 3). The two UCM samples were seined from ponds (to judge from the large number of individuals). The CAS transformed adult is re¬ corded “in shallow lake.” Remarks Two samples of Durango larvae (not examined) from lower elevations to the east (Mimbres localities, see below) presumably represent Amby stoma silvensis. Shaffer recorded a Durango pond sample of larvae (1983:69, locality 9, as A. tigrinum; same sample discussed by him 1984a [sample 5, immature larvae] and 1984b [as Durango A. tigrinum ], and noted in Jones et al., 1995:198, legend Fig. 2, as A. velasci) from 9.0 km (5.6 mi) east of the bridge at Mimbres, 2250 m (7380 ft). Shaffer and McKnight (1996:432, locality 47) and Irschick and Shaffer (1997:49, locality 55), both as A. velasci , recorded another nearby larval sample from 2.0 km (1.2 mi) east of the bridge at Mimbres, Durango. The authors do not mention either sizes or pat¬ terns of larvae. These two Mimbres localities are both along Highway 40 in a foothill area of dissected topography with scattered oak and pine. Shaffer (1983:75) recorded a mean gill raker count of 16.8 for the sample from 9.0 km E Mimbres (= FMNH). Thus, this (and the other) Mimbres larval sample is tentatively assigned to A. silvensis that has similar numbers of gill rakers (AMNH/UTEP Navios samples, see above). It is of interest that the locality of 9.0 km E Mimbres (farthest east along Hwy 40) is judged to be only about 1.6-3. 2 km (1-2 mi) from the locality of the transformed adult regarded herein as subsalsum (UTAA-5105, “15 mi W Cd. Durango” [past first canyon = Rio Chico, J.A. Campbell, pers. con vers.; locality judged to be about 3.2 km [2 mi] W Rio Chico]). Mimbres (ca. 2225 m, 7300 ft) and Rio Chico (ca. 1981 m, 6500 ft) are about 14.5 road km (9 mi) apart. The identity of montane Ambystoma tigrinum- like salamanders to the north in Chihuahua awaits further study. Tanner (1959) failed to mention A. tigrinum in his survey of amphibians in western Chihuahua. Jones et al. (1988:627) reassigned pre¬ vious reports of A. tigrinum in Chihuahua, and Gehlbach (1965:266) in the El Tigre Mts, Sonora, to A. rosaceum. Dominguez et al. (“1974”[1977]:123) reported A. t. nebulosum from Rancho La Campana (85 km N Cd. Chihuahua), a non-montane locality suggestive of A. t. mavortium. Montane Chihuahuan localities of “A. velasci ” are recorded in Shaffer and McKnight (1996:432, sample 45, 15.5 road mi N Temosachic, 2080 m, FMNH), Irschick and Shaffer (1997:49, sample 58, 55 km E “Tomachic” [seemingly Tonachic, ca. 10 air mi SW La Junta], 2100 m), and in Collins (1979:353, Vallecillos, as A. tigrinum velasci). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 35 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Shaffer (1983:77) and Shaffer and McKnight (1996:420, 422) emphasized the distinctness of the two larval samples from east of Mimbres and one pond sample from El Vergel, southern Chihuahua (not examined). Shaffer (1983:77) mentioned his Mimbres and El Vergel samples of A. tigrinum as perhaps two taxonomic entities. Shaffer (1984a) again noted the distinctness of the El Vergel sample when compared to taxa across the Transverse Volcanic Range. The general locale of El Vergel is in pine-oak forest about 1660 m (8725 ft). Shaffer (1983:69) noted the El Vergel larvae as sexually mature and (p. 77) similar in color pattern to Gehlbach’s (1965) descrip¬ tion of larval A. t. nebulosum. Shaffer (1983:69) also recorded a mean gill raker count of 14 (unlike the 16.9 for A. silvensis ), which agrees with the gill raker counts reported by Jones et al. (1988:627) for each of 10 Ambystoma rosaceum (averaging 14.1, 13-17) from Preson Vallecillos, Chihuahua. Shaffer (1983:75) also noted the El Vergel sample as “very similar to northern A. rosaceum The two Mimbres, Durango larval samples have been determined to have a close relationship with Ambystoma populations in southern Mexico (see Shaffer, 1983:77, 1984a:1198, and 1984b:1211; Shaffer and McKnight, 1996:424, and Fig. 4; Irschick and Shaffer, 1997:40, Fig. 5). The last mentioned set of authors included one of the Mimbres larval samples (2.0 km E, locality 55) with the “Tomochic”, Chihua¬ hua sample (locality 58) in the A. velasci clade. Shaffer and McKnight (1966:Figs. 4 and 5) aligned the more northern Temosachic, Chihuahua sample (locality 45) with the Rocky Mountains/Great Plains clade but the same Durango Mimbres sample (as 1 .2 mi E, their locality 47) with the Sierra Madre Oriental and Central Mexican Pla¬ teau clade. Thus, there would seem to be a north-south break between populations from the two Chihuahua localities (perhaps reflecting A. silvensis to the south). Ambystoma silvensis shares pattern features with some populations of the A. tigrinum complex currently recognized as A. t. nebulosum (hereafter as “ nebulosum ”). The absence of dorsal yellow spots in A. silvensis does not agree with the original description of nebulosum by Hallo well (“1852”[1853]:209), who later repeated his description (1853:143-144) and illustrated the holotype (PL 20, side view showing dim yellow spots). Lowe (1955) recognized nebulosum with contrasting yellow and blackish patterns (1955:Figs. 3B [dorsal] and 5 A [ventral, transposed from Fig. 4B]) in pine forest of the Mogollon Rim (including type locality, San Francisco Mountains area) in central Arizona. Lowe (1955:246) also described A. t. utahense (hereafter as “ utahense ”), type locality in Uintah County, eastern Utah, characterized by an ab¬ sence of dorsal yellow spots with upper surfaces uniformly gray, brownish or black¬ ish-brown, or with darker spots in transformed salamanders (larvae not mentioned), and noted the holotype of utahense as illustrated in Stebbins (1951:165, as “nebulosum”). Gehlbach (1965:260) commented on nebulosum from the Zuni Moun- page 136 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 tains in west-central New Mexico, and elsewhere, concluding smaller yellow-spot¬ ted nebulosum- like subadults as an ontogenetic variant of larger dark-brown, black- spotted utahense- like adults, and concluded the two taxa synonymous. Gehlbach (1965:262) also recorded silvensis- like larvae from Catron County, New Mexico as “...heavily spotted or mottled with brown and black.” Fernandez and Collins (1988) also concurred in non-recognition of utahense since utahense-like morphs evolved among an array of color and pattern variation instigated by environmental manipula¬ tion (background matching in concert with ontogenetic variation) of three captive samples (larvae and adults) of nebulosum from central Arizona. Reese (“1972”[1973]:136, as nebulosum) described the A. tigrinum population in south¬ western Colorado as not having dorsal yellow spots, and larvae (p. 137) as dark olive to dark brown with dorsolateral black spots; he also regarded utahense and A. t. melanostictum (also no dorsal yellow spots) as synonymous, and recognized intergra¬ dation between A. t. mavortium (hereafter as “ mavortium ”) and nebulosum (his Fig. 4) along “...the eastern slope of the mountains. ..to an elevation of approximately 8000 feet.” Hammerson (1999) also commented on variation and nebulosum! mavortium intergradation in Colorado; his color photo (1999:P1. 7.2) of a patternless transformed adult from Jackson County, Colorado is similar to Durango metamorphs of A. silvensis . Of interest relative to utahense is the distinctiveness of Shaffer and McKnight’s populations 13 and 14 (1996:Figs. 5-7, as “South-Central Colorado”). Jones and Collins (1992) documented allele interchange (and unidirectional varia¬ tion westward) in a contact zone between nebulosum and mavortium in west-central New Mexico (perhaps also in the Zuni Mountains, Gehlbach, 1965, and elsewhere), and Jones et al. (1995) determined that A. t. stebbinsi in south-central Arizona origi¬ nated from hybridization of mavortium and nebulosum. In any case, Ambystoma silvensis in the Sierra Madre highlands of Durango shows morphological resemblance to Lowe’s utahense (and not to yellow-spotted/ marked individuals of nebulosum). So far as known the developmental pattern se¬ quence of larvae to transformed adults in A. silvensis does not include any dorsal yellow markings. Gill raker counts are lower for Durango larvae (mean ca. 16.9) than recorded counts of nebulosum (averaging about 19-21, see Gehlbach, 1965; Reese, “1972”[1973]), but only 17.7 (16-20, n = 59) for a Vallecillos, Chihuahua sample (Collins, 1979:Table 3, as A. t. velasci). Reese (“1972”[1973]:131) noted no differ¬ ence in gill raker number of A. tigrinum subspecies in Colorado (melanostictum, nebulosum, mavortium, with respective means of 21.08, 21.90, and 21.49). Irschick and Shaffer (1997:33, 43) noted that gill raker number tends to vary only slightly within populations and greatly among taxa, and (p. 34) is most effective in discrimi¬ nating groups. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 137 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 More encompassing and detailed studies of Ambystoma tigrinum- like sala¬ manders in Mexico are needed. The tentative status of the Mexican Plateau popula¬ tions here treated as A. subsalsum (Aguascalientes, Durango, San Luis Potosf, Zacatecas) and affinity with A. flavipiperatum (Dixon, 1963) and A, amblycephalum (Taylor, 1940) require additional scrutiny and confirmation. Hopefully this discourse with its insufficientcies will provide a background stimulus for further refinement by future investigators. Acknowledgments I thank the curators/assistants for the loan of specimens and/or information, Linda S. Ford (AMNH), Jens V. Vindum and Rhonda S. Lucas (CAS), Alan Resetar (FMNH), Jose Rosado (MCZ), Barbara R Stein (MVZ), Rosanne Humphrey (UCM), and Jonathan Campbell (UTA). Carl S. Lieb (UTEP) photographed specimens (Figs. 1 and 4), and William P. MacKay (UTEP) aided in preparing original photographs for electronic transmittal Literature Cited Brandon, R.A. 1988. Nomenclatural and taxonomic status of Ambystoma lacustris . Herpetologica, 44(4):427-430. 1989. Natural history of the axolotl and its relationship to other ambystomatid salamanders. Pp. 13-21 , in J.B. Armstrong and G.M. Malacinski (eds.), Developmental Biology of the Axolotl Ox¬ ford Univ. Press, Inc., New York, xi+320 pp. Brandon, R.A., E .J. Maruska, and W.T. Rurnph, 1981. A new species of neotenic Ambystoma (Amphibia, Caudata) en¬ demic to Laguna Alchichica, Puebla, Mexico. Bull Southern California Acad. Scl, 80(3): 112-125. Collins, IP. 1 979. Sexually mature larvae of the salamanders Ambystoma rosaceum and A. tigrinum velasci from Chihuahua, Mexico: taxonomic and ecologic notes. J. Herpetol., 13(3):35 1-354. page 138 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Conant, R. 2003. Observations on garter snakes of the Thamnophis eques complex in the lakes of Mexico’s Transvolcanic Belt, with descriptions of new taxa. Amer. Mus. Novitates, (3406): 1-64. Dixon, J.R. 1 963. A new species of salamander of the genus Ambystoma from Jalisco, Mexico. Copeia, 1963(1):99~101 . Dominguez, P., T. Alvarez, and R Huerta. “1974” [1977]. Coleccion de anfibios y reptiles del noroeste de Chihuahua[,] Mexico. Rev. Soc. Mex. Hist. Nat., 35:117-142. Duges, A. “1891” [1888]. Erpetologia del Valle de Mexico. LaNaturaleza, Ser. 2, 1:97-145, pis. XI-XIII (printed cover date of issue, 1888 [cuademos 2-4, pp. 49-192; see Smith entry below, 1942]). Fernandez, P.J., Jr., and J.P. Collins. 1988. Effect of environment and ontogeny on color pattern variation in Arizona tiger salamanders ( Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum Hallo well). Copeia, 1988(4):928-938. Flores- Villela, O. 1993. Herpetofauna Mexicana. Carnegie Mus. Natur. Hist., Spec. Publ. (17):iv+73 pp. Gehlbach, F.R. 1965. Herpetology of the Zuni Mountains region, northwestern New Mexico. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 116(3505):243-332. 1967. Ambystoma tigrinum. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept., 52:1-4. Hallowell, E. “1852” [1853]. On a new genus and three new species of reptiles inhabiting North America. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 6(6):206-209. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 139 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 1853. Reptiles. Pp. 106-147, pis. 1-20, in L. Sitgreaves, Report of an expedition down the Zuni and Colorado rivers. 32d Congress, 2d Session, Senate Exec. Doc. 59, Robert Armstrong, Washington, 198 pp, 77 pis, foldout map (reprinted 1854, 33d Congress, lsl Session, Beverley Tucker [Senate Printer], Washington, 198 pp, 73 pis., map). Hammerson, G.A. 1 999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. Second Edition. Univ. Press Colorado, Niwot, Colorado, xxvi+[2]+484 pp. ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature). 1999. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Fourth Edition. Intemat’l Trust Zool. Nomencl., London, xxix+306 pp. (publ. 10 August 1999). Irschick, D.J., and H.B. Shaffer. 1997. The polytypic species revisited: morphological differentiation among tiger salamanders {Amby stoma tigrinum) (Amphibia: Caudata). Herpetologica, 53(l):30-49. Jones, T.R., and J.P. Collins. 1992. Analysis of a hybrid zone between subspecies of the tiger sala¬ mander {Amby stoma tigrinum ) in central New Mexico, USA. J. Evol. Biol., 5:375- 402. Jones, T.R., J.P. Collins, T.D. Kocher, and J.B. Mitton. 1988. Systematic status and distribution of Amby stoma tigrinum stebbinsi Lowe (Amphibia: Caudata). Copeia, 1988(3):621-635. Jones, T.R., E.J. Routman, D.J. Begun, and J.P. Collins. 1995. Ancestry of an isolated subspecies of salamander, Amby stoma tigrinum stebbinsi Lowe: the evolutionary significance of hybrid¬ ization. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol., 4(2): 194-202. Krebs, S.L., and R.A. Brandon. 1984. A new species of salamander (Family Ambystomatidae) from Michoacan, Mexico. Herpetologica, 40(3):238-245. Lauder, G.V., and H.B. Shaffer. 1985. Functional morphology of the feeding mechanism in aquatic ambystomatid salamanders. J. Morph., 185(3):297-326. page 140 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Lemos-Espinal, J.A., H.M. Smith, and D. Chiszar. 2004. Introduction to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the State of Chi¬ huahua, Mexico. Univ. Nac. Auton. Mexico, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de Mexico, Mexico, [viii]+128 pp. (Spanish and English texts). Lowe, C.H., Jr. 1955. The salamanders of Arizona. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 58(2):237- 251. Reese, R.W. 1971. Notes on a small herpetological collection from northeastern Mexico. J. Herpetol., 5(l-2):67-69. 1972 [1973]. The taxonomy and distribution of the tiger salamander in Colo¬ rado. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 75(2): 128-140 (published 17 April 1973). Shaffer, H.B. 1 983. Biosystematics of Amby stoma rosaceum and A. tigrinum in north¬ western Mexico. Copeia, 1983(l):67-78. 1984a. Evolution in a paedomorphic lineage. I. An electrophoretic analysis of the Mexican ambystomatid salamanders. Evolution, 38(6): 1194- 1206. 1984b. Evolution in a paedomorphic lineage. II. Allometry and form in the Mexican ambystomatid salamanders. Evolution, 38(6): 1207- 1218. .. and M.L. McKnight. 1996. The polytypic species revisited: genetic differentiation and mo¬ lecular phylogenetics of the tiger salamander Amby stoma tigrinum (Amphibia: Caudata) complex. Evolution, 50(1 ):4 17-433. Smith, H.M. 1942. The publication dates of “La Naturaleza.” Lloydia, 5:95-96 (see Duges entry above). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 141 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 _ and W.L. Necker. 1943” [1944]. Alfredo Duges’ types of Mexican reptiles and amphibians. Anal. Esc. Nac. Cien. Biol., 3(1 -2): 179-233, pis. I-VII. _ _ and R.B. Smith. 1993. Synopsis of the Herpetofauna of Mexico. Volume VII. Biblio¬ graphic Addendum IV and Index, Bibliographic Addenda II-IV 1979-1991. Uni v. Press Colorado, Niwot, Colorado, ix+1082 pp. _ _ and E.H. Taylor. 1 948. An annotated checklist and key to the Amphibia of Mexico. Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., (194):iv+118. Stebbins, R.C. 1951. Amphibians of Western North America. Univ. California Press, Berkeley, California, xvii+539 pp. Tanner, W.W. 1989. Amphibians of western Chihuahua. Great Basin Natur., 49(1):38- 70. Taylor, E.H. “1938” [1939]. Concerning Mexican salamanders. Univ. Kansas Sci. Bull., 25( 14):259-3 1 3 (publ. 10 July 1939). 1940. New salamanders from Mexico, with a discussion of certain known forms. Univ. Kansas Sci. Bull., 26(12):407-439. 1943. Anew ambystomid salamander adapted to brackish water. Copeia, 1943(3): 1 51-156. 1944. A new ambystomid salamander from the plateau region of Mexico. Univ. Kansas Sci. Bull., 30, Pt. I(5):57-61. , and H.M. Smith. 1 945 . Summary of the collections of amphibians made in Mexico under the Walter Rathbone Bacon Traveling Scholarship. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 95(3 1 85):521-61 3, pis. 18-32. page 142 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Vasquez-Biaz, J., and G.E. Quintero-Diaz. “1997” [1998]. Anfibios y Reptiles de Aguascalientes. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Multidisciplenarios de Aguascalientes, A. C. Gobiemo del Estado de Aguascalientes, 145 pp. Vasquez-Diaz, J., G.E. Quitero-Dfaz, and A. Ramirez-Bautista. 1998. Geographic distribution. Caudata. Amby stoma tigrinum (Tiger Salamander). Herpetol. Rev., 29(3): 171. Velasco, J.M. 1879. Descripcion, metamorfosis y costumbres de una especie nueva del genero Siredon encontrada en el Lago de Santa Isabel, cerca de la Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, Valle de Mexico. La Naturaleza, 4:209-233, pis. VII-IX. RGW: Department of Biological Sciences , University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-0519. Email: rgwebb@utep.edu Received: 14 April 2004 Accepted: 1 May 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 143 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 A Review of the Taxonomic Status of the Members of the Sonora michoacanensis Group (Serpentes: Colubridae) Paulino Ponce-Campos, Hobart M. Smith, Herberts . Harris, Jr., and David Chiszar Abstract The taxa long regarded as subspecies of Sonora michoacanensis (S. m. michoacanensis, S. m. mutabilis) are here regarded as species, based on the existence of a categorical difference between the two taxa (tail ringed or not), dichopatry, habi¬ tat difference and absence of known intergradation. We revive Sonora aequalis as a valid species, based on a unique pattern as demonstrated by newly reported material. Resumen Los taxones considerados por largo tiempo como subspecie de Sonora michoacanensis (S. m. michoacanensis, S . m. mutabilis) aquf son considerados como especies, basados en la existencia de una diferencia categorica entre los dos taxones (cola anillada o no), dicopatria, diferencias en habitat y la ausencia de intergradaciOn. Nosotros revivimos a Sonora aequalis como especie valida, basado en el patron de coloration unico como demuestra el nuevo material reportado. Contia michoacanensis Duges in Cope (1885) was described from a single specimen from “Michoacan,” Mexico. The type presumably was in the Museo Alfredo Duges of the Colegio del Estado de Guanajuato, in Cd. Guanajuato, at one time, but it could not be found there when a search was made in the early 1940’s (Smith and Necker, 1943). A different specimen was there, from “Guerrero,” but it was not des¬ ignated as a type. Shekel (1943) designated BMNH 1903.3.21, from “Michoacan”, as neotype. The species was subsequently shifted from Contia to various other nominal genera: Homalocranium (Gunther, 1895), Elapomorphus (Cope, 1895), Scolecophis (Boulenger, 1896), and Sonora (Dunn, 1928). Taylor (1937) added its only synonym: Sonora erythrura, misidentifying some S. m. mutabilis as S. michoacanensis. His work is the first and only one, prior to the present, to regard the two taxa as different page 144 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 species, although with wrong names. The type of S. erythrura is now UIMNH 25063 (Smith et al., 1964). What Taylor (1937) regarded as S. michoacanensis, from near Magdalena, Jalisco, was described by Shekel (1943) as S. michoacanensis mutabilis. The type is now FMNH 105297 (Marx, 1976). Specimens of that taxon were known as early as 1895 (Gunther: 150, pi. 36, B, C, color), from Mezquital del Oro, Zacatecas, in the British Museum, although they were regarded as Homalocranium michoacanensis. The only specimens available to Stickel (1943) of S. m. mutabilis were the above cited specimens, and three from “Distrito Federal”. The latter certainly have incor¬ rect data, as was pointed out first by Zweifel (1959). Since then specimens have been recorded from Jesus Marfa, Nayarit (Malkin, 1958; Zweifel, 1959); Plomosas, Sinaloa (Frost, 1979); 6.5 km S Tecalitlan, Jalisco (Echtemacht, 1973); and 8.8 km S Moyahua, Zacatecas (Echtemacht, 1973, in error). Two specimens are in the Bosque Tropical collection, Guadalajara, Jalisco. One (BT,M-30) is from an unknown locality (prob¬ ably the vicinity of Guadalajara), and the other (BTM-28) is from Villa Hermosa, nr Palo Gordo, Barranca del Rio Santiago, mpio Zapopan (20°55,41.1”N, 103°36’25.8”W, 1302 m. Another was taken by PPG and J. A. Campbell in mpio Bolanos, Jalisco (21°52’32”N, 103°49,40.8”W, 1690 m). A map showing localities then known is in Echtemacht (1973). On the other hand, numerous reports of S. m. michoacanensis exist. Stickel (1943) recorded specimens from Guerrero and Michoacan, and since then other records have appeared for Colima (Harris and Simmons, 1 970, from betw Tecoman and Boca de Apiza) (Figure 1), Guerrero (Echtemacht, 1973; Flores-Villela et al., 1991; Hall, 1951; Saldana and Perez, 1987), Michoacan (Duellman, 1961; Echtemacht, 1973; Lawson and Vaeth, 1983; Schmidt and Shannon, 1947), Morelos (Castro-Franco, 1987; Flores-Villela et al., 1991) and Puebla (Fugler and Dixon, 1958; 10 km SE Matamoros). Thus the range of S. m. michoacanensis is reasonably well outlined, “in semiarid and arid habitats from the upper Balsas basin in Puebla westward [through Guerrero] to the lower slopes of the Sierra de Coalcoman [Michoacan, and to south¬ ern Colima]” (Duellman, 1961). The entire range is limited to the Balsas River Ba¬ sin, except for the slight extension westward along the coast of southern Colima. On the contrary, S. m. mutabilis inhabits the humid “foothills of the Sierra Madre Occi¬ dental” (Duellman, 1961) northward from southern Jalisco to northern Nayarit and southern Zacatecas. These two ranges are separated, their habitats are different, a categorical difference in tail pattern exists between the two taxa, and no intergrades are known. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 145 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Figure 1. Sonora michoacanensis , collected July 1966, on a dry paved rd., between Tecoman and Boca de Apiza, Colima, Mexico. These data indicate that those two taxa are independent species, S. michoacanensis and S. mutabilis. The pattern in these two species is basically BRB-Y-BRB (The yellow bands become whitish in preservative), and the bands are usually incomplete ventrally, oc¬ casionally complete. There is considerable variation, but it is mostly in degree of splitting of the black bands; in most they are separated from each other by a relatively lengthy band of red. In others, the long black bands on part of the body are only partially split on the sides, or not split at all. Thus in some specimens the pattern on part of the body may be B-Y-B-Y. Stickel (1943) conjectured that the michoacanensis group, with its compli¬ cated tricolor pattern, evolved from the relatively simple-patterned semiannulatus group, or from a common ancestor of the two. Echternacht (1973) elaborated on that concept, portraying diagrammatically the transition in pattern from one extreme to the other. He hypothesized that the primitive dorsal pattern of white (yellowish?) and black bands and red venter was gradually modified by progressive invasion of red from the venter to the dorsum, into the relatively long black bands, ultimately split- page 146 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 ting them and forming relatively long triads of BRB (mostly red, with narrow black borders) separated by narrow whitish/yellowish bands. Intermediate stages are well represented in both S. michoacanensis and S. mutabilis. Especially revealing are those specimens in which red is present to various degrees on the lower sides of some of the relatively long black bands that are not fully split. However, questions remain. Shekel (1943) described a single specimen (now MCZ 6444), of ancient vintage and without locality data but thought to be from Mexico, that he regarded as a member of the S. michoacanensis group, but of no known species. Smith and Taylor (1945) named it S. aequalis , but added no informa¬ tion. The nominal species remained enigmatic until Echtemacht (1973) reported and illustrated a specimen from 8.8 km S Moyahua, Zacatecas (KU 106286), that matches the pattern of S. aequalis , which he synonymized with S. m. mutabilis. We here report four others in the BT collection, from central Jalisco, that likewise have that pattern: BT,M-25, Santa Anita, mpio Tlajomulco; BT,M-26, Bar¬ ranca del Rfo Santiago, mpio Zapopan; BT,M-27, Barranca del Rio Santiago N Guadalajara, rd to Zacatecas; BT,M-29, Barranca del Rio Santiago, nr Guadalajara, mpio Zapopan. One other (now in UTA) was taken by PPG and J. A. Campbell in mpio Bolanos, Jalisco (21°52’32”N, 103°49’40.8”W, 1690 m). Thus six specimens other than the type are now known, all from northern and central Jalisco and adjacent Zacatecas. This new material indicates that the S. aequalis pattern differs from that of S. mutabilis and S. michoacanensis in both origin and structure. Assuming that both evolved from S. semiannulata-Mkc ancestors, their paths diverged early, with S. aequalis changing basically just by the dark bands remaining short and becoming black, and the interspaces becoming orange. The length of the interspaces varies somewhat, occasionally being short enough that the adjacent black bands are very close to each other or are partially fused middorsally. In such cases the lower lateral remnants of the light color are orange. No red or yellow occurs on any part of the body or tail in any specimen examined, and there is no evidence of lateral splitting of the dark bands - only fusion. The unique path of evolution of the pattern and color of S. aequalis leaves it distinguished from S. michoacanensis and S. mutabilis by (1) complete absence of yellow bands on any part of body or tail (vs presence); (2) complete absence of red (orange instead) on any part of body or tail (vs presence); and (3) single black bands for the most part more or less equal in length to their interspaces (vs bands twice as long or longer, including their red enclosures, where present). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 147 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 The taxonomic status of S. aequalis is uncertain even with this new material. We regard it as a distinct species because of the preceding arguments. If our specula¬ tion regarding the evolution of its pattern is correct, then it would be recognized that the pattern of S. aequalis evolved independent of that in S. michoacanensis and S. mutahilis. There are no differences in scalation, but there are none between S. michoacanensis and S. mutabilis. S. aequalis is at least partially sympatric with S. mutahilis, but their integrity nevertheless would be maintained if the pattern (or other) differences serve as isolating mechanisms. Such an example exists in Sceloporus megalepidurus and S. pictus, which differ only in male pattern but still are partially sympatric and maintain their separate identity. Acknowledgments This work is based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant no. DEB-0102383 to Jonathan A. Campbell. We are much indebted also to Rodolfo Romero for his help. Literature Cited Boulenger, G. A. 1896. Catalogue of the snakes in the British Museum (Natural His¬ tory). Vol. III. London, British Mus. Nat. Hist. Castro-Franco, R. 1987. New records of reptiles from the Mexican state of Morelos. Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 22: 69-70. Cope, E. D. 1885. Twelfth contribution to the herpetology of tropical America. Proc. Am. Philos. Soc. 22: 167-194. 1895. The classification of the Ophidia. Trans. Am. Philos. Soc. 18: 1 86- 219. Duel] man, W. E. 1961. The amphibians and reptiles of Michoacan, Mexico. Univ. Kan¬ sas Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist. 15: 1-148. Dunn, E. R. 1 928. New Central American snakes in the American Museum of Natural History. Am. Mus. Novit. (314): 1-4. page 148 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Echtemacht, A, C. 1 973. The color pattern of Sonora michoacanensis (Duges) (Serpen tes, Colubridae) and its bearing on the origin of the species. Breviora Mus. Comp. Zool. (410): 1-18. Flores- Villela, O. A., E. llernandez-Garcia and A. Nieto-Montes de Oca. 1991 . Catalogo de anfibios y reptiles del Museo de Zoologia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Mexico, D. E, UNAM. Frost, D. 1979. Geographic distribution: Sonora michoacanensis mutabilis. Herp. Rev. 10: 60. Fugler, C. M. and J. R. Dixon. 1958. Noteworthy snakes from Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. Herpetologica 14: 185-188. Gunther, A. C. L. G. 1 885- 1 902. Biologia Centrali- Americana. London, Porter. Hall, C. W. 1951. Notes on a small herpetological collection from Guerrero. Kan¬ sas Univ. Sci. Bull. 34: 201-212. Harris, H. S., Jr. and R. S. Simmons. 1 970. A Sonora michoacanensis michoacanensis from Colima, Mexico. Bull. Maryland Herp. Soc. 6: 6. Lawson, R. and R. H. Vaeth. 1983. Life history notes: Sonora michoacanensis. Herp. Rev. 14: 20- 22. Malkin, B. 1958. Cora ethnozoology, herpetological knowledge; a bioecological and cross cultural approach. Anthrop. Q. 31: 73-90. Marx, H. 1976. Supplementary catalogue of type specimens of reptiles and am¬ phibians in Field Museum of Natural History. Fieldiana Zool. 69: 33-94. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 149 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 Saldana de la Riva, L. and E. Perez-Ramos. 1987. Herpetofauna del Estado de Guerrero, Mexico. Mexico, D. E, Univ. NaL Am Mexico. Tesis Prof, x, 389 pp. Schmidt, K. P. and R A. Shannon. 1947. Notes on amphibians and reptiles of Michoacan, Mexico. Fieldiana Zool 31: 63-85. Smith, I I M., D. A. Langebartel and K. L. Williams. 1964. Herpetological type-specimens in the University of Illinois Mu¬ seum of Natural History. Illinois Biol Mon. (32). Smith, H. M. and W. L. Necker. 1943. Alfredo Duges’ types of Mexican reptiles and amphibians. An. Esc. Nac. Cien. Biol. 3: 179-233. Shekel, W. H. 1943. The Mexican snakes of the genera Sonora and Chionactis with notes on the status of other colubrid genera, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 56: 109-128. Taylor, E. H. 1937. A new snake of he genus Sonora from Mexico with comments on S. michoacanensis. Herpetologica 1 : 69-72. Zweifel, R. G. 1 959. Additions to the herpetofauna of Nayarit, Mexico. Am. Mus. Novit. (1953): M3. PPC: Bosque Tropical , A. C., A. P 5-5/5, Guadalajara , Jalisco, 45042 Mexico . ( poncecp @ hotmail. com ) HMS » DC: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, Colorado , 80309-0334 USA . ( hsmith @ Colorado, edu; chiszar@ clipr. Colorado, edu ) HSH: Dept, of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, 2643 N. Charles St, Baltimore , Maryland, 21218, USA. (hsharris@juno.com) Received 27 February 2004 Accepted 14 August 2004 page 1 50 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society September 2004 Volume 40 Number 3 _ r _ _ News and Notes _ _ . . ociety Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 News and Notes Book Review: Dodd, C. Kenneth Jr, 2004, The Amphibians of Great Smoky Moun- tains National Park, University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville. 283 pp., illustrated. Soft Cover. ISBN 1-57233*275-1. $29.95. The author has put together a long awaited compendium on the amphibian fauna of the most visited National Park in the eastern United States. Willis King (1939) and Huheey and Stupka (1967) provided the first publications fully devoted to covering the herpetofauna of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, although this book was illustrated with b/w photographs, whereas the present volume is supple¬ mented with color photographs of adult and larval stages of a great many species. The introduction provides information on species name formation and present taxonomic interpretation on the species level, followed by a brief review of amphib¬ ian body form, evolution, biodiversity, species richness, and biogeography. This is followed by brief discussions on natural history, and an historical summary of pio¬ neer work in the Smokies; with photographs of Willis King, and Arthur Stupka. The ancient history and geological section provides a brief review of the geology, physiography, and biota of the Great Smoky Mountains, followed by com¬ ments on the climactic , and vegetational communities found within the region. The author provides an excellent review of the human impact on amphibian fauna in the Great Smoky Mountains, with excellent reviews on the habitat changes, commercial timbering, effects of dam and reservoir construction on habitat, park development, road construction and tourists, along with external threats caused by pollution, acid rain, ozone levels, introduction of nonindigenous species, disease, and conservation. The species accounts covers 31 species of salamanders and 13 species of frogs, including excellent information on etymology, identification which includes information on larvae, eggs, similar species and taxonomic comments, followed by sections on distribution, life history, abundance and status, and finally remarks on mortality and noxious skin secretions when applicable. And added feature is a table providing information on individual species of caudata egg deposition, hatching, lar¬ val period, hatchling size, size and time of metamorphosis, dorsal pattern, body pat¬ tern and other vital comments for identification of each species. page 1 52 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 News and Notes .Each species is illustrated with color photographs, larvae, eggs, anu- ran mouthparts, and excellent distributional spot maps showing collecting, or obser¬ vation sites within the park. The habitat change section is also extensively illustrated with excellent color photographs of historical sites, followed by a 124 citation litera¬ ture cited, and index. This volume will certainly not only be an additional source for am¬ phibian ecology, but a must for anyone interested in eastern United States herpetofauna. The cover design is attractive, and contents extremely well written and supurbly il¬ lustrated. The cost is affordable for anyone interested in the Smokies, and a wonder¬ ful guide for anyone hiking the Appalachian Trail, or spending a weekly vacation in one of natures wonders. Literature Cited: Huheey, James E. and Arthur Stupka. 1967. Amphibians and Reptiles of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Univ. Tennessee Press, Knoxville. King, Willis. 1939. A herpetological survey of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. American Midi. Nat. 21:531-582. Harlan D. Walley, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois 60115. Received 1 9 March 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 153 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 News and Notes Book Review: Donald G. Rroadley, Craig T. Duria and Jurgen Wigge, Chimaira, Frank¬ furt am Main. Snakes of Zambia, 2003. Available at: Zoo Book Sales,, P. O. Box 405, Lanesboro, MN 55949, or www.chimaira.de. $49.94 Cloth bound. As has been standard practice for the eminent herpetologist on the herpetofauna of Africa, D.G. Broadly has produced another most informative vol¬ ume, of the highest quality available in the field of present day state and regional herpetology. The present volume provides the first book dealing with the systematics, ecol¬ ogy and zoogeography of the Bambian serpentine fauna. Previous works by Pitman (1934), Vesey-FitzGerald (1958), Doria and Nyirenda (1995), and Haagner et al. (2000) have provided check lists or keys, along with important information which has provided important data for the present author in compiling such a monumental work, which is highlighted with 174 superb color photographs of the environment, and species covered within the text. The text opens with a brief introduction to the Zambian environment, along with a brief discussion of the origin, external anatomy; growth and size, reproduc¬ tion, and defensive mechanisms of Zambian snakes. This is followed by a systematic list of the snakes found within Zambia, and key for identification. The systematic species accounts span some 194 pages covering 90 species of snakes found within the Zambian herpetofauna, each of which is provided with the scientific name, common name, diagnosis, description, size, coloration, distribution and habitat, along with field notes and comments for each species. Each species is superbly illustrated with color close-ups of high quality, along with an additional 56 line drawings which provide detailed views of dorsal, lateral and ventral aspects of the head for family identification and for pointing out distinctive characteristics of the major venomous species. The closing section covers snake venoms and treatment of venomous snake¬ bite, which provides vital information regarding the most venomous species, along with information regarding comment on avoiding snake bite, management, treatment with regard to spitting cobra venom in the eyes, along with all aspects for the preven- page 154 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 News and Notes tion and treatment of envenomation. This section is followed by a bibliography of 122 references pertaining to different aspects of the herpetofauna of Zambia. For anyone interested in the herpetofauna of Africa on an overall basis, this volume should certainly be on the top priority list of field guides and monumental works on the field of Africa herpetology. The authors and Chimaira Press should certain be commended for such a monu¬ mental work of such high standards. Literature Cited: Doiria, C. and P. Nyirenda. 1995. A Guide to Snakes of Luangwa Valley. Wildl. Conserv. Soc. of Zambia, Chipata Branch. 107 pp. Haagner, G.V., W.R. Branch and A.J.F. Haagner. 2000. Notes on a collection of reptiles from Zambia and adjacent areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ann. Eastern Cape Museums 1:1-25. Pitman, C.R.S. 1 934. A check list of the Reptilia and Amphibia occurring and believed to occur in Northern Rhodesia. In: Report on a Faunal Survey of Northern Rhodesia, Government Printers, Livingston. Vesey-FrizGerald, D.F. 1958. The snakes of Northern Rhodesia and the Tanganyika borderlands. Proc. Trans. Rhod. Sci. Assoc. 46:17-102. Harlan D. Walley, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois 60115. Received: 19 March 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 155 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 News and Notes Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 410-580-0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows. Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts. OUR CURRENT NEEDS: • Outdoor Shed • Power & Hand Tools • Bleach • Paper Towels • Copy Paper • Piece of Property with a Building www.reptileinfo.com page 1 56 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 News and Notes WANTED: Shed skins. I am studying the sheds of eastern North American snake for the purpose of developing an identification key. If you keep any of the following species, would you consider providing me with sheds? I need sheds from: Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen, Carphophis amoenus ssp., Cemophora coccinea, Clonophis kirtlandii, Coluber constrictor ssp., Elaphe gloydii , E. guttata , Farancia abacura ssp., F erytrogramma ssp., Heterodon platirhinos, Lampropeltis calligaster, L. g. getula, L. g. niger, Nerodia erythrogaster ssp., N. taxispilota , Opheodrys aestivus, Pituophis melanoleucus ssp., Regina rigida ssp. Sistrurus catenatus ssp., Tantilla coronata, Thamnophis butleri, T. radix, T. sauritus ssp., Virginia striatula , and V valeriae ssp. For more information on how you can help with this project, please conact me at the following address: Brian S. Gray, Serpent’s Cast Identification Ser¬ vices, 1217 Clifton Drive, Erie, PA 16505-5215 or call (814) 833-1074. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 57 Volume 40 Number 3 September 2004 News and Notes page 158 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society C: ‘ t . ' lei page 159 Society Publication Back issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $. 25/page. Information for Authors All correspondence should be addressed to the Executive Editor. Manu¬ scripts being submitted for publication should be typewritten (double spaced) on good quality 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper with adequate margins. Submit origi¬ nal and first carbon, retaining the second carbon. If entered on a word proces¬ sor, also submit diskette and note word processor and operating system used. Indicate where illustrations or photographs are to appear in text. Cite all lit¬ erature used at end in alphabetical order by author. Major papers are those over five pages (double spaced, elite type) and must include an abstract. The authors name should be centered under the title, and the address is to follow the Literature Cited. Minor papers are those pa¬ pers with fewer than five pages. Author’s name is to be placed at end of paper (see recent issue). For additional information see Style Manual for Biological Journals (1964), American Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016. Reprints are available at $.07 a page and should be ordered when manu¬ scripts are submitted or when proofs are returned. Minimum order is 100 reprints. Either edited manuscript or proof will be returned to author for ap¬ proval or correction. The author will be responsible for all corrections to proof, and must return proof preferably within seven days. The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. 2643 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES 3 9088 01118 2938 US ISSN: 0025-4231 CoHQ 3 BULLETIN OF THE mil ^Jftarylanb f)Ecpeto logical ©odety DEPARTMENT OF HERPETOLOGY THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARYLAND, INC. MDHS . A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 4 JAN & I auu5 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 CONTENTS Morphological Variation in Larvae of Bufo viridis and Bufo bufo (Anura: Bufonidae) in Central Poland John K. Korky . .. . . 161 The Status of Rhinocheilus antonii Duges (Reptilia: Serpentes) Hobart M. Smith, Julio A. Lemos-Espinal and David Chiszarl74 Coelomic Endoparasites in four species of Colubrid Snakes, Drymobius margaritiferus, Masticophis mentovarius, Salvadora mexicana and Trimorphodon tau from Mexico Stephen R. Goldberg and Charles R. Bursey . . . 179 A Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon sinus) of Record Size Jeffrey C. Beane . . . . . . . . 184 The Occurrence of Malformed Southern Toads (Bufo terrestris) from Florida Gerald R. Johnston . . . . . 186 Miscellaneous Comments on Select Maryland Amphibians and Reptiles Herbert S. Harris, Jr. . . . . . . 189 A Longevity Record for the Mexican Cross-banded Mountain Rattlesnake ( Crotalus transversus) Robert W. Bryson, Jr. and David Lazcano . 196 Book Review Harlan D. Walley and Theresa L. Wusterbarth . . . . 199 Book Review Harlan D. Walley . . . . . 201 Book Review Harlan D. Walley and Theresa L. Wusterbarth . . . 203 Book Review Harlan D. Walley and Theresa L. Wusterbarth . . 205 BULLETIN OF THE mM)s Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society” newsletter and on the website, www.naturalhistory.org. Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Morphological Variation in Larvae of Bufo viridis and Bufo bufo (Anura: Bufonidae) in Central Poland John K. Korky Bufo viridis Lauren ti, 1768 and Bufo bufo Linnaeus, 1758 larvae from three different ponds in central Poland, total n = 80, were analyzed for 1 8 external morpho¬ logical characters by means of descriptive univariate and multivariate statistical analy¬ ses. Correct assignment of Bufo bufo tadpoles to locality by discriminant function analysis was 100%. Stepwise discriminant analysis provided a list of the 5 variables most useful as predictors of location. Principal components analysis was used to determine which variables accounted for most of the variance in the data. The effect of phenotypic plasticity on growth, the oral apparatus, and external morphological features is discussed. Introduction Amphibian field studies have long been an important investigational tool to determine variation with differing geographic locality Korky and Webb (2001), and to document species distribution Korky and Webb (1999). Now, given the emphasis on biodiversity studies relative to the global decline of amphibians, such studies are of increased necessity to monitor populations, determine causes of change, and sug¬ gest conservation measures to offset the decline Korky and Webb (1999). As a result, an enormous informational database on global amphibian decline has developed. Cogent overviews of the crisis are provided by Wake (1998), Alford and Richards (1999), Houlahan et al. (2000), Myers et al. (2000), Kiesecker et al. (2001), and Semlitsch (2003). Numerous government- affiliated and NGO websites serve as clear¬ inghouses for amphibian data. They are too numerous to list but may be accessed under the internet search topic: amphibian decline/malformation. Since adult malfor¬ mations often originate within the larval limb bud stage, studies of larvae are war¬ ranted beyond the fact only about one third of adult amphibian species larvae have been described McDiarmid and Altig (1999: 2). Additionally, novel aspects of larval behavior, e.g. kin recognition, cannibalism, and predator presence synergistically amplifying pesticide exposure, make larvae inherently interesting organisms Milius (2002). The purpose of this study is to: 1) document geographic variation of 18 ex¬ ternal morphological characters of larvae from selected sites using descriptive statis- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 161 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 tics ; 2) determine if larvae could be correctly assigned to site by discriminant func¬ tion analysis using selected variables; 3) determine which variables were most criti¬ cal in determining location by a stepwise discriminant analysis with stepwise selec¬ tion; 4) determine which variables account for the majority of the variance in the selected morphometric character states utilizing principal components analysis; and 5) comment on various published accounts of the number of anuran species in Po¬ land. Material and Methods Fieldwork in May and June 1994 resulted in the collection of various num¬ ber of larvae, total n = 80, from three localities. Collection data and brief habitat descriptions of the three localities are noted below (numbers refer to Figure 1 ). Geo¬ graphical coordinates are included for sites. 1. Urban pond in Zoliborz, Warsaw, Woj. Miasto, 52°12'N - 21°02' E, 9 June, n = 31. 2. Forest pond , Czemice Borowe, Woj. Mazowieckie, 53°02' N - 20°43' E, 2 June, n = 23. 3. Pond vie. village, Czemice Borowe, Woj. Mazowieckie, 53°02' N - 20°43' E, 23 May, n = 26. The terms “larvae” and “tadpoles” are used interchangeably. Larvae were staged according to Gosner (1960). Descriptive features follow Altig (1970), and McDiarmid and Altig (1999). Larvae were seined with a mesh hand-net, and preserved in 10% buffered formalin. Larvae are in the custody of the author. All morphometric variables were measured using calipers and a binocular dissecting microscope and ocular micrometer calibrated to the nearest 0. 1 mm. Some specimens had missing or damaged characters. Statistical procedures were performed with SAS for Windows (ver. 6.12). Descriptive statistical analysis utilized 18 variables for the three localities. The eigh¬ teenth variable, developmental stage, is not evenly distributed across its range of values for 2 (both Czemice) of the 3 localities. Consequently, stage results will be reported independently of the other 17 variables. Multivariate analyses also were utilized. A discriminant function analysis with location as the single classification variable produced a matrix showing the number of conspecific tadpoles that could be page 162 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 ?VAAAAAA>Xn Art A A A AiSAA fww fWvAA VV»AAAA> AAAAAAAAA/UVOVVIAAAAAAjI SAAAA VOWVVa Lithuania /yWUWV^ aVA/WW/V ’ V. V.V' .v VVV V vv AAAA WVVyjA/l ww/yv;/! \aaaaa Ca.-uy.VAA/> yu iwwww> W^VV>A/r^/W^WvV\AA^u\AAArW'AA/WWV.^AAAy\'/WV.1 r OAAAAAAA VVWWWavAAAAAArwVWwVVVVVW *• WaVUViAAn funjyuyvVfWuy’ ruvvWiAA wav' AAAAAAAA VAA/i lywyyav wav AAA.' WW wfo* „ - .. nH MU .... - Berger, L., and J. Michalowski. 1963. Plazy: klucze do oznaczania kregowcow Pol ski [Amphibians: key to the markings of Polish vertebrates] (Published for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C. by the Scientific Publications Foreign Coop¬ eration Center of the Central Institute for Scientific, Technical and Economic Information, 1971.) Warszawa, pp. 1-75. Frost. D. R. 2000. Amphibian species of the World: an online reference V2.20 2002. Amphibian species of the World: an online reference V2.21 Gosner. K. L. 1960. A simplified table for staging anuran embryos larvae with notes on identification. Herpetologica, 16: 183-190. Hillis. D. M. 1 982. Morphological differentiation and adaptation of the larvae of Rana berlandieri and Rana sphenocephala ( Rana pipiens complex) in sympatry. Copeia, 1982: 168-174. Houlahan, J. E., C. S. Findlay , B. R. Schmidt, A. H. Meyer, and S. L. Kuzmin. 2000. Quantitative evidence for global amphibian declines. Nature, 404:752-755. Kiesecker, J. M., A. R. Blaustein, and L. K. Belden. 2001 . Complex causes of amphibian population declines. Nature, 410: 681-684. Korky, J. K. and R. G.Webb. 1999. Resurvey, biogeography, and conservation of the natterjack toad Bufo calamita Laurenti (Anura: Bufonidae) in the Republic of Ireland. Bull. Ir. biogeog. Soc. 23: 2-52. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 73 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 2001 . Geographic variation in larvae of Bufo calamita Laurenti (Anura: Bufonidae) in the Republic of Ireland . Bull Ir. biogeog. Soc. 25: 144-169. McBiarmid, R. W. and R. Altig. 1999. Tadpoles: the biology of anuran larvae. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 444 pp. Milius. S. 2002. Tadpole science gets its legs. . . and reveals complex lives for the swimming squiggles. Science News, 161: 26-28. Myers, N., R. A. Mittermeier, C. G. Mittermeier, and G. A. B. Dafonseca 2000. Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature, 403: 853- 858. Najbar. B. 1995. Plazy i Gady Polski [Amphibians and Reptiles of Poland] , Zielona Gora, pp. 120. Semlitsch. R. IX, Ed. 2003. Amphibian conservation. Smithsonian Institution Press, Wash¬ ington, D.C., 311 pp. Wake. D. B. 1998. Action on Amphibians. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 13: 379- 380. Department of Biology and Molecular Biology \ Montclair State University, Montclair, N.J. 07043 USA ; e-mail korkyj@maiLmontclair.edu, Received: 20 July 2004 Accepted: 30 July 2004 page 1 74 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 The Status of Rhinocheilus antonii Duges (Reptilia: Serpentes) Hobart M. Smith , Julio A. Lemos-Espinal and David Chiszar Abstract Rhinocheilus antonii Duges is regarded as a species distinct from R. lecontei Baird and Girard. Their geographic ranges overlap for about 250 km, but there is no evidence of intergradation. The conclusion by Klauber (1941) that Rhinocheilus antonii Duges (1886) is a subspecies of R. lecontei Baird and Girard (1853) has subsequently been ac¬ cepted almost universally (e.g., Medica, 1975; Webb, 1984; Flores-Villela, 1993; Liner, 1994), although that conclusion was based on very little material from the critical area in Sonora. Medica (1975), on the basis of considerably more material from Sonora, maintained Klauber’s concept, regarding the area in which both patterns exist as an area of intergradation. No evidence was presented that intermediacy actually occurs, however. All populations south of the narrow area of overlap in northern Sonora were accepted as R. L antonii. Stebbins (2003), however, regarded the range of R. I lecontei as extending southward to near southern Sonora, where R. I antonii was indicated as occurring. That interpretation correlates well with habitat variation in Sonora, and was accepted by Lemos-Espinal et al. (2004) in describing specimens of the genus from central western Sonora near the Sierra Madre. On the basis of that material and Stebbins’ (2003) interpretation, R. antonii was elevated to species rank. New material obtained by JALE in Sonora in 2004 sheds considerable light on both distribution and status of the members of this genus in that state. We refer six specimens to R. antonii , as follows (numbers refer to the herpetological collection of Unidad de Biologfa, Tecnologia y Prototipos [UBIPRO], UN AM, Mexico). 11967, 12132, 8 km W Alamos (27°2’36.0”N, 108o58’39.1”W), 461 m; 12594, 12611, Valle de Tacupeto (28°13’22.8”N, 109°19’5.6”W), 416 m; 12129, 12332, 36 km E Bahia Kino (28°53’49.3”N, 111°26’45.2”W), 31 m. In this series, the body blotches are 13-16.5 (a blotch straddling the anus near the middle was considered half each on body and tail), tail blotches 4.5-5. 5, all Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 175 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 very narrowly white-edged. All blotches extend, sharply delimited, onto about the lateral fourth of the ventrals, usually indented by white into the 1st scale row. The spaces between the blotches are bright yellow on sides, and yellow or orange medi¬ ally in adults; in young snakes they are white. The blotches are 2.5-4 times as long as the interspaces, and are incomplete except on the tail. A white spot is on the lower¬ most scales of the blotches except at their anterior and posterior ends. The ventral surfaces in some specimens are extensively and irregularly black-marked; in others the only ventral markings are the ends of the dorsal blotches. Two other specimens we regard as representative of R. I. leconteL One is UBIPRO 12331 from 12 km N Bahia Kino (28°56’40.9”N, 1H043’4.8”W), 64 m. That locality is about 40-45 km NWW from where nos. 12129 and 12332 of R. antonii were taken, and about 200 km south of the area designated by Medica (1975) as an area of intergradation. There are 18.5 blotches on body, 5.5 on tail, separated from each other by half or less of their length. The light interspaces on sides are white with a black spot on each scale, and on dorsum they are orange on the 5-7 median scale rows. The blotches narrow sharply on the sides below the level of the orange spots, where all of the black scales are light-centered; they end as a point on the 1st or 2nd scale row. The black pigmentation low on the sides of the white interspaces tends to clump vaguely. The ventral scales are white, unmarked, although they are bordered irregularly by black pigment on the 1st row of dorsal scales. The other specimen of R. L lecontei is UBIPRO 12559 from Cumpas (30°2’5.4”N, 109°47’ 18.0”W), 780 m. This locality is about 50 km south of the sup¬ posed area of intergradation conceived by Medica (1975). The specimen agrees with no. 12331 in all details of the diagnostic shape and size of the dorsal blotches (16 on body, 5 on tail), as well as in the color and pattern of the interspaces; no intermediacy is evident. The ventral points of the blotches, however, encroach on the lateral ends of the ventrals. Also, there is a series of mostly rounded or squarish black spots 3-4 scales long, extending the length of the abdomen and alternating with the ends of the dorsal blotches. The specimens that we here regard as representative of different species are sharply distinguishable in both color and pattern, without evidence of intermediacy. They support Medica’s (1975) concept of range rather than Stebbins’ (2003), but they extend the known area of sympatry to a total of about 250 km. Medica (1975) did not demonstrate that the specimens in the supposed area of intergradation that he depicted are anything but representatives of two different species. The pattern variant of R. I lecontei that Klauber (1941) named R. 1. clarus resembles R. antonii in both number and shape of their blotches, and has been a page 176 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 source of much confusion in recognition of the latter species. The variant and the latter species nevertheless differ markedly in the patterns of the venter and of the blotch interspaces, and in the color of the latter. To judge from Klauber’s (1941) map, the clarus variant occurs more or less in the middle of the range of R. /. lecontei , which extensively surrounds it. It apparently does not occur very close to the Mexi¬ can border, or rarely if so. The geographic relationship of the clarus variant to the rest of the populations of R. L lecontei is somewhat similar to the occurrence of the striped phase mostly surrounded by the banded phase of Lampropeltis getula calif orniae. The habitat variation within the range of R. antonii is surprisingly extensive - more so than that of R. I lecontei, which is an inhabitant of deserts. Throughout most of its range R. antonii lives in areas of prolific vegetation supported by heavy rainfall, although seasonal. Only in Sonora does its range extend into severe desert conditions, where it competes with R. lecontei. The history of this variability would be of interest. Acknowledgments The support of CONAB 10 under projects BE002, CE001 and CE002 to JALE is here gratefully acknowledged, as is the generosity of the University of Colorado through the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Dr. Jeffrey Mitton, chairman, during the sabbatical leave of JALE from UNAM. Literature Cited Flores-Villela, O. 1993. Herpetofauna mexicana. Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist. Special Publ. (17): i-iv, 1-73. Klauber, L. M. 1941. The long-nosed snakes of the genus Rhinocheilus. Trans. San Di¬ ego Soc. Nat. Hist. 9(29): 289-332. Lemos-Espinal, J. A., H. M. Smith and D. Chiszar. 2004. 2003 snakes from Chihuahua and adjacent states of Mexico. Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. (in press). Liner, E. A. 1994. Scientific and common names for the amphibians and reptiles of Mexico in English and Spanish. Soc. Study Amph. Rept. Herp. Circ. (23): i-iv, 1-113. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 177 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Medica, P. A. 1975. Rhinocheilus . Cat. Am. Amph. Rept. (175): 1-4. Stebbins, R. C. 2003. Western reptiles and amphibians. Third edition. New York, Houghton-Mifflin. xv, 533 pp. Webb, R. G. 1984. Herpetogeography in the Mazatlan-Durango region of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Special Publ. (10): 217-241. HMS: Department of Ecology and Environmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334 USA ( e-mail : hsmith @ Colorado, edu ). JALE: Laboratorio de Ecologia, UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UN AM, Apartodo Postal 314, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de Mexico, 54090 Mexico ( e-mail lemos @ servidor. unam. mx ). DC: Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309- 0345 USA ( e-mail: chiszar@clipr.colorado.edu). Received: 12 September 2004 Accepted: 2 October 2004 page 178 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Coelomic Endoparasites in four species of Colubrid Snakes, Drymobius margaritiferus, Masticophis mentovarius, Salvadora mexicana and Trimorphodon tau from Mexico Stephen R. Goldberg and Charles R. Bursey The speckled whipsnake, Drymobius margaritiferus is found on Atlantic slopes from Texas to Costa Rica as well as the north coast of Colombia and on Pacific slopes from southern Sonora, Mexico through Central America and Panama (Savage 2002); the neotropical whipsnake, Masticophis mentovarius occurs on the Pacific slope from southern Sonora, southern San Luis Potosi and northern Veracruz, Mexico to northwest Costa Rica, with Atlantic slope populations occurring from the Yucatan Peninsula to Venezuela (Savage, 2002); the endemic Mexican patchnose snake, Salvadora mexicana occurs in Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Oaxaca, Morelos, Puebla, Michoacan, Guerrero and the state of Mexico (Garcia and Ceballos, 1994); the en¬ demic Mexican lyre snake, Trimorphodon tau is known from all Mexican states north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec except Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and the Baja California peninsula (Scott and McDiarmid, 1984). To our knowledge, there are no reports of endoparasites from these species. The purpose of this paper is to report the presence of larval tapeworms, larval spiny headed worms, nematodes and pentastomes from these snake species. Thirty-eight D. margaritiferus, nine M. mentovarius, seven S. mexicana and twenty-six T. tau from Mexico from the herpetology collections of the Natural His¬ tory Museum of Los Angeles County (LACM), Los Angeles, California and the Uni¬ versity of Arizona (UAZ), Tucson, Arizona were examined for endoparasites. A mid- ventral incision was made in the body wall, and organ surfaces were visually checked for endoparasites. One D. margaritiferus, two M. mentovarius, three S. mexicana and three T. tau were found to contain whitish bodies, ca. 1 X 3 mm in size and in two T. tau, nematodes and pentastomes were found. Microscopic examination of endopara¬ sites resulted in the identification of the following: tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp., cystacanths of acanthocephalans (Oligacanthorhynchidae), nematodes Kalicephalus inermis and Ophidascaris ochoterenai and pentastomids Raillietiella furcocerca. Numbers of endoparasites, prevalence (number of parasite individuals divided by number of snake species examined X 100) and abundance (total number of individuals of a parasite species divided by total number of snake species exam¬ ined) are in Table 1 . Endoparasites were placed in vials of 70% ethanol and deposited in the United States Parasite Collection (USNPC), Beltsville, Maryland as D. margaritiferus, Mesocestoides sp. (USNPC 95052); M. mentovarius: Mesocestoides Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 179 Table L Number (N), prevalence (P), and abundance (A) of endoparasites in four species of Mexican snakes. Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 2 Q < III « “§ C « O II Cm iii 5 >■ <5 '§ 5 e z iii 2 5*J < Cm z C4 I I m © X as CD O ”0 w o d co I o* &0 <0 u s 6*3 s .5*3 r§ 'G § Q a 2 o s 5s Ja Q h tS u* O o 6* i -a o ea s Ifn o • ^ *3 Ca 2! !-§ <§• § ca IS X! o* CD D o XI I <1 o aS 'S x o s •s £ £ I I I In ■*-* DO &o O w cd -2 3 ^ G 'S Q ^ s v Pc page 180 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 sp. (USNPC 95047), acanthocephalan cystacanths (USNPC 95048); S. mexicana: acanthocephalan cystacanths (USNPC 95049); T tau: Mesocestoides sp. (USNPC 95056), acanthocephalan cystacanths (USNPC 95059), Kalicephalus inermis (USNPC 95057), Ophidascaris ochoterenai (USNPC 95058), Raillietiella furcocerca (USNPC 95060). Tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp. (tapeworm larvae) are found in the body cavities of amphibians, reptiles and rodents which serve as intermediate hosts (Padgett and Boyce, 2004). Snakes acquire Mesocestoides sp. when they feed on lizards which have acquired the larvae by eating infected insects. Both M. mentovarius and S. mexicana feed on lizards (Garcia and Ceballos, 1994; Savage, 2002). No further development occurs in the infected snake. Should the snake be eaten by a carnivore, the tapeworm larvae may develop to an adult (Padgett and Boyce, 2004). Drymobius margaritiferus, M. mentovarius and T. tau represent new host records for Mesocestoides sp. Acanthocephalans (spiny headed worms) require at least two hosts in the life cycle; arthropods are the usual intermediate hosts in which the infective stage, the cystacanth develops (Nickol, 1985). When eaten by a final host, the cystacanth excysts and develops to maturity in the digestive tract. Snakes are inappropriate hosts and the cystacanth does not develop to maturity but migrates from the digestive tract into the body (coelomic) cavity and again encysts. Masticophis mentovarius, S. mexicana and T. tau are new host records for acanthocephalan cystacanths. Kalicephalus inermis is a widely distributed nematode in New World snakes (Baker, 1987), but how snakes become infected is unknown (Anderson, 2000). Kalicephalus inermis represents a new host record for T tau. Ophidascaris ochoterenai is previously known from the western indigo snake, Drymarchon corais from Mexico (Baker 1987). Trimorphodon tau is the second host to harbor O. ochoterenai and represents a new host record. The natural site for both species of nematodes is within the digestive tract. They may have migrated to the body cavity durtng the preserva¬ tion of the snakes. Pentastomes typically reside in the respiratory tract of reptiles, birds and mammals (Roberts and Janovy, 2005). After ingestion by an intermediate host the pentastome larvae hatch, penetrate the intestine, migrate randomly, eventually meta¬ morphosing to a nymph which when ingested by the final host will develop into the adult stage and reside in the lungs (Roberts and Janovy, 2005). Raillietiella furcocerca has been reported from 17 species of Central and South American snakes as well as the red worm lizard, Amphisbaena alba (Amphisbaenidae) (Ali et al., 1984; Boeckeler Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 181 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 and Bohme, 1987). The normal location for pentastomes is the lung. These may have been dislodged to the body cavity during the preservation of the snakes. Trimorphodon tau represents a new host record for R. furcocerca. Acknowledgments We thank D.A. Kizirian (LACM) and G.L. Bradley (UAZ) for permission to examine specimens. Literature Cited Ali, J.H., J. Riley, and J.T. Self. 1984. A revision of the taxonomy of the taxonomy of pentastomid para¬ sites (genus Raillietiella Sam bon, 1910) from American snakes and ampisbaenians. Syst. Parasitol. 6:87-97. Anderson, R.C. 2000. Nematode parasites of vertebrates. Their development and trans¬ mission. CABI Publishing, Oxon, UK, 650 pp. Baker, M.R. 1987. Synopsis of the Nematoda parasitic in amphibians and reptiles. Mem. Univ. Newfoundland, Occas. Pap. Biol. 11:325 pp. Bockeler, W. and W. Bohme 1987. Pentastomiden-untersuchungen an schlangen Paraguays. Salamandra 23:52- 62. Garcia, A., and G. Ceballos. 1994. Field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the Jalisco Coast, Mexico. Fundacion Ecologica de Cuixmla, A.C. Instituto de Biologia, U.N.A.M., Mexico, D.F., 184 pp. Nickol, B.B. 1985. Epizootiology, Pp. 307-346. In: Crompton, D.W.T. and B.B. Nickol, (Eds) Biology of the Acanthocephala, Cambridge Uni¬ versity Press, Cambridge, UK. Padgett, K.A. and W.M. Boyce 2004. Life-history studies on two molecular strains of Mesocestoides (Cestoda: Mesocestoididae): identification of sylvatic hosts and infectivity of immature life stages. J. Parasitol. 90:108-113. page 182 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Roberts, L.S. and J. Janovy, Jr. 2005. Gerald D. Schmidt & Larry S. Roberts’ Foundations of parasitol¬ ogy. McGraw Hill Higher Education, Boston, xvii + 702 pp. Savage, J.M. 2002. The amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica. A herpetofauna be¬ tween two continents between two seas. The University of Chi¬ cago Press, Chicago, xx + 934 pp. Scott, N.J., Jr. and R.W. McDiarmid 1 984. Trimorphodon tau Cope. Mexican lyre snake. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 354.1-354.2. SRG, Whittier College , Department of Biology, Whittier, California 90608, USA; CRB, Pennsylvania State University, Shenango Campus, Department of Biology, Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146, USA. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 83 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 A Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) of Record Size The maximum total length for the southern hognose snake ( Heterodon simus ) is given as 610 mm by Conant and Collins (1998). Palmer and Braswell (1995) re¬ ported a maximum TL of 578 mm for the species in North Carolina. On 9 October 1995 we collected an adult female H. simus at ca. 7.9 km NW of Wagram, Scotland County, North Carolina. No attempt was made to measure the snake at that time, but it was not unusually large. The specimen was maintained in captivity (TJT) until her death on 19 March 2002. She was fed toads (Bufo sp.) during the first few weeks of captivity, but soon began feeding on laboratory mice (Mus musculus) and was fed exclusively mice for the duration of her life. Upon her death, the snake measured 625 mm TL (549 mm SVL). The specimen is deposited in the research collections of the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences (NCSM 62755). It is possible that H. simus may reach potentially larger sizes on an artificial diet of mice than on their natural diet of predominantly anurans, and that the size of this long-term captive therefore represents an “unnatural” anomaly, but we know of no evidence supporting this. It is also possible that captivity affords a longer lifespan (and therefore potential for greater size) than this species would normally attain in the wild. Each of us currently maintains an adult female H. simus that is near the size of NCSM 62755, or possibly larger (no efforts have been made to measure these live snakes), but we have also maintained several other captives on all-mouse diets, for longer time periods, that did not grow exceptionally large. We thank the North Carolina Herpetological Society, the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium, and many individuals for supporting our ongoing work with this species. Literature Cited Conant, R., and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Massachusetts, xviii + 616 pp. page 184 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Palmer, W. M., and A. L. Braswell. 1995. Reptiles of North Carolina. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. xiii + 412p. Jeffrey C. Beane, North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, Research Laboratory, 4301 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607; and Thomas J. Thorp, Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium, 400 Sausiluta Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23227. Received 27 August 2004 Accepted 28 August 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 185 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 The Occurrence of Malformed Southern Toads ( Bufo terrestris) from Florida Over the past 250 years, occurrences of amphibian malformations have been reported throughout the United States. These cases include at least 53 species in 44 states (National Biological Information Infrastructure, 2004), and several factors may be responsible for this widespread phenomenon. Possible causes include chemical pollution (Niederreither et al., 1996; Ouellet et al., 1997; LaClair et al, 1998), ultra¬ violet radiation (Blaustein et al., 1997), and parasites (Sessions and Ruth, 1990; Johnson et al., 1999). In the state of Florida, there have been eight previous reports of amphibian malformations (Table 1). Here I report the first known case of amphibian malformation in Alachua County. During June 2004, two malformed southern toads (Bufo terrestris ) were ob¬ served within one kilometer of each other in Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida. The first individual was observed 4 June outside of an apartment building (29oo37’42.838,,N, 82^22’ 12.626” W). The toad had an abnormal limb, which lacked toes, protruding from an otherwise normal right forelimb. This individual was not collected, but a second malformed individual was collected outside of a nearby apart¬ ment building (29©©37’55.420”N, 82^22’ 22.004” W) on 22 June and was deposited Table 1. Amphibian malformations from Florida Common Name Scientific Name Year Countv Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala 1954 Chattahoochee Florida Cricket Frog Acris gryllus dorsalis 1969 Levy Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala 1970 Collier Unidentified treefrog Hyla sp. 1992 Highlands Cuban treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis 1 997 Broward Green Treefrog Hyla cinerea 1998 Hillsborough Unidentified treefrog Hyla sp. 1999 Broward Southern Toad Bufo terrestris 2004 Duval Southern Toad Bufo terrestris 2004 (this paper) Alachua page 186 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 in the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida (UF 141900). It has two complete limbs emerging from the right pectoral girdle (Fig. 1). The cause of these malformations is unknown, but the occurrence of two malformed individuals within such close proximity warrants further investigation of possible environmental disrupters in Gainesville. I thank Greg A. Jones and Kenneth L. Krysko for review of this note. Maureen Thalwitzer discovered both malformed toads. Fig. 1 . Malformed southern toad ( Bufo terrestris ) from Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida. o o Literature Cited Blaustein, A.R., J.M. Kiesecker, D.P. Chivers, and R.G. Anthony. 1997. Ambient UV-B radiation causes deformities in amphibian embryos. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 94:13735-13737. Johnson, P.T.J., K.B. Lunde, E.G. Ritchie, and A.E. Launer. 1999. The ef¬ fect of trematode infection on amphibian limb development and survivorship. Sci¬ ence 284:802-804. La Clair, J.J., J.A. Bantle,. and J. Dumont. 1998. Photoproducts and metabo¬ lites of a common insect growth regulator produce developmental deformities in Xe- nopus. Environmental Science Technology 32:1453-1461. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 187 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 National Biological Information Infrastructure. 2004. North American Re¬ porting Center for Amphibian Malformations, http://frogweb.nbii.gov/narcam/. Niederreither, K., S. J. Ward, P. Dolle, and P. Chambon. 1996. Morphologi¬ cal and molecular characterization of retinoic acid-induced limb duplications in mice. Developmental Biology. 176:185-198. Ouellet, M., I. Bonin, J. Rodrigue, J.L. DesGranges, and S. Lair. 1997. Hind limb deformities (ectromelia, ectrodactyly) in free-living anurans from agricultural habitats. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 33:95-105. Sessions, S.K., and S.B. Ruth. 1990 Explanation for naturally occurring su¬ pernumerary limbs in amphibians. The Journal of Experimental Zoology 254:38-47, Gerald R. Johnston , Department of Natural Sciences , Santa Fe Community College , Gainesville , Florida 32606 , USA Received: 2 September 2004 Accepted: 26 September 2004 page 1 88 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Miscellaneous Comments on Select Maryland Amphibians and Reptiles Since the publication of the Distributional Survey (Amphibia/Reptilia): Maryland and the District of Columbia (Harris, 1975) numerous records have been received and others published. Some records are valid additions to the State, while others are obviously introduced. Many records were County or Physiographic Prov¬ ince records and will not be commented on here. It is the purpose of this note to list the known additions and comment on them and other species where necessary. Additions Eurycea longicauda glutolineata (Ireland, 1979)(Miller, 1980) Plethodon wehrlei (Thompson, 1978)(Highton, 1987) Hyla gratiosa (Anderson and Dowling, 1982)(White and White, 2002) Hemidactytlus turcicus (Introduced) (Norden and Norden, 1991) Comments Eurycea longicauda glutolineata. Ireland (1979) recorded the first record of this species in Maryland. Miller (1980), in communication with Ireland, reported on two specimens that Ireland collected about 11km SW Frederick, Frederick Co., Maryland. Miller (1980) also reported on one the author had collected at Great Falls, Montgomery Co., Maryland, however, he was only reporting what was recorded in my specimen catalogue concerning the Great Falls specimen. On 2 September 1968 Danny Lyons and I visited Great Falls, Montgomery Co., Maryland in search of E. /. glutolineata. Based on a series of specimens in the USNM, collected in Fairfax Co., Virginia opposite the Great Falls area of Montgomery Co., Maryland, I was hoping to find this species in Maryland. In preparation of the Distributional Survey (Am¬ phibia/Reptilia): Maryland and the District of Columbia I had plotted these localities on a distribution map (Figure la). One specimen (USNM 140405) was found in a tributary of Difficult Creek, 500 feet from Potomac River in Fairfax Co., Virginia. Figure lb shows the overall distribution of Eurycea longicauda in Maryland (Harris, 1975) and Virginia (Tobey, 1985). The specimen collected (NHSM/HSH/RSS AS 466) appeared to be a definite E. 1. longicauda/E. 1. glutolineata intergrade. Although these two taxa are considered species in some areas (Martof et al.), based on my specimen they appear to intergrade at Great Falls, Montgomery Co., Maryland. The situation becomes more confusing as Tobey (1985) shows two records of E. 1. longicauda from Fairfax Co., Virginia. He states that E. 1. longicauda “ has been taken in Scott Run, Fairfax Co., a three-lined salamander locality, but not at the same site or same time”. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 89 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 page 190 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society ft*** Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 191 Figure! b. Distribution of Eurycea longicauda in Maryland/Virginia. # =longicauda , Q =glutolineata. The distribution maps are taken from Harris (1975) andTobey (1985) respectively. An arrow in Frederick Co., Maryland indicates lre!and?s E. L glutolineata record, and the other arrow in Montgomery Co., Maryland indicates the intergrade specimen found by the author. Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Plethodon wehrlei, Ed Thompson ( 1 978) reported finding Plethodon wehrlei in Maryland. In 1981 (1984), he gave a paper at an Endangered Species Symposium, listing four additional localitites. Thompson (2004) has since found about six addi¬ tional localities indicating that R wehrlei is wide spread in Garrett County all across the Alleghany Plateau including one locality on Dan's Mountain in Allegany County, Maryland. Siren intermedia . The specimen (NHSM A 4574; formerly TSU 1132) in question was found in ajar of preserved fishes labeled “Battle Creek Cypress Swamp”, Calvert Co., Maryland collected by Donald Redman on 21 August 1965. It was as¬ sumed that it was S. lacertina. Again, Miller (1980) reporting my findings mentioned that I had the specimen x-rayed and determined it to be S. intermedia ; not of natural occurrence in Maryland. Redman (per. Communication) did not specifically remem¬ ber collecting it. The specimen x-ray, printed as a positive, is shown in Figure 2, On 6 May 1976, the specimen measured 190 mm total length, tip of tail broken 137 mm snout-vent length. There are 34 costal groves, counting two in axila to posterior end of vent, and 35 vertebra as shown by x-ray. Figure 2. Positive print from radiograph of Siren intermedia (A 4574 NHSM) found in ajar of fishes labeled “Battle Creek Cypress Swamp”, Calvert Co., Maryland. page 1 92 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Apalone s. spinifera. Wemple (1971) listed the first reliable records of Apalone s. spinifera collected in Maryland. The specimens were collected in the Youghiogheny River nr. Selbysport. They were collected on a MdHS field trip specificly looking for new records. Previously, Mansueti and Wallace (1960), mentioned an attempt to es¬ tablish this species in the Potomac River below the Dam at Cumberland, Maryland in 1883. They felt this attempt was unsuccessful since as of 1960, no additional records had surfaced. In the early 1990’s, Thompson (2004) observed an adult A. s. spinifera come to the surface in the Youghiogheny River, nr. Selbysport, Garrett Co., Mary¬ land. He also had an anecdotal report from Mill Run, Garrett Co., Maryland. Camp¬ ground employees mentioned “a kid had caught a young soft-shell while camping there.” More recently, Harris, in a conversation with a David Hepner, learned of his observation over a number of years, about twenty years ago, of soft shelled turtles in the Canal below Great Falls (From Tavern at 1st lock south to 2nd lock), Montgomery Co., Maryland. David Hepner is with the U.S.Postal Service and is a Boy Scout Merit Badge instructor on amphibians and reptiles. He stated that these turtles were about 16 to 18 inches in length. This presumably would indicate that they could be A. s. spinifera. The origin and current status of this population is unknown. Recently, William Sipple brought the author a soft shell turtle (uncatalogued, at NHSM) that he found dead on 8 December 2003 in gravel in shallows along the Potomac River at the National Colonial Farm Museum, Prince George’s Co., Mary¬ land. This specimen keyed out because of the lack of nasal ridges to A. m. mutica, however on close examination, I determined it to be Pelodiscus sinensis , based on head pattern. Obviously a release. David Lee (personal communication) informed me that large numbers of soft shell turtles are imported for the Asian food market and is where this turtle probably originated. Acknowledgments I would like to thank Joe McS harry, Arnold Norden, Robert Powell, Ed Th¬ ompson and Robert G. Webb for help in obtaining material used in this note. Literature Cited Anderson, K and H.G.Dowling. 1 982 Geographic distribution: Hyla gratiosa (Barking Treefrog). SS AR Herp. Review 13(4): 130. Harris, Herbert S., Jr. 1975. Distributional Survey (Amphiba/Reptila): Maryland and the Dis¬ trict of Columbia. Bull. Maryland Herp. Soc. 11(3):73-167. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 93 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Hepner, David. 2002. Personal Communication. Highton, Richard. 1987. Plethodon wehrlei. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (402): 1-3. Ireland, Patrick H. 1979. Eurycea longicauda. Cat Amer. Amphib. Rept .(221): 1-4. Lee, David. 2003. Personal Communication. Mansueti, Romeo and D. H. Wallace. 1 960. Notes on the soft-shell turtle(Trionyx) in Maryland waters. Chesa¬ peake Sci., 1(1): 71-72. Martof, Bernard S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Harrison III. 1980. Amphibians and reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. Univer¬ sity of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 264 pp. Miller, Robert. 1980. Distribution records for Maryland Herprtofauna. Bull Maryland Herp. Soc. 16(3):99-105. Norden, Arnold W. and Beth B. Norden. 1 989. The Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) in Baltimore, Maryland. Maryland Nat 33(3-4):57-58. Redman, Donald E. 1976. Personal Communication. Thompson, Edward L. and Joseph A. Chapman. 1978. Research Note: The first record of Wehrle’s salamander from Maryland Proc. Penn. Acad. Sci. 52:103. Thompson, Edward. 1981 (1984). Wehrle’s salamander (Plethodon wehrlei ) in Maryland. In: Threat¬ ened and Endangered Plants and Animals of Maryland. Proc. Sym¬ posium held Sept. 304, 1981, Towson State Univ., Maryland, pp. 336-337. 2004. Personal Communication. page 1 94 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Wemple, Peter. 1971. The eastern spiny soft-shelled turtle Trionyx spinifer spinifer Le Sueur in Maryland. Bull. Maryland Herp. Soc. 7(2): 35-37. White, James F., Jr. and Amy Wendt White. 2002. Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva. Tidewater Publishers, Centreville, Maryland, xvi + 248 pp. Herbert S. Harris , Jr, Curator, Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, 2643 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218. Received: Accepted: 30 September 2004 10 October 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 95 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 A Longevity Record for the Mexican Cross-banded Mountain Rattlesnake (Crotalus transversus) Few data are available for the rare montane Mexican rattlesnake Crotalus transversus. Known from fewer than 20 preserved specimens (Campbell and Lamar, 2004), this species has proven to be a problematic captive. Five C. transversus col¬ lected from Lagunas de Zempoala, Morelos, Mexico in 1973, and one collected from the same locality in 1975, died within 3-6 months of capture (Armstrong and Murphy, 1979; Strimple, 1995). All refused to feed in captivity and fared badly, despite being maintained at several different institutions and at different thermal levels (Armstrong and Murphy, 1979). Armstrong and Murphy (1979) suggested that the snakes may have been affected by the change in elevation from their natural habitat to captive conditions. Camarillo and Campbell (2002) repotted on the natural history and cap¬ tive behaviors of several C. transversus collected from near Jiquipilco, Estado de Mexico, Mexico. One snake maintained in the laboratory fed readily on domestic mice and native lizards ( Eumeces copei, Sceloporus grammicus , S. mucronatus, and S. aeneus) and lived for 491 days. In addition, a neonate collected from the wild and maintained in the lab for a short while fed on lizards (Camarillo and Campbell, 1993). However, several neonates bom from a wild caught gravid female in the lab refused to eat and subsequently died (Camarillo and Campbell, 2002). Figure 1 . Crotalus transversus . page 1 96 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 In July of 2002, we collected three C transversus from Lagunas de Zempoala, Morelos, Mexico. Although all of the snakes refused to eat domestic mice in captiv¬ ity, they readily accepted lizards ( S.jarrovii , S. virgatus, S. pointsetti, and Urosaurus ornatus). One snake collected on 23 July 2002 died on 7 January 2003. Another that was collected on 23 July 2002 died on 5 June 2003. The third snake, collected on 25 July 2002, is presently still alive, and has been maintained in captivity for over 800 days. This exceeds the record of 491 days reported by Camarillo and Campbell (2002). This species appears to be especially sensitive to the deleterious effects of captivity, and may require a considerable amount of time to acclimate to captive conditions. As such, more research is needed to determine what captive parameters are necessary to successfully maintain C. transversus. Acknowledgements. Permits for collection and research in Mexico were granted by SEMARNAT to RWB. We thank J. Banda, R. Queen, and X. Hemadez-Ibarra for their help in the field, and J. Campbell for reviewing the manuscript. Literature Cited. Armstrong, B. L. and J. B. Murphy. 1979. The natural history of Mexican rattlesnakes. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Special Publ. 5:1-88. Campbell, J. A., and W. L. Lamar. 2004. Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Cornell Univ. Press. Camarillo, J. L., and J. A. Campbell. 1993. A second confirmed population of the rare Mexican rattlesnake, Crotalus transversus (Serpentes: Viperidae). Tex. J. Sci. 45: 178- 179. 2002. Observaciones sobre la historia natural de Crotalus transversus (Squamata: Viperidae). Bol. Soc. Herpetol. Mex. 10: 7-9. Strimple, P. 1995. Crotalus transversus Taylor 1944, the Cross-banded Mountain Rattlesnake. Litteratura Serpentium 15: 31-39. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 97 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 Robert W. Bryson , Jr. and David Lazcano RWB: 113 Walnut St. #97, Neptune , New Jersey 07753. DL: Laboratorio de Herpetologia, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon , Apartado Postal - 513, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, C.P 66450 Mexico Received: 6 October 2004 Accepted: 20 October 2004 page 1 98 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes Book Review: The Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas, by Stanley E. Trauth, Henry W. Robison and Michael V. Plummer, 2004. University of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville. 421 pp. $45.00. Cloth. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas is organized in a fashion similar to most state or regional guides. The book opens with an historical review of the herpetofauna of the state from 1888 until 2003, followed by a classification and spe¬ cies checklist for the amphibians and reptiles of Arkansas. The herpetofauna is highly diverse with 136 species and subspecies having been recognized, and follows the nomenclature of Crother et al. (2000). Both Pantherophis (= Elaphe ) of Utiger et al. (2002) and Aspidoscelis (= Cnemidophorus ) of Reeder et al. (2002) are not recog¬ nized until further adoption by the herpetological community. The ecoregions of Ar¬ kansas are briefly covered, and extremely well-illustrated with 1 5 superb photographs of geographical subdivisons. This is followed by a brief review of techniques for collecting and observing the herpetofauna in nature, remarks on conservation, and a list of species erroneously reported and introduced species, for which only Hemidactylus turcicus represents a true invader. Arkansas is represented by some 136 species and subspecies having been recognized within the state. The meat of the book is composed of accounts for each amphibian and reptile reported from the state. These accounts include a description of distribution within Arkansas, a habitat and habits section which provides com¬ ments on habitat, activity pattern, aggregation, reproduction, predation, diet, conser¬ vation and pertinant literature regarding each of the individual specific species. Su¬ perb color photographs are provided for each species at various life stages within the individual species account, and not centrally located as in most books of this nature. Stippled maps and a smaller overview map depicts the overall range of each species within the United States. Unlike previous state and regional books, the authors have provided superbly illustrated pictorial keys for larval amphibians. Actually, all the keys are extremely well-illustrated and easy to use. The 15-year conception of this book is exemplified by the thoroughness and quality of the publication. The book is rounded out with an adequate glossary ex¬ plaining the biological terms used in the text and a literature cited section of nearly 1000 references cited in the text. An index to scientific and common names and also Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 99 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes a subject index end this book, while a good Table of Contents begins it. The book will truly be an essential addition to the library of any herpetolo¬ gist, and will serve as a definitive work for years to come. The cost is extremely low in comparison to average book prices in this day and age, and will easily be afford¬ able for any layperson. Literature Cited: Crother, B.I., J. Boundy, J.A. Campbell, K. de Queiroz, D.R. Frost, J.B. Iverson, P.A. Meylan,T.W. Reeder, M.E. Seidel, J.W. Sites, Jr., T.W. Taggart, S.G. Tilley and D.B. Wake. 2000. Scientific and Standard English names of amphibians and rep¬ tiles of North America North of Mexico, with comments regard¬ ing confidence in our understanding. SS AR Herpetol. Circ. (29): 1 - 82. Reeder, T.W., C.J. Cole and H.C. Dessauer. 2002. Phylogenetic relationships of whiptail lizards of the genus Cnemidophorus (Squamata: Teiidae): A test of monophyly, re- evaluation of karyotypic evolution, and review of hybrid origins. Amer. Mus.. Novitates (3365): 1-61. Utiger, U., N. Helfenberger, B. Schatti, C. Schmidt, M. Ruf, and V. Ziswiler. 2002. Molecular systematics and phylogeny of Old and New World ratsnakes, Elaphe Auct., and related genera (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae). Russian J. Herpetol. 9:105-124. Harlan D. Walley and Theresa L Wusterbarth, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois 60115. hdw@niu.edu Received: 28 August 2004 page 200 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes Book Review: ASIAN PIT VIPERS, By Andreas Gumprecht, Frank Tillack, Nikolai L. Orion, Ashok Captain, and Sergei Ryabov. 2004. GeotkeBooks Berlin, Eiswaldtstr. 7e D- 12249, Berlin. 368 pp., ISBN 3-937975-00-4. Cloth. $79.95. The cover of this book will certainly catch your eye, but immediately upon opening this awesome volume the 311 pages of magnificently colored photographic plates of every Asian species and subspecies of pitviper in the family Viperidae found throughout the vast Asian continent are depicted in several poses, along with other photographs of selected habitat for various Asian species. The forward has been written by the eminent Wolfgang Wiister, while the first 42 pages of the book provide a checklist with detailed information on type local¬ ity and type material presently available, geographical distribution, and a compre¬ hensive survey of taxonomic literature for each of the presently recognized Asian species of pitvipers. The authors presently recognize the genera Calliselasma , Deinagkistrodon, Gloydius, Hypnale, Ovophis, Probothrops, Triceratolepidophis, Trimeresurus, Tropidolaemus and the recently recognized in genus Zhaoermia Gumprecht & Tillack (2004) for the Mangshan pitviper (Zhaoermia mangshanensis). A brief list of acronyms, glossary of terms, and a table showing morphologi¬ cal variation in dorsal scale rows, ventral scales, subcaudals and supralabial scales in males and females is provided for each species cited. The authors also present a table showing the name changes that have been recommended by Malhotra and Thorpe (2004), in which they revalidated the genera Cryptelytrops Cope, 1860, Parias Gray, 1849, and Peltopelor Gunther, 1864, and named four new genera ( Garthius , Himalayophis, Popeia, and Viridovipera). The book is rounded out with an extensive and comprehensive literature cited section, which that in itself is a highly important accomplishment, and an index. The authors have produced an outstanding reference that every herpetolo¬ gist will certainly want to display, along with the other recent volume 2002, “Biology of the Vipers,” edited by Gordon W. Schuett, Mats Hoggren, Michael E. Douglas and Harry W. Greene, and the excellent two volume set, 2004, “The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere,” by Jonathan A. Campbell and William W. Lamar. I feel this book should be part of all academic libraries and certainly owned by anyone interested in herpetology. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 201 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes Bibliography: Malhotra, A. and R.S. Thorpe. 2004. A phylogeny of four mitochondrial gene regions suggests a re¬ vised taxonomy for Asian pitvipers (Trimeresurus and Ovophis). Mol. Phyl. Evol, San Diego, 32(1):83-100. Harlan D. Walley, Northern Illinois University ; Department of Biology, Dekalb, Illinois 601 1 5. hdw@niu.edu Received: 4 October 2004 page 202 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes Book Review: North American Watersnakes: A Natural History, by J. Whitfield Gib¬ bons and Michael E. Dorcas. 2004. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, Okla¬ homa. 438 pp. ISBN 0-8061-3599-9. Cloth. $49.95. The authors have accomplished what others would have considered an in¬ conceivable undertaking in providing a thorough coverage of available information on the natural history of North American species belonging to the genera Nerodia, Regina and the monotypic Seminatrix. The natricine Clonophis kirtlandii is not closely associated with aquatic habitats, and was not considered a watersnake by the authors, although it had been originally included in the genus Natrix (-Nerodia). The authors were honored with having the forward written by the prominent authority Roger Conant prior to his passing. The Introduction lays out the primary goals provided through the coverage of the geographical ranges of the species found in Canada, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States, which includes some 14 species, along with county distributional maps for the species and subspecies of Nerodia, Regina , and Seminatrix found within the United States. The book is well-illustrated with 17 pages of color plates, with each page showing 6 species or subspecies, an additional 16 pages of excellent color plates show state and county distribution throughout the range of a specific species, using color codes for museum, literature, personal and state program distributional records. In Chapter 1, the authors review what is known about the taxonomic ar¬ rangement and give a few suggestions regarding their perception of a correct ar¬ rangement. This is followed by comments regarding the 14 species of natricines pres¬ ently recognized, and provides scientific and vernacular nomenclature. The authors retain Regina rigida, R. alleni, R. grahamii and R. septemvittata as four distinct spe¬ cies, and not as two distinct genera as previously proposed, which follows Collins and Taggart (2002) proposed current scientific and common name terminology. This is followed by a short discussion on the fossil record which is well- illustrated in table 4. Chapter 2 provides a summary of field and laboratory techniques used in the study Of watersnakes, and an overview on husbandry. In Chapter 3, the authors pro¬ vide remarks on the general biology and ecology of the watersnakes, with short dis- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 203 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes cussions on general habitats, behavior, diet, feeding behavior, parasitism, physiol¬ ogy, growth and size, reproduction, and population traits. Chapter 4 provides an excellent coverage of conservation of North Ameri¬ can watersnakes. This is followed by detailed species accounts of the 14 species of North American watersnakes. Each species account provides an excellent descrip tion, remarks on taxonomy and systematics, etymology, common names used through¬ out the species range, geographical distribution, habitat, physiology and behavior, activity pattern, diet and feeding behavior, predation, parasitism, and defense, fol¬ lowed by remarks on growth and size, reproduction, population biology, husbandry, and conservation, followed by a question and comment section. This is followed by a short section on research opportunities involving North American watersnakes an appendix reviewing the synonymies, type specimens, and type localities of the 14 species of North American watersnakes in the genera Nerodia, Regina, and Seminatrix. The closely sections provide verification sources of county records, followed by a comprehensive bibliography of nearly 1800 references and an index. With the high cost of herpetoiogical books today, every herpetologist and bibliophile will certainly want this book to be on his or her shelf. The dust jacket will certainly attract the attention of any herpetologist, or novice alike. We truly would recommend this excellent book for its content and the other outstanding books we have seen by the same authors. Bibliography Collins, Joseph T. and Travis W. Taggart. 2002. Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North Ameri¬ can Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles & Crocodilians. Center for North American Her per of Univ. Kansas, ii-iv +44 pp. Harlan D. Walley and Theresa L. Wusterbarth , Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb , Illinois 60115 . Received: 4 October 2004 page 204 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetoiogical Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes Book Review: Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Japan, by Richard C. Goris and Norio Maeda. 2004. Krieger Publ. Co., Melbourne, Florida. 285 pp. Cloth $69.50. ISBN 1-57524-085-8. While the original editor is said to have been published in 2005, it actually appeared in 2004. The renowned herpetologist Richard C. Goris is the principle au¬ thor, whereas Norio Maeda was the photographer. The book opens with a brief de¬ scription of the environment associated with the herpetofauna, which is centered on the rice paddies, or terraced paddy system, which is called a “satoyama:” or “yato.” The authors point out that following the “end of the war in 1945, and the use of DDT,” along with other toxic herbicides and pesticides drastic changes occurred in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. Thereafter the “Liberal Democratic Party initiated a series of price supports,” which paid farmers not to plant a portion of their paddies; this was another destructive factor, with the paddies being drained and be¬ coming overgrown with weeds and shrubs, which were inhospitable environments for lizards, snakes and also turtles. Then development later caused additional changes to added to the herpetofauna of mainland Japan, and islands of the Tanegashima, Tokara, Amami, Izu, Ogasawara, Iwojima and Okinawa groups which are associated with the Japanese empire. The major content of the book covers the 147 species and subspecies presently recognized, with brief descriptions; comments on confusing species, distribution, reproduction, habits and habitat, and remarks on conservation. Each species account is provided with a highlighted distributional map showing the present range of the species, along with excellent color photographs of each species. The plates are adja¬ cent to the distributional maps, within each species account, and not centrally situ¬ ated as in so many herpetological works. This is followed by a short bibliography on the comprehensive herpetofauna books relating to the Japanese herpetofauna which are in English, and several major works in Japanese which are also of major impor¬ tance. Is it not surprising that three species Rana catesbeiana, Anolis carolinensis and Trachemys scripta have been introduced into Japan, as R. catesbeiana was intro¬ duced for food, while A. carolinensis was brought over from Guan, and T scripta is known as a pet trade novelty. We feel it would have been an added feature if the authors would have cited remarks on the type localities, although considering this is only a guide to the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 205 Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes herpetofauna it truly fulfills its expectations. We would truly recommend this book to anyone interested in the herpetofauna of the Oriental Regions, and particularly those herpetologists and novice alike in Japan. Harlan D. Walley and Theresa L, Wusterharth » Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb » Illinois 60115 . hdw@niu.edu Received: 4 October 2004 page 206 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 40 Number 4 December 2004 News and Notes Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 410-580-0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows . Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts. OUR CURRENT NEEDS: • Piece of Property with a Building • Outdoor Shed • Power & Hand Tools • Bleach • Paper Towels • Copy Paper • Pillow Cases /Snake Bags www.reptileinfo.com Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 207 Society Publication Back issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $. 25/page. Information for Authors All correspondence should be addressed to the Executive Editor. Manu¬ scripts being submitted for publication should be typewritten (double spaced) on good quality 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper with adequate margins. 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Either edited manuscript or proof will be returned to author for ap¬ proval or correction. The author will be responsible for all corrections to proof, and must return proof preferably within seven days. The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. 2643 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 8 A •§ US ISSN: 0025-4231 ®-L- pirp 7*U|-|-ET|N or ™c THarylanb fierpetological ©oriety DEPARTMENT OF HERPETOLOGY THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARYLAND, INC. '^VTHSO/v^^ ^ JUN 1 6 2005 ) Lib rarieS MDHS . A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League VOLUME 41 NUMBER 1 J Uh 0 MARCH 2005 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 CONTENTS The Reptiles and Amphibians of Cove Point, Calvert County, Maryland Arnold Norden . . . 1 New Variational Data on Adelphicos quadrivigratum (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Mexico Fernando Mendoz-Quijano, Jose Ismael Campos Rodgrfguez, Luis Canseco Marques, Hobart M. Smith and David Chiszar . . . . . . . 31 Notes on the Testicular Cycle of the Neotropical Whipsnake, Mastocophis mentovarius (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Sonora, Mexico Stephen R. Goldberg . . . . . . 33 Erosion Mesh or Hardware Cloth Netting: A Major Threat Hazard to Snakes Richard B., King, Harlan D. Walley, Julie M. Ray and Jace Robinson . . . . . . 36 A New Species of Tropidodipsas (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Sonora, Mexico Hobart M. Smith, Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Deron Hartman, and David Chiszar . . . 39 Apparent Hybridization of Bufo mazatlanensis and B. punctatus (Anura: Bufonidae) in Nature Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Hobart M. Smith and David Chiszar . . . . . . . . 42 Book Review Harlan D. Walley 45 BULLETIN OF THE mbits Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society” newsletter and on the website, www.marylandnature.org. Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 The Reptiles and Amphibians of Cove Point, Calvert County, Maryland Arnold Norden A survey of the 900 acre Cove Point LNG property in southeastern Calvert County, Maryland showed that thirty species of amphibians and twenty species of reptiles were present, including three of the most uncommon in the region ( Gastrophryne carolineinsis, Cemophora coccinea, and Lampropeltis trianguilum temporalis). Gastrophryne carolineinsis was extirpated from the site sometime after 1960. Habitat disturbance has also reduced the numbers of several other species, pri¬ marily amphibians. However, the current herp community should be stable as long as the undisturbed portions of the property are protected. This property, and contiguous areas of protected land to the north, are a vital refuge for plants and animals in this developing county. Cove Point is located on the bayside of Calvert County, near its southern tip. It is bordered by the Chesapeake Bay to the east, Cove Point Road and the adjacent community on the south, and Calvert Cliffs State Park to the north and west. The study area includes approximately 900 acres, about 600 of which are undeveloped. A large area in the central upland portion of the tract has been developed as a liquid natural gas (LNG) storage and transportation facility. The undeveloped acreage of the study area at Cove Point is protected by a conservation easement held jointly by the Maryland Environmental Trust and The Nature Conservancy. Two dramatically different habitat types are present. The western and north¬ ern expanses are upland forest, cut by ravines created by small streams draining the higher elevations. The soils are sandy and generally well drained, although clay is a common component. At base level in the ravines, lateral groundwater seepage is frequent, and occasional discrete springs occur. Where these uplands meet the Chesa¬ peake Bay on the northern portion of the site, a steep, continuously eroding cliff has formed. The sediments exposed in the cliff are of Miocene to post-Miocene age, and beds of marine fossils are present at several locations. The exposed face ranges from sand to sandy clay or sand and gravel, with a top layer of shallow organic soils and leaf litter in forested areas. A narrow sand beach is present at the base of the cliff. The southern portion of the site is characterized by a gently sloping forested upland leading down to a more recently deposited, well drained sand flat, and exten¬ sive wetlands. The sand areas are post-Pleistocene to recent, and the area is relatively stable. Radiometric dating of peat from the marsh yielded a date of 1 ,700 years +/- 70 years (Beardslee 1997). The sand is typically deep and well drained, and extends Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 from the base of the upland slope out into the bay. A lighthouse is present at the southeastern-most tip. The Cove Point wetlands are diversified. Steury (1999) described the pri¬ mary marsh in detail. It is composed of a 77-hectare wetland complex, primarily shallow, with deeper ponds at several locations. That marsh is separated from the bay by a narrow barrier dune/beach line. The barrier beach is broken occasionally, and during those times water flows freely into or from the interior wetland. Salinity in the wetland varies from year to year, and seasonally. Measurements made by Bushmann (2000) during the summer of 1999, showed that salinity in various parts of this marsh varied from 0 to 1 2 ppt. Fringe swamps wrap around the western and southern edges of this wetland. A temporary wetland complex occurs along the southern boundary of the property, west of the lighthouse, along Poplar Drive. It comprises a series of pools in what appear to be borrow pit depressions in a localized patch of mixed forest. Historically, several other small freshwater and brackish ponds occurred in the vicinity of the lighthouse. Those isolated ponds have been eliminated by develop¬ ment or other disturbance. In addition to these natural ponds and wetlands, the study area has three man-made ponds. The two largest, Osborn Pond and Lake Levy, sit in cleared, grassy fields and were created shortly after construction of the LNG facility began in the early 1970s. Both are relatively deep, have sloping sides, and clear or slightly turbid water with little aquatic vegetation. Both ponds have been stocked with game and forage fish. The third, Settling Pond, is small with clear water and a fringe of aquatic vegetation. It sits adjacent to a paved road within the LNG complex. Settling Pond appears to lack predatory fish. It was created as a storm water management pond during construction of the LNG facility. Methodology This study of the amphibians and reptiles inhabiting Cove Point included a survey of pertinent literature, review of preserved material housed in local and re¬ gional museums, contact with naturalists/herpetologists who have visited the site, and extensive field survey. Maryland herpetological specimens have been deposited in many institu¬ tions around the country, but the most pertinent collections are housed at the Natural History Society of Maryland (Baltimore), the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC), the Academy of Natural Sciences (Phila¬ delphia), the Museum of Comparative Zoology (Cambridge, Massachusetts), Towson University (Towson, Maryland), and the Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago). page 2 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 I either examined the records or contacted the managers of each of those collections. Cove Point specimens were found at the Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSM), the Smithsonian Institution (USNM), the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and the Field Museum (FMNH). Data on those specimens is presented in the Appendix. Living naturalists who have collected at Cove Point were contacted, either by e-mail, surface mail, telephone, or in person, in order to discuss their experiences. Useful information was obtained from John Norman, John Cooper, James Fowler, Frank Groves, Herbert Harris and Charles Stine. Each of these individuals made herpetological observations at the study area during the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, up until the 1970s. In an effort to identify and locate other persons who may have collected there, a note was published in the newsletter of the Natural History Society of Mary¬ land, but no responses were received. I also talked with several active Calvert County naturalists and the staff at the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary in an attempt to identify other local collectors, but none were located. When visiting Cove Point I took the opportunity to discuss local herpetology when I encountered community residents or staff at the LNG plant. Those discussions were made more productive by reference to the excellent photographs provided in Martof et al. (1980). I visited Cove Point on nineteen occasions during 1999 and 2000. Fewer trips were made in 1999 because of extremely dry conditions during that field sea¬ son. However, in total the site was surveyed at least twice each month beginning in April and continuing through November. Survey effort was directed toward all of the habitat types present within the study area, and specimens were hand collected or observed with binoculars. One or more selected portions of the study area were care¬ fully examined on each visit. My procedure was to walk slowly through the area observing the ground, tree trunks, and lower branches. Logs and other litter were overturned, and cavities and loose bark were examined. Vocalizations and other sounds were investigated. Because of the sensitivity of Cove Point, only low impact collect¬ ing techniques were utilized. For instance, all logs or other ground litter were care¬ fully replaced, and the bark of standing and fallen dead trees was not removed unless it could be replaced. On every visit, Cove Point Road was examined for living or dead specimens. On productive days, the car was parked and portions of the roadway surface were examined while I walked slowly along the road. Nine visits included night driving, and five of those expeditions occurred during or shortly following periods of rain. Since the study area is a wildlife preserve, specimens were not taken, with the exception of one coastal-plain milk snake ( Lampropeltis triangulum temporalis) found dead on Cove Point Road. That specimen has been deposited in the preserved collection at Salisbury University. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 3 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Estimation of abundance is given for each species encountered. Because of the limited time available for this survey, and site limitations, these estimations were done in a very subjective fashion. I compared the number of sightings (or records) made at Cove Point to observations made by me during more than 40 years of expe¬ rience throughout Maryland. For instance, three records of Virginia Valeria may ap¬ pear to indicate a species of rare occurrence. However, this small, fossorial snake is not frequently encountered unless trash piles and other ground liter are present. By my assessment, the finding of three individuals at Cove Point indicates a healthy, stable population of a relatively common species. History of Herpetological Investigations at Cove Point A good rule of thumb for naturalists is that if you want to find unusual plants and animals you should go to unusual places. Cove Point is such an area and seems to have always been of interest to local naturalists. This section reviews literature dis¬ cussing amphibians and reptiles from the study area. The first mention of Cove Point in the herpetological literature came in 1936, when three publications appeared. Noble and Hassler (1936) reported several amphibians, most notably the narrow-mouthed toad ( Gastrophryne carolinensis). At that time, this was the first report of Gastrophryne from Maryland and represented the northeastern most point in the species’ range. Charles Robertson ( 1 936), writing about the life history of the king snake ( Lampropeltis getula ), discussed a Cove Point specimen. That same year, Kelly, Davis and Robertson (1936) published their book, Snakes of Maryland, the first book to be written specifi¬ cally about Maryland reptiles. In it they reported four species of snakes from Cove Point. Five significant publications appeared during the 1940s. Romeo Mansueti (1940) provided a synopsis of information on the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) in Maryland, including a report from Cove Point. In 1942 Mansueti also published an important summary of information on the herpetology of Calvert County, specifi¬ cally listing 28 species of reptiles and amphibians from Cove Point. Robert McCauley’s book. The Reptiles of Maryland and the District of Columbia, an excellent treatment of Maryland’s entire reptile fauna, appeared in 1945. In it he gave specific reports for nine species of lizards, turtles and snakes from Cove Point. John Cooper published two pertinent papers in 1947. One (Cooper 1947b), was a detailed summary of infor¬ mation on the spadefoot toad ( Scaphiopus holbrookii) in Maryland, including the first record from Cove Point. Cooper (1947a) also published an interesting account of a herpetological field trip to Cove Point, which contained specific records for eight reptiles and amphibians. page 4 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Three additional papers appeared in the 1950s. Cooper (1950) reported a scarlet snake ( Cemophora coccinea) from Cove Point, and included records for four frogs found on the same visit. The other two contributions (Fowler and Stine 1953, Hardy 1953) provided no new information on Cove Point but did mention the Cove Point records for the narrow-mouthed toad. They also discussed the distribution of this amphibian in southern Maryland and speculated on how it came to be there. In 1962, Hardy and Mansueti summarized the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Calvert County, gave new records for five species from Cove Point, reviewed the published reports for other species from the county, and discussed the sea turtles that occur in the bay along the shore. In 1970, Richard Zweifel published an interesting paper on gray tree frogs (Hyla versicolor and Hyla chrysoscelis ), show¬ ing that the frogs from Cove Point were all H. chrysoscelis. Herbert Harris subse¬ quently reviewed all available information on Maryland amphibians and reptiles and published a detailed dot map distribution survey for Maryland (Harris 1975), show¬ ing numerous records in the vicinity of Cove Point. He also discussed a specimen of the southeastern five-lined skink ( Eumeces inexpectatus) reported to have been col¬ lected at Cove Point. Harris, however, considered that report questionable. More re¬ cently, Orr (1999), Bushmann (2000), and McCann et al. (2002) recorded observa¬ tions of amphibians and reptiles made incidental to surveys of other taxa at Cove Point. Known Cove Point Fauna Based on the literature, examination of preserved material in pertinent mu¬ seums, discussions with experienced naturalists, and my own survey, the presence of twenty species of amphibians and thirty species of reptiles has been documented at Cove Point. Each of these species is discussed below. SALAMANDERS Ambystoma maculatum (spotted salamander) Spotted salamanders were not mentioned in any of the early literature on Cove Point, but the NMNH has two preserved specimens (see Appendix) collected about 200 feet from the lighthouse on 14 March 1949. Since those specimens were collected in mid-March, which is when this salamander breeds, we can assume that they were taken from, or in the vicinity of, breeding ponds located near the light¬ house. Those ponds are no longer present. Harris collected A. maculatum at Cove Point on 24 July 1966 and 15 April 1972 respectively. During the summer of 2000, adult spotted salamanders were found in and under logs in the narrow strip of wood- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 5 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 land beside the temporary wetlands along Poplar Drive, near Cove Point Road. Bushmann (2000), Orr (1999) and McCann et ah (2002) recently found Ambystoma maculatum at Cove Point. Bushmann noted adults found beneath logs on the hillside above the marsh, Orr found an adult beneath a log in the forest by the Settling Pond, and McCann captured 8 individuals in pitfalls set in forested ravines. Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) Like A. maculatum the marbled salamander breeds in vernal pools. The only recent report for Cove point was given by McCann et ah (2002), who captured five individuals in pitfalls set in forested ravines. The NHSM has Cove Point speci¬ mens collected in 1945 and 1946 (see Appendix). It was also reported by Hardy and Mansueti (1962), and both John Norman and Charles Stine (pers. comm.) remem¬ bered collecting A. opacum at Cove Point during the 1940s in a small vernal pool wetland by the road near the lighthouse. It was also collected at Cove Point on 15 April 1972 on a Maryland Herpetological Society field trip by Harris. Desmognathus fuscus (dusky salamander) The dusky salamander is very localized in Calvert County, but there is a specimen from Cove Point at the NHSM collected by Romeo Mansueti in 1940. His published notes (Mansueti 1942) reveal that his D. fuscus were taken from an iso¬ lated spring at a site known as Curry’s Farm. That locality was in forested uplands along the south side of Cove Point Road, within what is now the Cove Point commu¬ nity. Although the study area has many spring/seepage areas inhabited by E. bislineata , another streamside salamander that typically occurs with D. fuscus , no additional localities for the dusky salamander were found. However, this salamander may occur in isolated springs within the study area. If so, it is a rare and localized element of the amphibian fauna. Eurycea bislineata (northern two-lined salamander) I found the two-lined salamander to be locally common in many of the seep¬ age areas and streams that drain the upland areas of Cove Point. Orr (1999) also found it in study area streams and McCann et ah (2002) found it in a forested ravine. The NHSM has a specimen from Cove Point collected in 1946. A single specimen was collected at Cove Point on a MDHS field trip in 1972 (Harris, pers. comm.). This small, stream dwelling species is one of the most common salamanders in Maryland but has only been reported two other times from Calvert County (Harris 1975). page 6 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Hemidactylium scutatum (four-toed salamander) The four-toed salamander seems to be a rare species at Cove Point. A single specimen was collected on a Maryland Herepetological Society field trip in 1972 (Harris, pers. comm.). During the summer of 2000 another adult specimen was found under a log in wet woods along the stream that crosses the gas line R-O-W. The woods along this stream are swampy and support patches of sphagnum moss, a bryo- phyte with which the breeding of Hemidactylium is frequently associated (Bishop 1941 ). McCann et al. (2002) also reported a single individual from a pitfall trap set in a forested ravine. Plethodon cinereus (red-backed salamander) The red-backed salamander is the most abundant and widespread salamander in Maryland. It was common in forested areas at Cove Point, and both the red-backed and lead-backed color phases were present. The Smithsonian Institution has 25 speci¬ mens collected at Cove Point in 1969, and the NHSM has two others that were taken in 1941. Mansueti (1942) also reported taking this species at Cove Point (Curry’s Farm). Specimens were also collected on the Maryland Herpetological Society field trip on 15 April 1972. During this survey, I found numerous individuals under logs and litter during wet periods. However, during periods of drought R cinereus were seldom found. Pseudotriton ruber (red salamander) The red salamander was relatively common in streams and seepage areas at Cove Point. It was also occasionally found far from standing water. In June of 2000, I found an adult individual walking across Cove Point Road during an evening rain. The AMNH has a specimen collected at Cove Point in 1934, and the NHSM has another taken in 1947. Five individuals were taken by McCann et al. (2002) in a for¬ ested ravine. Mansueti (1942) reported observing what he believed to be larvae of P. ruber in a spring at Curry’s Farm, and it was also reported from Cove Point by Hardy and Mansueti (1962). FROGS AND TOADS Acris crepitans (northern cricket frog) Cricket frogs were found around the marsh and the upland ponds. During the summer of 2000 they were abundant at the Settling Pond. Males were frequently noted calling from the edges of these water bodies. Mansueti (1942) reported this species from Cove Point and noted that they swarmed along the edges of the several Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 7 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 ponds not far off the edge of the Chesapeake Bay near the lighthouse. There were also collected on the Maryland Herpetological Society field trip in 1972. (Harris, pers. comm.). Other Cove Point records were given by Noble and Hassler (1936) and Orr (1999). The AMNH has 17 specimens collected at Cove Point in 1934, and the NHSM has specimens taken in 1941, 1947 and 1948. Bufo woodhousii (Fowler’s toad) Fowler’s toad is common at Cove Point. Individuals were frequently found under litter, hopping about during the day, or crossing Cove Point Road at night. Calling males and spawning pairs were observed around the upland ponds and along the forested fringe of the marsh. Mansueti (1942) reported taking B. woodhousii at the lighthouse and at Curry’s Farm, and it was reported recently by Orr (1999) and McCann et al. (2002). Fowler’s toad was the only amphibian regularly found during this study beneath litter on the sand flat and behind the beach. Specimens of B. woodhousii from Cove Point are present at the AMNH and the NHSM. Gastrophryne carolinensis (narrow-mouthed toad) Narrow-mouthed toads were first found in Maryland at Cove Point by Noble and Hassler (1936). In June of 1934 they found males calling from thick grass in a cattail pond a few hundred feet from the Cove Point lighthouse. The water in that pond was described as slightly brackish. The next published report was by Mansueti (1942), who collected a single individual on 2 June 1940, beneath a board on the edge of a grassy field at Curry’s Farm, a site about one mile northwest of the light¬ house. Cooper (1947a) recorded finding four individuals on 11 August 1946, one under a board about 40 yards from the lighthouse, and three others under litter around a pigpen. In that same paper Cooper also mentioned that, although Gastrophryne is usually rare, “this year they have been collected in number.” He went on to state that on previous trips to Cove Point he and others collected eight specimens, while Jerry D. Hardy collected three individuals, and Romeo Mansueti, Max Hecht, Doug Oler, Franklin Atwell, James Hill, and Raymond Rapp secured about a dozen others. Herbert Harris (person, comm.) collected one specimen at Cove Point on 26 July 1960 and on the same day another specimen at a sawdust pile off Cove Point Rd. Preserved mate¬ rial from Cove Point is present at the NHSM and the AMNH. The AMNH material includes four specimens taken by Noble and Hassler in 1934 and seven collected by Hecht and Matatas in 1946. The NHSM specimens represent individuals taken in 1934, 1945,1946, 1947 and 1960, including a series of seven taken on 4 July 1946 by Oler, Cooper and Norman. page 8 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 These three papers provide all the pertinent information that is presently available concerning the narrow-mouthed toad at Cove Point. Three others (Hardy and Mansueti 1962, Fowler and Stine 1953, Hardy 1953) summarize the previously published data and discuss the distribution of Gastrophryne in the area. I found no reports of this species at Cove Point after a specimen was collected on 26 July 1960 by Herbert Harris (AF131 HSH/RSS-NHSM). On additional collecting trips made on 19 May 1963, 24 July 1996, 8 June 1969 and 15 April 1972 Harris found no additional specimens. Hyla cinerea (green tree frog) The green tree frog is common at the Cove Point Marsh. Individuals were heard calling during rainy evenings in summer and were also found by day clinging to Typha leaves or beneath loose bark of trees along the wooded fringe to the south. As shown in the Appendix, there are numerous specimens of this frog in collections. This may be partly due to the novelty of these beautiful frogs. However, it probably also reflects their historic abundance. Hyla cinerea was first reported from Cove Point by Nobel and Hassler (1936), and other reports were given by Mansueti (1942) and Cooper (1950). Harris (pers. comm.) collected them in June 1965. Several of the literature references refer to this frog as abundant at Cove Point, and John Norman (pers. comm.) made the same comment. While they are still present in good numbers, I have the clear impression that they are not as common today at Cove Point as they were in the 1930s and 40s. According to John Norman, this tree frog was most abun¬ dant in the ponds near the lighthouse, and Putens (Mansueti 1942) records them as being very abundant in a brackish pond in the same area. Those ponds are no longer present. Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope’s gray tree frog) Cope’s gray tree frog is relatively common at Cove Point. The early reports typically identified local specimens as Hyla versicolor , and it was some years before these two species were adequately differentiated. Zwiefel (1970) noted clear differ¬ ences in their vocalizations and showed that the frogs at Cove Point represented H. chrysoscelis , which has a faster, higher pitched trill. It is interesting to note that the first report of gray tree frogs at Cove Point by Noble and Hassler (1936) clearly described their calls as different from those of gray tree frogs (H. versicolor) col¬ lected farther north in the county. Numerous H. chrysoscelis from Cove Point are present in museum collections (Appendix). During the present study males were heard in chorus during rainy evenings, and individuals were occasionally heard calling from trees during the day. One adult was found beneath bark along the wooded fringe along the southern edge of the marsh. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 9 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Pseudacris crucifer (spring peeper) The spring peeper is common at Cove Point. Calling males were heard around the forested margins of the marsh and at the Settling Pond. In 1941 Mansueti (1942) heard them calling from the swamp behind the ponds to the left of the lighthouse. Harris heard choruses at Cove Point in 1972. Orr (1999) also reported them within the study area. Pseudacris triseriata (chorus frog) The chorus frog is a small species that is rarely encountered except for short periods in early spring when they move to vernal pools and forested swamps to breed. It has not previously been reported from Cove Point, nor was it mentioned in any of the pertinent literature or represented in the museum collections surveyed. However, Orr (1999) heard calling males. I also noted small choruses in the wooded fringe along the marsh and heard occasional males calling from shallow puddles in a field behind Lake Levy in the spring of 2000. Pseudacris triseriata appears to be locally common at Cove Point. Rana clamitans (green frog) The green frog is common at Cove Point. Individuals were occasionally ob¬ served around the marsh and the upland ponds, but they were most frequently en¬ countered along streams. Numerous preserved specimens of R . clamitans from Cove Point are present at the NHSM and the AMNH. Cooper (1947a, 1950), Bushmann (2000), Nobel and Hassler (1936), Orr (1999) and McCann et al. (2002) all reported green frogs from Cove Point. Harris (pers. comm.) collected them in 1972. Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) Bullfrogs were observed or heard calling from the marsh and both of the larger upland ponds. Cooper (1947a) reported observing a large adult in a rain puddle along Cove Point Road. Specimens from Cove Point are present at the NHSM, the FMNH and the AMNH. Bushmann (2000), Cooper (1950), and Nobel and Hassler (1936) reported bullfrogs from Cove Point. Rana palustris (pickerel frog) The pickerel frog is common at Cove Point and is typically found with Rana utricularia. I found it around the marsh, along the lower reaches of streams draining the uplands, and occasionally on Cove Point Road during rainy evenings. Cooper (1947a) and Orr (1999) reported Rana palustris from Cove Point. Despite its corn- page 10 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 mon occurrence, no pickerel frogs from the study area are present in the preserved collections examined. Rana utricularia (southern leopard frog) The southern leopard frog is abundant at Cove Point. Numerous individuals were observed around all of the water bodies. During the summer of 2000 they were very common in a wet, grassy area behind Lake Levy. When night driving Cove Point Road during or following periods of rain, dozens could be counted. Most early accounts report this species, although frequently as Rana pipiens. Leopard frogs were occasionally encountered far from standing water. Numerous preserved leopard frogs from Cove Point are present at the NHSM, the FMNH, and the AMNH, all collected between 1934 and 1947. Leopard frogs have also been reported from Cove Point by Cooper (1947a, 1950), Mansueti (1942), Orr (1999), and McCann et al. (2002). Rana sylvatica (wood frog) The wood frog is included here based on a single literature report given by Mansueti (1940). Rana sylvatica breeds in wooded swamps and vernal pools, typi¬ cally with Amby stoma maculatum . The wood frog was not found during this survey. If still present at Cove Point, it is an uncommon to rare species. Scaphiopus holbrookii (spadefoot toad) The spadefoot toad has been reported from Cove Point twice, by Cooper (1947b) and Reed (1956). This burrowing species is an explosive breeder, appearing only when conditions are right, then disappearing back into the soil (Wright and Wright 1949). It can occasionally be found abroad on rainy nights, but driving on Cove Point Road yielded no individuals. However, residents of the Cove Point com¬ munity did describe toads meeting the description of Scaphiopus that were some¬ times seen on the road or dug up around their houses. TURTLES Clemmys guttata (spotted turtle) The spotted turtle is included here based on a sighting reported by Bushmann (2000). He observed a single adult individual in clear, shallow water near the beach front of the large marsh. The turtle was clearly observed for several minutes. The area where this turtle was sighted is not typical habitat for C. guttata , although more suitable areas occur at the west end of the marsh, along the forested fringe. Several walks along that area did not, however, reveal spotted turtles. Additional survey will be required to clarify the status of Clemmys guttata at Cove Point. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 11 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Chelydra serpentina (snapping turtle) The snapping turtle is a common inhabitant of all water bodies at Cove Point. Juveniles and adults were found in the upland ponds and the freshwater marsh, and at least one very large adult was observed in Lake Levy on several occasions. Mansueti (1942) noted that the lighthouse keeper’s wife had juveniles from ponds near the lighthouse. Other Cove Point records for this common turtle have been given by Mansueti (1942), Orr (1999), Bushmann (2000) and McCann et al. (2002). Chrysemys picta (Painted turtle) The painted turtle is common in the marsh and the upland lakes and ponds at Cove Point. Individuals were frequently observed as they basked or swam at the surface. Juveniles and newly hatched individuals were noted during both survey years, demonstrating that successful reproduction is occurring. However, during both years numerous nests were opened and the eggs eaten by predators around both ponds (probably skunks or raccoons, both of which were observed in the area). Egg laying sites were found on adjacent hillsides in gravely soil, primarily where grasses were sparsely distributed. Mansueti (1942), and Bushmann (2000) gave records from Cove Point. Harris (pers. comm.) collected one in 1962. Kinosternon subruhrum (mud turtle) The mud turtle was infrequently encountered at Cove Point. One adult was observed sunning on a branch overhanging the north side of Lake Levy on several occasions, and adults were found in the freshwater marsh three times. Another adult was observed crawling across the sand in the open area south of the marsh. Mansueti ( 1 942) reported a mud turtle found walking around the border of a pond by the light¬ house. Mansueti (1942) and Orr (1999) also reported mud turtles from the study area. The mud turtle is relatively common at Cove Point. Malaclemys terrapin (diamondback terrapin) The diamondback terrapin is included in this report on the basis of a sighting reported by Orr (1999). He observed a single individual in a small pond at the large marsh in September 1999. Malaclemys is a common inhabitant of the tidal creeks and marshes along the bayside edge of Calvert County. In fact, its apparent rarity at Cove Point is notable. It may be that the seasonal fluctuation in salinity of the marsh at Cove Point is too stressful for this species. Additional survey will be necessary to clarify the status of M. terrapin at Cove Point. page 12 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Pseudemys rubriventris (red-bellied turtle) The red-bellied turtle is the most frequently observed large turtle in the ponds and marsh. Numerous individuals, ranging from juveniles to adults, were observed during every site visit. Adults were typically observed as they floated or swam slowly at the surface. The water bodies at Cove Point typically lack fallen trees, floating logs, or other good basking sites for these large freshwater turtles. Two dug out nests were found around the upland ponds, one during 1999 and the second during 2000. In addition, two females were observed laying eggs on grassy slopes around Lake Levy in June of 2000. The NMNH has a preserved red-bellied turtle from Cove Point collected in 1941, and the NHSM has another collected in 1945. Mansueti (1942), McCauley (1945), Hardy and Mansueti (1962), and Orr (1999) gave other reports of red-bellied turtles from Cove Point. Sternotherus odoratus (musk turtle) The musk turtle is uncommon at Cove Point, or at least infrequently ob¬ served. The NHSM has a preserved specimen collected at Cove Point in 1942. Bushmann (2000) also observed one individual in the large marsh. I have had very good success finding this species in ponds elsewhere in Maryland by wading in shal¬ low water. However, none were found at Cove Point, even during the low water periods of the summer of 1999, indicating that it is uncommon there rather than simply under-collected. Terrapene Carolina (box turtle) The box turtle is common at Cove Point, and individuals were observed on many visits. They were most frequently noted in forested areas, commonly in wet ravines or actively crawling about after periods of rainfall. Seven individuals were found on Cove Point Road during the study period, all but one killed by motor ve¬ hicles. One adult female was found laying eggs on the hillside above the marsh in June of 2000. Of 14 living box turtles noted (number based on clear differences in size and carapace pigmentation), all were adult and nine were females. The NHSM has a box turtle collected at Cove Point in 1939. Mansueti (1942), Orr (1999), and McCann et al. (2002) also reported box turtles from Cove Point. Trachemys scripta (red-eared slider) The red-eared slider is not native to Maryland but has been introduced as a result of the persistent release of unwanted pets. A large adult was observed on sev¬ eral occasions in Lake Levy. It was undoubtedly a released individual. Now that red- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 13 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 eared sliders are rarely sold in pet stores, no further introductions are anticipated and this species will probably become extirpated at Cove Point. LIZARDS Cnemidophorus sexlineatus (six-lined racerunner) The six-lined racerunner reaches the extreme northeastern extent of its range along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. There it is typically a species of dry areas with loose, frequently sandy soil and short grass, where it is often observed actively foraging during daylight hours (McClellan et al. 1943). Numerous specimens of C. sexlineatus from Cove Point are present at the NHSM, AMNH, and USNM, all collected between 1934 and 1948. Literature records for Cove Point have been given by Mansueti (1942), McClellan et al. (1943), McCauley (1945), Cooper (1947a), and Orr 1999. Today Cnemidophorus is locally common at Cove Point along the sandy beach, particularly in the wide area between the lighthouse and the freshwater wetland. Lizards were observed in that area whenever it was visited, and their dis¬ tinctive tracks were occasionally noted along the back of the beach all the way to the cliffs. However, in discussing this species with naturalists who worked at Cove Point in earlier years, it became clear that it is less common today than it was previously. John Norman (pers. comm.) told me that in the 1940s Cnemidophorus was most abundant along the beach west of the lighthouse and south of Cove Point Road. Habi¬ tat in that area has been largely destroyed by residential housing, and racerunners are rare or absent there today. The existing sand and beach areas support a smaller but apparently stable population of these interesting lizards. Eumeces fasciatus (five-lined skink) The five-lined skink is a common species at Cove Point. It occurred most abundantly in forested areas but was noted throughout the site. This species was frequently found beneath the bark of fallen logs or standing dead trees. However, because such habitat is relatively uncommon in the study area, care was taken to avoid tearing apart logs and stumps. Still, E. fasciatus was observed on all visits to Cove Point. On two instances in the summer of 2000, adult females were found brood¬ ing eggs under bark, once adjacent to Lake Levy and once along the gas pipeline cut. The AMNH has a preserved specimen from Cove Point taken in 1 935, and the NHSM has five, one collected in 1958 and four in 1972. The residents of the adjacent resi¬ dential area along Cove Point Road are quite familiar with E. fasciatus and report seeing them frequently in yards and around their houses. Mansueti (1942), McClellan page 14 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 et al. (1943), McCauley (1945), and Orr (1999) gave literature reports for five-lined skinks at Cove Point. Eumeces laticeps (broad-headed skink) Eumeces laticeps was first reported from Cove Point by Mansueti (1942) at Curry’s Farm. Mansueti’s record was repeated by McClellan et al. (1943). Another Cove Point report was given by McCauley (1945). Cooper (1947) also reported sightings in the vicinity of Cove Point that were related to him by the son of the lighthouse keeper. The USNM has a preserved specimen collected at Cove Point in 1948. Two broad-headed skinks were encountered during this survey, both during the summer of 2000. A large adult male was observed several times on an oak tree in open woods along the gas line cut, and a newly hatched juvenile was found under a log in the same vicinity. McCann et al. (2002) reported two additional individuals taken in pitfall traps set in wooded ravines. Eumeces laticeps seems to be relatively common at Cove Point. Sceloporus undulatus (fence lizard) The fence lizard is locally common in the forested portions of the study area, particularly in more open areas. Individuals were observed at many sites scattered throughout the upland portion of the property. Many specimens from Cove Point are present at the NHSM and the AMNH, all collected between 1934 and 1947. Mansueti (1942), McClellan et al. (1943), McCauley (1945), Orr (1999), and McCann et al. (2002) gave literature records for this species at Cove Point. Scincella lateralis (ground skink) The ground skink is a secretive and infrequently encountered lizard in Mary¬ land. Harris (1975) showed it to be widespread in Calvert County, with several lo¬ calities at, or very close to Cove Point. However, there are no references in the litera¬ ture, or preserved specimens to document its occurrence there. One Scincella was found during the summer of 2000 along the edge of the forest at Lake Levy. I was attracted to the rustling sound that it made while scurrying through thin leaf litter. This small lizard appears to be uncommon at Cove Point. SNAKES Agkistrodon contortrix (copperhead) Copperheads are common at Cove Point. The NHSM has a Cove Point speci¬ men collected in 1948, and Mansueti (1942) reported two individuals observed bask¬ ing on a rotted stump on 2 June 1940. Orr (1999) also gave Cove Point reports. Three Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 15 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 individuals were observed during the present study, two in the upland forest, and the third crossing Cove Point Road near the entrance to the LNG facility. Several resi¬ dents of the Cove Point community were familiar with copperheads and were able to correctly identify photographs of this species. There are no reports of anyone in the community having been bitten. Carphophis amoenus (worm snake) The NHSM has two worm snakes from Cove Point, collected in 1940 and 1947. Mansueti (1942) and Kelly, Davis, and Robertson (1936) gave other Cove Point records for this species. The worm snake reported by Mansueti was found with part of its tail protruding from a rotting log in a forested area. Harris (pers. comm.) collected specimens in 1960, 1962 and 1972. Two worm snakes were found during the present study, one under fallen bark along the south side of the marsh and the other under the bark of a fallen tree by Lake Levy. The worm snake seems to be relatively common at Cove Point. Cemophora coccinea (scarlet snake) The scarlet snake is one of Maryland’s least frequently encountered reptiles. It occurs sporadically throughout the coastal plain, and John Cooper (1950) reported finding a specimen at Cove Point. That specimen, now in the collection of the NHSM, was found dead on Cove Point Road on 7 July 1946. The rarity of records for Cemophora in the northeast is undoubtedly due to its pronounced burrowing habits. Still, every indication is that this is a rare species in Maryland, and its presence at Cove Point is notable. Coluber constrictor (black racer) The black racer is a very common species at Cove Point. It was frequently observed during the present study, typically in the open sandy areas but occasionally in the forested uplands. Individuals were found on three separate occasions during the summer of 2000 at the edge of the beach north of the lighthouse, all beneath a small piece of fallen plywood by the sign posting the beach against trespassing. Sev¬ eral large individuals were also observed crossing roadways and along the concrete- lined drainage courses within the LNG facility. The AMNH has a preserved speci¬ men from Cove Point taken in 1934, and the NHSM has C. constrictor from Cove Point collected in 1940, 1946, and 1947. Cooper (1947a) and Orr (1999) also re¬ ported this species from Cove Point. Harris (pers. comm.) collected a specimen in 1972. page 16 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Diadophis punctatus (ring-necked snake) The ring-necked snake is relatively common at Cove Point. Four living indi¬ viduals were found during this study, all under fallen logs or loose bark. A fifth indi¬ vidual was found dead on Cove Point Road. Residents of the Cove Point community are familiar with this small species and report finding them occasionally around their houses. One preserved specimen collected at the study area in 1946 is in the USNM. Kelly, Davis, and Robertson (1936) also reported a ring-necked snake from Cove Point. Elaphe obsoleta (black rat snake) Elaphe obsoleta is one of the most frequently encountered snakes at Cove Point. Twelve individuals were found during this study, four found dead on Cove Point Road and eight encountered in forested portions of the study area. Of those twelve, three were newly hatched juveniles. The guards at the LNG plant frequently see black snakes on the interior roadways. Most of their observations involve snakes that move relatively slowly and occasionally sit quietly in the road. Those individu¬ als probably represent E. obsoleta , rather than the more alert much faster C. constric¬ tor. Harris (pers. comm.) collected specimens in 1960 and 1969. Heterodon platirhinos (hognose snake) The hognose snake is common at Cove Point. Six individuals were found during this survey: two in upland forest, three on the sandy lowlands, and one juve¬ nile found dead on Cove Point Road. Several hognose snakes were encountered along the beach, and the distinctive trails left by this broad bodied snake were observed numerous times. Cove Point residents are familiar with hognose snakes, and several reported having witnessed them displaying. One specimen collected at Cove Point in 1933 is at the AMNH. Kelly, Davis, and Robertson (1936), and Mansueti (1942) also reported this species from Cove Point. Lampropeltis getula (king snake) The king snake is also a relatively common species at Cove Point. Two were encountered during this study, one juvenile on the unpaved road to the beach, and a large adult in upland woods. Three specimens are present in area museums, two at the NHSM collected in 1948, and one at the USNM collected in 1958. Robertson (1936); Kelly, Davis, and Robertson (1936); Mansueti (1942); McCauley (1945); and Hardy and Mansueti (1962) also reported this species from Cove Point. Harris (pers. comm.) collected them there in 1972. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society page 17 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Lampropeltis triangulum (milk snake) The taxonomy of the milk snakes inhabiting Maryland’s Atlantic Coastal Plain is still unsettled, but I follow Grogan and Forester (1998) in continuing to rec¬ ognize them as a distinct subspecies, L. t. temporalis. These secretive, fossorial snakes are very infrequently encountered, although recent records from the Delmarva Pen¬ insula (Grogan and Forester 1998) suggest that they are more under-collected than actually rare. Lampropeltis triangulum is probably an uncommon species at Cove Point. The Natural History Society of Maryland has a specimen collected in the vi¬ cinity of Cove Point on 2 October 1960 by T. Hagelin. A second Cove Point speci¬ men was found during this study. That individual, an adult, was found dead on Cove Point Road just north of the entrance to the LNG plant on the morning of 19 April 2000. Additional specimens from north of Cove Point at Lusby and south of Cove point at Solomons Island are preserved in the NHSM (HSH/RSS). Nerodia sipedon (water snake) The water snake is abundant at Cove Point and was observed more frequently than any other species. Considering that, it is interesting that there are no preserved specimens in any of the collections that I surveyed. This is probably due to lack of interest by collectors in this common species. During the present study, one juvenile was found dead on Cove Point Road at its terminus near the lighthouse, and individu¬ als were observed around the marsh on every visit. Water snakes were also frequently observed around the upland ponds and along many of the streams. It undoubtedly occurs at Cove Point wherever there is surface water. Mansueti (1942) and Orr (1999) also reported this species from Cove Point. Harris (pers. comm.) collected them there in 1962. Opheodrys aestivus (rough green snake) The green snake is common at Cove Point. The NHSM has a specimen col¬ lected in 1945. Richard Orr photographed a Cove Point individual on 14 October 1998. Harris (pers. comm.) collected one in 1962. Five others were found during the present study: one adult observed on vegetation along the boardwalk at the north end of the marsh, a juvenile in the grass at Lake Levy, and three adults found dead on Cove Point Road. Storeria dekayi (Dekay’s snake) Dekay’s snake is a small secretive, species that is typically found in litter piles and around human habitations. Harris (pers. comm.) collected specimens in 1962 and 1966. Two individuals were found during this study, one dead on the paved page 18 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 LNG road leading down to the boardwalk and one living individual found on Cove Point Road at night. Storeria dekayi is relatively common at Cove Point. Storeria occipitomaculata (red-bellied snake) The red-bellied snake appears to be relatively common at Cove Point. Mansueti ( 1 942) records that Robertson collected several specimens at Curry’s Farm, and the NHSM has one specimen from Cove Point collected in 1935, two others collected in 1946 and another collected in 1967. McCauley (1945) gave another Cove Point record. According to Mansueti (1942), the specimens found by Robertson were taken under logs in an open ravine with sandy soil, weeds, a few shrubs and many trees. During this study one adult was found dead on Cove Point Road. Thamnophis sauritus (ribbon snake) The ribbon snake is uncommon at Cove Point. It is not mentioned in the literature from the site, and only one positively identified individual was encountered during this study, an adult found sunning on the grassed slope along Lake Levy in June of 2000. A possible second individual was found dead on Cove Point Road. That snake, a juvenile, was mashed and dry and could not be identified with cer¬ tainty. Thamnophis sirtalis (garter snake) Although the garter snake is generally common throughout Calvert County, it has not been found as frequently at Cove Point as I would expect. One adult was found dead on Cove Point Road, and a second was observed in a grassy seepage area along the road leading to the boardwalk at the north end of the marsh. Cooper (1947a) reported seeing a garter snake that had been killed by the lighthouse keeper. Virginia valeriae (smooth earth snake) The smooth earth snake is common at Cove Point. Three individuals were found during this study, a dead individual found on Cove Point Road during 1999 and two adults found beneath a piece of partly buried silt fence in the field behind Lake Levy. The NHSM has one specimen collected at Cove Point in 1935. McCauley (1945) also gave a Cove Point record. Species of Possible Occurrence Review of published information, experience with the fauna of adjacent ar¬ eas (i.e., Calvert Cliffs State Park), and the presence of apparently suitable habitat at Cove Point lead me to suggest that one other snake and two salamanders are likely to Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 19 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 occur within the study area. In addition, the questionable occurrence of one snake and a lizard has been suggested. These five species are briefly discussed below. Elaphe guttata (corn snake) The com snake occurs sporadically throughout Calvert County, both to the north and to the south of Cove Point, and I have seen one individual from Calvert Cliffs State Park, just north of the study site. This large, colorful constrictor is infre¬ quently encountered but is likely to occur at Cove Point. Eumeces inexpectatus (southeastern five-lined skink) The southeastern five-lined skink was tentatively listed for Maryland based on a specimen reportedly collected by H. Howden at Cove Point (see Harris 1975, for discussion). That specimen, now at the USNM, is correctly identified and Howden is known to have collected at Cove Point, but Harris viewed the record with skepticism. Since no other specimens of E. inexpectatus have ever been found in Maryland, and all other Eumeces from Cove Point have been either E.fasciatus or E. laticeps, there is no reason to accept this skink as an element of the fauna of Cove Point. Nerodia erythrogaster (red-bellied watersnake) During April of 1996, both Brent Stuery and Don Gartmen (pers. comm.) observed, at different times, an unusual water snake along the marsh at Cove Point. They described this individual as dark above with no trace of dorsal banding, and reddish on the under surface. Both naturalists identified this snake as a red-bellied water snake. There is only one other reported occurrence of N. erythrogaster on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay (Cooper 1969), and that report was questioned by Harris (1975). In addition, it is known that occasional Maryland individuals of the common Nerodia sipedon mimic the color pattern of N. erythrogaster. Considering that, the red-bellied water snake should not be considered to be resident at Cove Point unless a specimen is positively identified. All of the numerous Nerodia ob¬ served during this study were typically patterned N. sipedon. Pseudotriton montanus (mud salamander) The mud salamander is of local occurrence in Calvert County, and Harris (1975) shows no records along the bay side. However, I have collected it at Calvert Cliffs State Park just to the north of Cove Point. As noted by Fowler (1946), P. montanus inhabits the muddy bottoms of small seepage pools, and a survey for this species in the study area should concentrate on the patches of such habitat that occur in the forested ravines that drain the uplands. page 20 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Notophthalmus viridescens (newt) Although the newt has not been reported from Cove Point, nor was it found during this survey, it is probably present. It is a common inhabitant of freshwater ponds and wetlands throughout Maryland, and I have found it to be common at Calvert Cliffs State Park, just north of the study area. Adult newts are to be expected in the marsh and the upland ponds. Discussion For an area of its size, Cove Point supports a notable diversity of amphibians and reptiles. Fifty species have been found there, including several of the rarest oc¬ curring in southern Maryland (G. carolineinsis, C. coccinea , L t. temporalis). This results from the relatively pristine condition of much of the study area, and its habitat diversity, which includes upland forest, forested edge, cleared rights-of-way, steep slopes, barrier beach, sand flats, temporary wetlands, streams, seepage areas, springs, ponds, and extensive marshland exhibiting varying salinity. Of the 50 species of amphibians and reptiles documented to occur within the study area, at least 48 probably still inhabit the site, most in stable, healthy popula¬ tions. In addition, at least three other species are likely to be present but have yet to be documented. One amphibian (G. carolinensis) has been extirpated from Cove Point as a result of habitat loss and degradation and R. sylvatica may have met the same fate. One introduced turtle ( Trachemys scriptd) is apparently not reproducing and will likely disappear from the study area. Many of the species here reported from the Cove Point study area are known from fewer than five specimens or reported observations. This may not reflect rarity so much as it reflects burrowing or fossorial habits and/or few places where these species are likely to be encountered. For instance, the types of places where many herps are usually found in southern Maryland (slab piles, fallen logs, dead standing trees, ground litter, abandoned house sites, old saw mill sites, etc.) are uncommon or absent at Cove Point. While this creates a clean and aesthetically pleasing area, it does reduce the effectiveness of efforts to locate those species that do not typically bask, call, or forage at the surface. Available evidence shows that parts of the study area have undergone sig¬ nificant habitat modification in the past 60 years. Some of this resulted from natural processes such as successional changes, erosion of the bayside cliffs, narrowing of the barrier beach, and storm events that wash bay water into the interior marsh. Oth¬ ers are due to human activities, including expansion of the Cove Point community, Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 21 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 construction of the LNG plant, exploratory titanium mining, destruction and degra¬ dation of natural ponds and wetlands, use of the sand flats for military exercises, and introduction of Phragmites australis. As indicated in the species discussions given in the preceding sections, these changes have adversely impacted populations of sev¬ eral local amphibians and reptiles. For instance, the narrow-mouthed toad was historically found along Cove Point Road and around several natural ponds that occurred in the vicinity of the light¬ house, or between the lighthouse and the large marsh. Those ponds were destroyed by development and/or titanium mining. Information from the literature or conveyed to me by naturalists who collected there historically, clearly indicates that Gastrophryne bred in those ponds and not at the large marsh. When the ponds were destroyed it was unable to reproduce successfully and died out. In addition, that entire area was highly disturbed by military landing exercises carried out during World War II (John Norman, pers. comm.), activity that unquestionably reduced the population of adult animals. The “lighthouse” ponds where Gastrophryne spawned were part of a habitat complex that supported numerous species. Evidence shows that most local amphib¬ ians were present there, several in abundance. Naturalists who knew that area have told me that H. cinerea and H. chrysoscelis breeding choruses there were the largest at Cove Point. I have also been told that it supported the highest local density of C. sexlineatus, and provided productive breeding ponds for A. maculatum and A. opacum. Despite the unfortunate loss of the Cove Point population of the narrow¬ mouthed toad, and the possible extirpation of the wood frog, the amphibian and rep¬ tile fauna of this site is healthy and should remain so with minimal intervention. As Calvert County continues to experience development, the extensive strip of undevel¬ oped land extending from Cove Point north to Cliffs State Park and the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant to Flag Ponds Park, for a distance of about seven miles, will become a unique and important refuge for all local wildlife, including the native amphibians and reptiles. State and county planners should take careful note of this and ensure that unobstructed movement of mobile species throughout that area is maintained. Acknowledgements I would like to thank the Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust, which funded this survey and arranged for me to have access to the remarkable Cove Point prop¬ erty. The owners and managers of the LNG facility kindly allowed me to roam freely around their property. Special thanks are due to John Cooper, James Fowler, Frank Groves, Herb Harris, John Norman and Charles Stine, who opened their field notes page 22 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 and related to me their experiences at Cove Point during years past. More recent field data was provided by a number of naturalists who have worked at Cove Point, most notably Brent Steury and Richard Orr. Last, but not least, this survey would not have been completed without the interest and dedication of Ruth Mathes. Literature Cited Beardslee, M. 1997. The evolution of a cuspate foreland; Cove Point, Maryland. Un¬ published Master’s Thesis, University of Maryland, College Park. Bishop, S. 1941. The salamanders of New York. New York State Museum Bulletin No. 324. 365 pp. Bushmann, P. 2000. Abundance and population structure of fishes in Cove Point Marsh. Report to Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust. 12 pp. Conant, R., and J. Collins. 1991. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians, eastern and central North America. Houghton Mifflin, New York. 450 pp. Cooper, J. 1947a. Cove Point escapage. Natural History Society of Maryland, Jun¬ ior Bulletin News 3(5):2-4. Cooper, J. 1 947b. The spadefoot toad in Maryland. Maryland, A Journal of Natural History 17 (l):7-9, 12-14. Cooper, J. 1950. The scarlet snake ( Cemophora coccinea ) in Maryland. Maryland Naturalist 20(4):67-69. Cooper, J. 1969. A red-bellied water snake from Maryland’s western coastal plain. Journal of Herpetology 3(3-4): 185-186. Fowler, J. 1946. The eggs of Pseudotriton montanus montanus. Copeia 1946(2): 105. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 23 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Fowler, J., and C. Stine. 1953. A new county record for Microhyla carolinensis carolinensis in Maryland. Herpetologica 9:167-168. Grogan, W., and D. Forester. 1998. New records of the milk snake, Lampropeltis triangulum , from Hardy, J. 1953 the coastal plain of the Delmarva Peninsula, with comments on the status of L t. temporalis, Maryland Naturalist 42(l-2):6-14. Notes on the distribution of Microhyla carolinensis in southern Maryland. Herpetologica 8(4): 162-166. Hardy, I., and R. Mansueti. 1 962. Checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of Calvert County, Mary- Harris, H. 1975. land. Natural Resources Institute of the University of Maryland, Chesapeake Biological Lab, Solomons. Ref. No. 62-34. 12 pp. Distributional survey (Amphibia/Reptilia): Maryland and the Dis¬ trict of Columbia. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Soci¬ ety 11(3):73-167. Kelly, H., A. Davis, and H. Robertson. 1936. Snakes of Maryland. The Natural History Society of Maryland, Baltimore. 103 pp. Mansueti, R. 1940. The wood frog in Maryland ( Rana sylvatica sylvatica [Le Conte]). Bulletin of the Natural History Society of Maryland 1 0(10): 88- 96. Mansueti, R. 1942. Notes on the herpetology of Calvert County, Maryland. Bulletin of the Natural History Society of Maryland 12:33-43. Martof, B., W. Palmer, J. Bailey, and Julian Harrison. 1980. Amphibians and reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. Univer¬ sity of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 264 pp. page 24 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 McCann, J., P. Bendel, and D. Limpert. 2002. A survey of the mammals occurring at the Cove Point Liquefied McCauley, R. 1945. Natural Gas Terminal Property, Calvert County, Maryland. Re¬ port to Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust. 21 pages. The reptiles of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Published by the author. Hagerstown, Maryland. 194 pp. McClellan, W., R. Mansueti, and F. Groves. 1 943. The lizards of central and southern Maryland. Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Maryland, No. 8. 42 pp. Noble, G., and W. Hassler. 1936. Three salientia of geographic interest from southern Maryland. Copeia 1936 (l):63-64. Orr, R. 1999. The dragonflies and damselflies of the Cove Point LNG Site, Calvert County, Maryland. Report to Cove Point Natural Heri¬ tage Trust. 31 pp. Reed, Clyde. 1956. The spadefoot toad in Maryland. Herpetologica 12:294-295. Robertson, H. 1936. The life history of the king snake ( Lampropeltis getulus getulus). Bulletin of the Natural History Society of Maryland 6 (6):32-37 Steury, B. 1999. Annotated list of vascular plants from a nontidal barrier wetland along the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, Maryland. Casta- nea 64(2): 187-200. Wright, A. H., and A. A. Wright, 1949. Handbook of frogs and toads of the United States and Canada. Zweifel, R. 1970. Volume One. Comstock Publishing Company, New York. 640 pp. Distribution and mating call of the tree frog, Hyla chrysoscelis, at the northeastern edge of its range. Chesapeake Science 1 1(2):94- 97. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 25 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 APPENDIX. List of preserved amphibians and reptiles from Cove Point in recog¬ nized museum collections. Museum collections are Natural History Society of Mary¬ land, Baltimore (NHSM); National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institu¬ tion, Washington (USNM); Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago (FMNH); and the American Museum of Natural History, New York (AMNH). TAXON COLLECTION # COLLECTION DATE COLLECTOR FROGS AND TOADS Acris crepitans NHSM A-2721-22 9/IX/48 J. Hardy 44 NHSM A- 1678 31/V/47 J. Gentile “ NHSM A-7 18=19 12/IV/41 R. Mansueti “ AMNH A-45172 to 185 10-1 2/VI/34 Noble and Hassler “ AMNH A-45261 to 265 ll/VI/34 W. Hassler 44 NHSM-AF584 HSH/RSS 14/IV/72 H. Harris Bufo woodhousii NHSM A-2647 23/VIII/45 J. Hardy cc NHSM A-730 2/VI/40 R. Mansueti “ NHSM A-994-95 4/VII/46 Cooper, Norman AMNH A-45149,150 3/VI/34 Noble and Hassler Gastrophryne carolinensis NHSM A-4742 4/VII/46 J. Cooper 44 NHSM A- 1460 10/V/42 W. Norman “ NHSM A- 1681 31/V/47 J. Gentile “ NHSM A-2454-56 5/VIII/45 J. Hardy 44 NHSM A-955-61 4/VII/46 Oler, Cooper, Norman 44 NHSM-AF131 HSH/RSS 26/VII/60 H. Harris 44 AMNH A-43999-00 10- VI/34 Noble and Hassler “ AMNH A-45290, 91 VI/34 Noble 44 AMNH A-53293 to 295 5/VII/46 Hecht, Matatas “ AMNH A-l 13406 to 408 5/VII/46 Hecht, Matatas Hyla cinerea NHSMA-23 1 0/VI/34 I. Hampe “ NHSM A- 141 5 7/VII/46 F. Atwell “ NHSM A- 1416 5/V/46 F. Atwell “ NHSM A-2468 to 71 5/VIII/45 J. Hardy » NHSM A-964 to 985 4/VII/46 Cooper and Norman “ FMNH 48844 to 50 6/VI/46 J. Fowler page 26 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 AMNH A-43933 to 53 03-22/VI/34 “ AMNHA-45251 to 260 1 l/VI/34 “ AMNH A-53296 to 298 6/VII/45 Hyla chrysoscelis NHSM A-2670 16/VIII/45 “ NHSM A-2672 17/VIII/45 44 NHSM A-2675 “ “ NHSM A-2677 44 “ NHSM A-2680 44 44 NHSM A-2683 to 2685 “ “ NHSM A-2695 to 2697, A-2700 “ 44 NHSM A-2719 9/IX/48 44 NHSM A-2586 17/VIII/4 « AMNH A-43969 to 98 10-22/VI/34 « AMNH A-44207 15/VI/34 Rana catesbeiana NHSM A- 1442 23/III/47 “ NHSM A-993 4/VII/46 “ FMNH 48851 6/VI/46 “ FMNH 48852 6/VI/46 44 AMNH A-45151 3-24/VI/34 R. clamitans NHSM A-686 2/VI/40 “ NHSM A-246 17/VIII/45 44 NHSM A-2635 17/VIII/45 “ NHSM A-2638 “ “ NHSM A-2676 “ 64 NHSM A-2678 “ “ NHSM A-2686-2687 “ “ NHSM A-2691, 93 44 “ NHSMA-1675,77 31/V/47 44 NHSM A-2585 1 7/VIII/45 44 NHSM A-987, 90-91 4/VII/46 44 NHSM A- 1000- 1002 7/VII/46 “ AMNH A-45 152, 153 3-20/VI/34 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society March 2005 Noble, Hassler, Johnston W. Hassler Hecht and Matatas J. Hardy Noble and Hassler Noble and Hassler J. Norman Cooper and Norman J, Fowler J. Fowler Noble and Hassler R. Mansueti J. Hardy J. Hardy J. Gentile J. Hardy Cooper and Norman J. Cooper Noble and Hassler page 27 March 2005 Volume 41 Number 1 Rana utricularia NHSM A-l 674,76 31/V/47 J. Gentile “ NHSM A-2459-62 5/VIII/45 J. Hardy NHSM A-986, 88-89, 92 4/VII/46 Cooper and Norman «( NHSM A-998 7/VIX/46 R. Mansueti (4 NHSM A- 1080-1 083 ll/VIII/46 J. Cooper “ FMNH 48853 6/VI/46 J. Fowler 44 AMNH A-43661 09/X/34 W. Hassler “ AMNH A-45163 tol71 3/VI/34 Noble and Hassler SALAMANDERS Ambystoma maculatum USNM 141258, 59 1 4/III/49 R. Mansueti “ NHSM-AS402 HSH/RSS 24/VII/66 H. Harris Ambystoma opacum NHSM A-2312 23/VII/45 J. Hardy “ NHSM A-963 4/VII/46 Cooper and Levy Desmognathus fuscus NHSM A-687 2/VI/40 R. Mansueti Eurycea bislineata NHSM A- 141 7 7/VII/46 F. Atwell Plethodon cinereus NHSM A-7 16-7 17 12-IV/41 R. Mansueti 44 USNM 368809 to 12 26/III/69 Highton, and Caraceno 44 USNM 368816 to 36 26/III/69 Highton, and Caraceno Pseudotriton ruber NHSM A- 1679 31-V-47 J. Gentile “ AMNH A-46017 21 /VI/34 Noble TURTLES Kinosternon subrubrum NHSM R-764 10/V/42 J. Norman Pseudemys rubriventris NHSM R-422 2/II/45 J. Hamlet “ USNM 139663 8/VI/41 J. Fowler Sternotherus odoratus NHSM R-1225 10/V/42 H. Howden Terrapene Carolina NHSM R-147 2/VI/39 R. Mansueti LIZARDS Cnemidophorus sexlineatus NHSM R-9 20/VII/35 H.C.R. “ NHSM R-26 VII/34 Cooper and Mansueti “ NHSM R-589 7/VII/46 R. Mansueti “ NHSM R-667 ll/VIII/46 J. Cooper “ NHSM R-784 to 792 10/V/42 Norman and Norman page 28 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 u NHSM R-1306 4A^II/46 J. Hardy u NHSM R-1528 1 3/VI/48 J. Hardy u NHSM R-2069, 2070 10/V/42 Norman and Norman “ AMNH R-57839 2/WW34 Noble 66 AMNH R057992 to 994 12/X/34 W. Hassler “ AMNH R-57996 to 998 12/X/34 W. Hassler “ AMNH R-58003 to 008 12/X/34 W. Hassler “ AMNH R-58011 to 013 12/X/34 W. Hassler “ USNM 139421 to 24 3A/IE41 J. Fowler “ USNM 139467 to 70 10/V/42 H. Howden Eumeces fasciatus NHSM R-2379 25A^.58 Groves and Groves 66 NHSM-RL334 HSH/RSS 14/IV/72 H. Harris “ AMNH R-60298 13/1/35 Noble and Hassler Eumeces laticeps USNM 141375 10/V/48 Not known Sceloporus undulatus NHSM R-27 12/IV/41 R. Mansueti 66 NHSM R-269,270 7/VIE46 R. Mansueti 46 NHSM R-590 7/VIE46 R. Mansueti “ NHSM R-893 31/V/47 Mork and Gentile “ AMNH R-57995 12/X/34 W. Hassler “ AMNH R-57999, 58000 12/X/34 W. Hassler AMNH R-58009, 010 12/X/34 W. Hassler “ AMNH R-60293 no date Hassler and Johnston SNAKES Agkistrodon contortrix NHSM R-1508 9/IX/48 J. Hardy Carphophis amoenus NHSM R-122 2/VE40 R. Mansueti (6 NHSM R-894 3/V/47 Mork and Gentile 64 USNM 368815 16/III/68 R. Highton Cemophora coccinea NHSM R-586 7/VIE46 J. Cooper Coluber constrictor NHSM R-263 10/V/40 J. Norman 46 NHSM R-664 l/VIII/46 « NHSM R-1033 1947 Oler and Cooper 66 AMNH R-58065 9/X/34 W. Hassler Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 29 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Diadophis punctatus USNM 141399 21/IV/46 Unknown Heterodon platirhinos AMNH R-48472 2/VII/33 Noble Lampropeltis getula NHSM R- 1 335 1 3/VI/48 J. Hardy “ NHSM R-1509 9/IX/48 J. Hardy “ USNM 140304 VI/58 J. Hardy Lampropeltis triangulum NHSM R-2555 2/X/60 T. Hagelin “ NHSM R-4037 4/19/00 A. Norden Opheodrys aestivus NHSM R-1477 5/VIII/45 J. Hardy Storeria occipitomaculata NHSM R-5 20/VII/35 H.C.L “ NHSM R-84, 85 7/VII/46 “ NHSM-RS308 HSH/RSS 15/VI/67 H. Harris Virginia Valeria NHSM R-6 20/VII/35 H.C.L. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Resource Planning E-4 Tawes State Office Building Annapolis , MD 21401 Received: 22 September 2004 Accepted: 24 October 2004 page 30 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 New Variational Data on Adelphicos quadrivirgatum (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Mexico Mendoza-Quijano et al (2003) listed seven specimens of Adelphicos q. quadrivirgatum from the state of Puebla, Mexico (first reported at species rank by Canseco/Marquez et al., 2000), but at that time variational data were not available. Data on so few specimens have been recorded for this subspecies that its ranges of variation are not well established. We here list variation in those seven specimens in the characters most important taxonomically: presence or absence of the third infralabial, number of ventrals and subcaudals, SVL and TL. We also include data on three additional specimens from Hidalgo and Puebla not previously reported: ITAH (Instituto Tecnologico Agropecuario de Hidalgo) 976, Colonia San Jose, mpio Huejutla de Reyes (21 °08'34,IN, 98°25,03”W), 1 72 m, Hidalgo; EBUAP (Escuela de Biologfa, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla) 1170, Las Hamacas, Puebla; and JSA (Jorge Salazar Arenas) 108, Yohualichan, Puebla. All of the specimens from Puebla came from the municipios of Cuetzalan del Progreso and Huitzilan de Serdan, in the extreme northeastern corner of the state; exact localities and voucher numbers for those previously reported are in Mendoza- Quijano et al. (2003). The Puebla and Hidalgo localities are no more than about 100 km apart and in much the same habitat on hillsides of the northeastern Sierra Madre Oriental. In all ten specimens the third infralabial is absent; it appears to be a virtually categorical difference between A. quadrivirgatum and A. visoninum. Dorsal and lateral stripes are present in all, although the lateral ones are very narrow (a half scale width) in ITAH 976. The ventrals are 128-141 in 8 females, 1 30- 131 in 2 males. The subcaudals numberf 31-37 in 8 females, 42-43 in 2 males. The SVL varies from 137-265 mm, and the TL/SVL from .125-. 200 in 8 females, .236- .285 in 2 males. These data slightly extend the known range of male ventrals from 131-146 to 130-146, and of female subcaudals from 32-37 to 31-37. Comparing these data with those summarized by Mendoza-Quijano et al. (2003), it remains apparent that, if recorded parameteres are correct, A. q. quadrivirgatum can be distinguished most reliably from A. q. newmanorum by the presence of a distinct pattern of continuous stripes. Scalation remains uninformative in distinguishing these two subspecies. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 31 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Literature Cited Canseco-Marquez, L., G. Gutierrez-Mayen and J. Salazar-Arenas. 2000. New records and range extensions for amphibians and reptiles from Puebla, Mexico. Herp. Rev. 31: 259-263. Mendoza-Quijano, F., J. I. Campos-Rodriguez, J. C. Lopez- Vidal, H. M. Smith and D. Chiszar. 2003. Adelphicos quadrivirgatum (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Hidalgo, Mexico, with comments on its relationships to A. visoninum. Bull. Maryland Herp. Soc. 39: 77-84. Fernando Mendoza-Quijano, Instituto Tecnologico Agropecuario de Hidalgo, Carr. Huejutla-Chalahuiyapa, A. P. 94, Huejutla de Reyes, Hidalgo, 43000 Mexico. Jose Ismael Campos Rodriguez , Laboratorio de Cordados Terrestres, ENCB, IPN, Plan de Ayala S/N, Esquina con Prolongacion Manuel Carpio, AP 31-186, Casco de Santo Tomas, Mexico, D. F. Luis Canseco Marques, Museo de Zoologla, Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM, AP JO- 399, Mexico, D. F., 04510 Mexico. Hobart M. Smith and David Chiszar, University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, Colorado, 80309-0334, USA. Received: 12 January 2004 Accepted 5 March 2004 page 32 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Notes on the Testicular Cycle of the Neotropical Whipsnake, Mastocophis mentovarius (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Sonora, Mexico The neotropical whipsnake, Masticophis mentovarius ranges from southern Sonora, Mexico through Central America to northeastern Colombia and adjacent western Venezuela (Savage, 2002). The biology of M. mentovarius is summarized in Johnson (1982). There is, to my knowledge, no published information on the timing of the testicular cycle. The purpose of this note is to provide information on the timing of the seasonal testicular cycle from a histological examination of testes from M. mentovarius museum specimens. Five adult male M. mentovarius (mean snout- vent length, SVL- 1105 mm ± 164 SD, range: 941-1292 mm) collected in Sonora, Mexico and deposited in the herpetology collection of the University of Arizona, Tucson (UAZ) were examined. The posterior portion of the body cavity was opened and the left testes and vasa deferentia were removed for histological examination. Tissues were embedded in paraffin and histological sections were cut at 5 pm. Sections were mounted on glass slides and were stained with Harris’ hematoxylin followed by eosin counterstain. Slides were evaluated to determine the stage of the testicular cycle. One male (UAZ 40078) collected 26 March 1975 (SVL = 1292 mm) was in early recrudescence (renewal of germinal epithelium for the next period of spermio- genesis = sperm formation). Primary spermatocytes were present in the seminiferous tubules. A second male (UAZ 257 1 1 ) collected 5 April 1 953 (SVL = 1 070 mm) was in late spermiogenesis. Seminiferous tubules were lined with spermatozoa and clus¬ ters of metamorphosing spermatids. A third male (UAZ 25709) collected 24 April 1962 (SVL = 960 mm) and a fourth male (UAZ 46673) collected 12 July 1986 (SVL = 1260 mm) contained testes undergoing recrudescence which was more advanced than the condition previously described for UAZ 40078 because primary and sec¬ ondary spermatocytes were the predominant cells in the seminiferous tubules. There were a few spermatids in UAZ 46673 but none in UAZ 25709. A fifth male (UAZ 45112) collected 4 November 1983 (SVL = 941 mm) was undergoing spermiogen¬ esis. It was in an earlier phase of spermiogenesis than the April testis (UAZ 25711) and contained more spermatozoa. Vasa deferentia from each of the five males con¬ tained sperm suggesting M. mentovarius males are capable of insemination in each of the months they were examined from. The presence of a male undergoing spermiogenesis from both April and November suggests M. mentovarius from Sonora, Mexico has a testicular cycle simi- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 33 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 lar to that of Masticophis bilineatus (Goldberg, 1998) and Masticophis flagellum (Goldberg, 2002) in which males undergoing spermiogenesis were also found in April and November. This type of cycle in which spermiogenesis occurs in both spring and fall was characterized as “mixed” by Saint Girons (1982). Two other North American congeners, Masticophis lateralis (Goldberg, 1975) and Masticophis taeniatus (Goldberg and Parker, 1975) exhibited testicular cycles in which spermiogenesis was restricted to late summer and autumn. Saint Girons (1982) characterized this cycle as “aestival spermatogenesis.” Testes from additional samples of M. mentovarius, par¬ ticularly from southern populations need to be examined before the testicular cycle of this species can be fully ascertained. Acknowledgment I thank G.L. Bradley (University of Arizona) for permission to examine M. mentovarius. Literature Cited Goldberg, S.R. 1975. Reproduction in the striped racer, Masticophis lateralis (Colubridae). J. Herpetol. 9:361-363. 1998. Reproduction in the Sonoran whipsnake, Masticophis bilineatus (Serpen tes: Colubridae). Southwest. Nat. 43:412-415. 2002. Reproduction in the coachwhip, Masticophis flagellum (Serpentes: Colubridae), from Arizona. Texas J. Sci. 54:143-150. ________ and W.S. Parker 1975. Seasonal testicular histology of the colubrid snakes, Masticophis taeniatus and Pituophis melanoleucus. Herpetologica 31:31 7-322. Johnson, J.D. 1982. Masticophis mentovarius (Dumeril, Bibron, and Dumeril) Neo¬ tropical whipsnake. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 295.1-295.4. Saint Girons, H. 1982. Reproductive cycles of male snakes and their relationships with cli¬ mate and female reproductive cycles. Herpetologica 38:5-16. page 34 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Savage, J.M. 2002. The amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica: a herpetofauna be¬ tween two continents, between two seas. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, xx + 934 pp. Stephen R. Goldberg: Whittier College , Department of Biology, Whittier, California 90608 * USA (sgoldberg@whittier.edu) Received: 1 November 2004 Accepted 3 1 December 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 35 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Erosion Mesh Netting: A Major Threat Hazard to Snakes Various types of plastic netting are frequently used to reduce erosion and aid in revegetation at construction sites and reclamation projects. Often, loose-mesh net¬ ting is placed over a layer of straw covering grass, rye or other fast growing soil stabilizers. On May 17, 2004 the authors were collecting natricine species for blood samples along the Illinois-Michigan Canal, bordering tow path road, 2 miles west of Utica, LaSalle County, Illinois. The backwaters of the Illinois River parallel the canal inn the vicinity of Split Rock, a feature that is cited on quadrangle maps, and in Cady (1919). This land is Starved Rock State Park. About 39 m from Split Rock (41°20.1015N, 089°03.684W) we noted that plastic silt netting had entangled three adult Lampropeltis t. triangulum, of which two were in a state of putrefaction, while the third specimen is preserved in the NIU collection (NIU-HDW 1985, figure 1). A single Coluber c. constrictor was found entangled at the same site on May 13, 2004 by one of us (JR), but was not salvaged. A comparable report of snake mortality has been provided by Ron Black (pers. comm.) who found two Eastern Massasaugas (Sistrurus c. catenatus) and three Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia s. sipedon) entangled in silt fencing in Ontario, Canada. It should be noted that S. c. catenatus is considered a threatened species in Ontario and is protected in most of the U.S. states in which it occurs. Similarly, Bonine et al. (2004) reported an incidence of Crotalus atrox trapped in polypropy¬ lene enclosure netting with a mesh opening of 18x26mm, which is used for draping over trees and shrubs to exclude birds or other frugivorous animals. This netting had been discarded at a dump site in northwest Tucson, Arizona, where the authors ob¬ served C. atrox, M as tic ophis flagellum, Pituophis catenifer, Lampropeltis getula, Phry nosoma solare, Dipsosaurus dorsalis and Sceloporus magister entanglement and mortality over a two year period. Stuart et al. (2001) report coachwhip snakes (Masticophis flagellum) becoming entangled in avian mist nets in Placitas, Sandoval County, and Abiquiu, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. The entanglement of M. flagellum can probably be attributed to the snakes having tried to capture birds caught in the mist nets (Stuart et al, 2001). The snakes we observed may have become entangled while searching for prey and likely died as a result of over-exposure to solar radiation. In all cases, snakes had managed to crawl part way through the netting and became entangled when netting strands under their page 36 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Figure 1 : Lampropeltis t. triangulum entrapped in surface screening adjacent to Split Rock, Utica, LaSalle County, Illinois, May 17, 2004. scales prevented their moving backward. In fact, avian mist nets have been modified by Lutterschmidt and Schaefer (1996) for use in sampling semi-aquatic snake popu¬ lations, although frequent monitoring is required in preventing stress, or mortality due to heat exposure. Conservation managers need to be aware of the risk erosion mesh netting poses and are urged to use other techniques to reduce erosion and aid revegetation. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 37 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Literature Cited. Black, Ron. 2004. Heavy duty silt fence may cause high mortality in large-bodied snake species. Per. Comm. Bonine, Kevin E., Eric W. Stitt, George L. Bradley and Jeffrey J. Smith. 2004. Crotalus atrox (Western Diamond Backed Rattlesnake entrapment and opportunistic courtship. Herpetol. Rev. 35(2): 176-177. Cady, Gilbert H. 1919. Geology and mineral resources of the Hennepin and LaSalle quad¬ rangles. Illinois Geol. Surv. Bull. (37):l-136+maps. Lutterschmidt, William 1. and Jacob F. Schaefer. 1 996. Mist netting: adapting a technique from ornithology for sampling semi-aquatic snake populations. Herpetol. Rev. 27(3): 13 1-1 32. Stuart, James N., Mark L. Watson, Ted L. Brown and Chris Eustice. 200 1 . Plastic netting: An entanglement hazard to snakes and other wild¬ life. Herpetol. Rev. 32(3): 162-164. Harlan D. Walley, Richard B. King , Julie M. Ray and Jace Robinson , Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois hdw@niu.edu, rbking@niu.edu Received: 1 6 October 2004 Accepted: 24 November 2004 page 38 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 A New Species of Tropidodipsas (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Sonora, Mexico Hobart M. Smith, Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Devon Hartman, and David Chiszar Abstract A specimen of Tropidodipsas from central eastern Sonora sets the northern¬ most record for the genus. It is clearly most similar to T. annulifera, but it differs considerably from it. We here name it T. repleta. In the herpetological collection secured by JLE in Sonora in 2003 is a single snake of the genus Tropidodipsas that most closely resembles the adjacent species T. annulifera , but differs substantially in pattern from that species. It was taken from an area about 450 km north of the nearest known localities of T annulifera in northern Sinaloa. We therefore regard it as representative of a distinct species we here name Tropidodipsas repleta sp. nov. Holotype. Unidad de Biologfa, Tecnologia y Prototipos (UBIPRO) 11635, from km 236.2 hwy 16 Chihuahua-Hermosillo, in Sonora (28°26’ 12.5”N, 109°10’5.7”W), 1643 m, taken September 29, 2003 by Julio A. Lemos-Espinal and Deron Hartman. Diagnosis. A relative of Tropidodipsas annulifera , having all characters of that species as heretofore known (Kofron, 1988) except in having more numerous white rings on body (21, all complete, vs 3-14, N=32) and on tail (9, all incomplete, vs 2-7), and no nuchal light ring (vs present). Description of holotype. A male in good condition except for a damaged head, 383 mm TTL, 80 mm TL, with 150 ventrals, 53 subcaudals and entire anal; dorsal scale rows 15-15-15, scales completely smooth throughout body; no apical pits. Head scales more or less normal; length of intemasals about half that of prefrontals; latter entering the orbit; frontal slightly longer than wide; one loreal; no preocular; postoculars 2-2; temporals 1-2/1 -2; supralabials 6-7, 3rd and 4th entering orbit on one side, 4th and 5lh on the other; posterior chinshields about half length of anterior chinshields. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 39 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 The head is uniformly black above, the color extending 12 scale lengths on neck; white on under side of head and some lower parts of supralabials extending two scale lengths posterior to the posterior supralabial; eight scale rows between postrictal light areas. All light rings on body complete, one scale in length dorsally, usually two ventral ly; rest of body jet black above and below; light bands of tail incomplete ventrally; tail uniform black below. Remarks. We follow Wallach (1995) in separation of the genus Tropidodipsas from Sibon. The specific name is from the Latin “repletus”, which in English has taken on the meaning of “well-supplied”, and is applied here in reference to the nu¬ merous light rings on tail and body. Numerous characters distinguish this species from other species of Tropidodipsas (Kofron, 1988; Smith and Taylor, 1945), with its combination of 15 scale rows, no preoculars, no keeled scales, no large posterior chinshields, prefron¬ tal s not fused, few ventrals, a black venter except for numerous light rings, and no light nuchal band. Acknowledgments We are grateful for the support given to JLE by LJBIPRO under projects L103, U003, X004, AE003 and BE002. Literature Cited Kofron, C. P. 1988. Systematics of neotropical gastropod-eating snakes of the sar- torii group of the genus Sibon. Amph.-Rept. 9: 145-168. Smith. H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1945. An annotated checklist and key to the snakes of Mexico. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. (187): i-iv, 1-239. Wallach, V. 1 995 . Revalidation of the genus Tropidodipsas (Gunther), with notes on the Dipsadini and Nothopsini (Serpentes: Colubridae). J. Herp. 29: 476-481. page 40 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 JALE: Laboratorio de Ecologia, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UN AM, Apartado Postal 314, Avenida de Los Barrios, No. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de Mexico, 54090 Mexico . DH: 18441 Island Oak Avenue, Jupiter, Florida 33478. HMS and DC: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334 USA. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 41 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Apparent Hybridization of Bufo mazatlanensis and B. punctatus (An ura: Bufonidae) in Nature Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Hobart M. Smith and David Chiszar Abstract Apparent hybrids between Bufo mazatlanensis and B. punctatus in an area of sympatry in southwestern Chihuahua, Mexico, are recorded and described. Some of their characters are intermediate between those of each species, although the re¬ semblance to B. punctatus is the greater. Species of the genus Bufo are notorious for the ease with which they hybrid¬ ize (Blair, 1972b). Their isolating mechanisms are tenuous, readily negated in nature by unusual environmental disturbance, perhaps most frequently anthropogenic in origin (McCoy et al., 1967). In captivity their isolating mechanisms are virtually non-exis¬ tent. Nevertheless the isolating mechanisms in nature are highly effective, so that records of hybridization are something of a rarity. Thus the apparent occurrence here reported of hybrids (hereinafter, H) between B. punctatus (hereinafter P) and B. mazatlanensis (hereinafter M) is of special interest. There are no other reports of hybrids in nature between these two species, although they have been reported be¬ tween P and B. woodhousii (McCoy et al, 1967). Both species have produced labora¬ tory hybrids with several other species, however (Blair, 1972b). The six present hybrids, UBIPRO (Unidad de Tecnologfa y Prototipos of the National University of Mexico) 11516-9, 11750-1, 49-69 mm SVL, were taken by JLE near Chinipas, southwestern Chihuahua (27°23’39.9”N, 108°32’9.7”W), 469 m elev., during the summer of 2003. In the same period and area, two M (UBIPRO 11536, 1 1700) were taken, as well as one P (UBIPRO 11701). One other of the latter species (UBIPRO 5905), from the same area, was reported by Lemos-Espinal et al. (2001 ). Comparative material includes 21 M from Sonora and Chihuahua, and four P (UBIPRO 1 1 599, 11630-2) from elsewhere in Chihuahua. We have also drawn on the extensive literature on the latter species. Curiously, these two species have parotoid glands of the same shape (round or vertically oval), in spite of belonging to different sections of Ti hen’s ( 1 962) valliceps group. Indeed, Blair ( 1 952a) regarded P as perhaps a member of the B. boreas group. page 42 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Otherwise the two species are widely different. The most conspicuous dif¬ ferences between them and H are as follows. Cranial crests . The cranial crests are absent or scarcely recognizable in P; the interocular area is flat and profusely tubercular, and the postorbital and preorbital areas are each occupied by a bulbous enlargement rather than a sharp crest. The posterior end of the supralabial ridge is conspicuously thickened and protuberant. M, on the other hand, has a full complement of preorbital, postorbital, interorbital, supratympanic and parietal crests, all narrow, elevated, smooth and blackened. The interorbital area appears depressed and has few tubercles. The posterior end of the supralabial area is not thickened and protuberant. The presumed H has distinct interorbital crests and weak parietal crests, al¬ though they are broad and tubercular, not blackened. The interorbital area appears somewhat depressed, although tubercular. Otherwise the head is like that of P, with bulbous preocular and postocular areas and the posterior end of the supralabial ridge thickened and protuberant. The weakly depressed interorbital area and the distinct interorbital and weak parietal crests are among the most important reasons for re¬ garding these specimens as hybrids, although otherwise there is a strong resemblance to P. Color. M is mostly dark above, with dim patterning and a vertebral light line, although weak in some specimens. P is a uniform light tan above, never with a vertebral light line. H is uniformly dark above, and lacks a vertebral light line. The one specimen referred to P in Lemos-Espinal et ah (2001) had a very fine vertebral light line, different from the broader line of M. It was from the same area as the present H, and may well be another hybrid. The dorsal tubercles of M are not light-tipped. Those of P are red-tipped. In H, some of the tubercles are red-tipped, but most are white-tipped. The combination of the differential characters of P and M in H strongly suggests that the latter are truly hybrids. However, geographic variation in the widely distributed P has not been adequately studied, especially west of the Sierra Madre Occidental That species appears to be relatively rare in that region, compared with the abundant M, as is evident in the field work of JLE and in comments in Bogert and Oliver (1945). Acknowledgments . We are indebted to CONABIO for support under projects U003, X004 and AEQ03 awarded to JLE. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 43 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 Literature Cited Blair, W. F. 1972a. Bufo of North and Central America. Pp. 93-101 in W. F. Blair (ed.), Evolution in the genus Bufo. Austin, Texas, Univ. Texas, viii, 459 pp. 1972b. Evidence from hybridization. Pp. 196-232 in W. F. Blair (ed.), Evolution in the genus Bufo. Austin, Texas, Univ. Texas, viii, 459 pp. Bogert, C. M. and J. A. Oliver. 1945. A preliminary analysis of the herpetofauna of Sonora. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 83: 297-426. Lemos-Espinal, J. A., D. L. Auth, D. Chiszar and H. M. Smith. 2001 . Year 2000 amphibians taken in Chihuahua, Mexico. Bull. Mary¬ land Herp. Soc. 37: 151-155. McCoy, C. J., H. M. Smith and J. ATihen. 1 967. Natural hybrid toads, Bufo punctatus x B. woodhousei, from Colo¬ rado. SW Nat. 12:45-54. Tihen, J. A. 1962. Osteological observations on New World Bufo. Am. Midi. Nat. 67: 157-163. JALE: Laboratorio de Ecologia, UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla , Estado de Mexico , 54090 Mexico. HMS and DC: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334 USA page 44 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 News and Notes Book Review: FREED, Paul, Texas A&M University Press, College, Station. Of Golden Toads and Serpent’s Roads, 191 pp. 2003. Available from Texas A&M University Press, $32.95 Cloth bound, or $18.95 Paper. ISBN 1-58544-271-2 Paper. This highly enlightening non-technical book will certainly be an enjoyable two eve¬ nings of reading. The author has traveled throughout Africa, Central America, Mada¬ gascar, and Peru in search of herptiles for both photographs and for exhibit at the Houston Zoo, where Freed is supervisor for the herpetology section, in addition to his work as a field associate with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, where the author had previously been employed. The opening chapter describes jaunts and exciting adventures in Costa Rica where he was fortunate enough to have the opportunity of observing and photographing the Golden Toad (Bufo pereglenes) which is presently considered an extinct species. The author also related his experiences of having all his possessions stolen except for a single roll of film, and his living herp specimens (which were probably considered poisonous). This is a common practice in Mexico and Central American if your ve¬ hicle is left unattended, and I had this happen myself on two occasions. The second chapter continues with his exploits in Costa Rica the following year, and his mishap of an automobile accident along with other interesting herps encountered. The essay in chapter three describes his trip to Belize, and truly is a rewarding expe¬ rience of wonderful tales that both he and our late friend Clarence J. “Jack” McCoy of the Carnegie Museum experienced in this beautiful country. His experiences with the larval “beefworm” or botfly, Dermatobia moninis, are truly exciting reading, but not a pleasant experience for the unlucky individual harboring the parasite. Chapter 4 described his two-month visit to Manibia or South West Africa and the exciting experiences of collecting herps with Austrian herpetology Hartwif Berger- Dell’mour, a Namibian specialist, during the winter months in Namibia. Can you just imagine having eaten three lobsters near the edge of Liideritz Bay for the price of $4.00 if you compare what it would have cost in the states for three large lobsters? Liideritz relays his experiences at the base of the inhospitable great sand dunes in Namibia, where some of the dunes reach more than a thousand feet-the highest dunes on earth. There he saw one of the rarest plants the endemic (Welwitchia mirabilis), which can live more than fifteen hundred years. This is preceded by Chapter 5, deal¬ ing with primarily an ornithological expedition organized by Louisiana State Univer- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 45 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 News and Notes sity in search of rare or new species of birds in remote areas of Peru. The author spent his time herping and photographing anew species of parrot (Nannopsittaca dachilleae) which was later described by John O’Neill. The final two chapters explore the fauna of both Madagascar and the Cameroons, and truly will hold your interests with adventure. The island of Madagascar has only about 5% of its natural rain forest still standing, and the endemic fauna has shown devastating effects. The author relates his love of the outdoors with gratitude and humor, and describes how he was able to take photographs in the Cameroons where it is forbidden to take photographs because of the native people’s aversion to technol¬ ogy. The author provides excellent photographs of native species from each country vis¬ ited, which are provided with both common and current scientific names. The author had collected more than one hundred new species of parasites that have since been described, and an additional three new species of life-forms from these enlightening adventures. I truly would recommend this book for anyone interested in adventure, and espe¬ cially those interested in herpetology or related fields. The book is modestly priced and can be purchased online, or directly from the publisher. Harlan D. Walley, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois, 60115. hdw@niu.edu. Received: 22 November 2004 page 46 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 News and Notes Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 410-580-0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows. Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts* OUR CURRENT NEEDS: • Piece of Property with a Building • Outdoor Shed • Power & Hand Tools • Bleach • Paper Towels • Copy Paper • Pillow Cases/Snake Bags www.reptileinfo.com Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 47 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 News and Notes page 48 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 News and Notes Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 49 Volume 41 Number 1 March 2005 News and Notes Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Society Publication Back, issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $. 25/page. Information for Authors All correspondence should be addressed to the Executive Editor. Manu¬ scripts being submitted for publication should be typewritten (double spaced) on good quality 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper with adequate margins. Submit origi¬ nal and first carbon, retaining the second carbon. If entered on a word proces¬ sor, also submit diskette and note word processor and operating system used. Indicate where illustrations or photographs are to appear in text. Cite all lit- erature used at end in alphabetical order by author. Major papers are those over five pages (double spaced, elite type) and must include an abstract. The authors name should be centered under the title, and the address is to follow the Literature Cited. Minor papers are those pa¬ pers with fewer than five pages. Author’s name is to be placed at end of paper (see recent issue). For additional information see Style Manual for Biological Journals (1964), American Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016. Reprints are available at $.07 a page and should be ordered when manu¬ scripts are submitted or when proofs are returned. Minimum order is 100 reprints. Either edited manuscript or proof will be returned to author for ap¬ proval or correction. The author will be responsible for all corrections to proof, and must return proof preferably within seven days. The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc . 2643 North Charles Street Baltimore , Maryland 21218 Maryland Herpetological Society US ISSN: 0025-4231 ■ U K.L.CT1 N OF TMI ^acylanb l^erpetological 0oriety DEPARTMENT OF HERPETOLOGY THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARYLAND, INC. MDHS . A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League VOLUME 41 NUMBER 2 nut 2 2 2tioJ JUNE 2005 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 CONTENTS An Additional Observation of Aquatic Behavior in the Mexican Lance-Headed Rattlesnake (Crotalus polystictus) Robert W. Bryson, Jr. and Deron Hartman . . . 51 Survivorship of Xenosaurus newmanorum (Sauria: Xenosauridae) from a Seasonal Tropical Environment in Mexico Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Geoffrey R. Smith, and Royce E. Ballinger . . . . . 53 An Experimental Study of Substrate Selection in American Toad (Bufo americanus) Metamorphs Geoffrey R. Smith . . . . . 59 First State Records (Chihuahua, Sonora) and a Northern Geographic Variant of the Treefrog Hyla smithii of Mexico Hobart M. Smith, Julio Lemos-Espinal and David Chiszar ...... 63 Note on Reproduction of the Silver Spinytail gecko, Diplodactylus strophurus (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Western Australia Stephen R. Goldberg . . . . . 65 Classical Conditioning of Red-Backed Salamanders, Plethodon cinereus Scott L. Kight, Carolyn Eadie, Disha Lynch, Jennifer Coelho and Alicja Dewera . . . . . 68 Book Review Harlan D. Walley & Theresa L. Wusterbarth . . . 85 Book Review Harlan D. Walley & Theresa L. Wusterbarth . . . 88 BULLETIN OF THE mbbe Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society*’ newsletter and on the website, www.marylandnature.org. . ' Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 An Additional Observation of Aquatic Behavior in the Mexican Lance-Headed Rattlesnake (Crotalus polystictus) Several authors have suggested that the Mexican lance-headed rattlesnake (i Crotalus polystictus) may be “semi-aquatic” (Klauber, 1972). Klauber (1972) re¬ ported that Paul D. R. Ru tilling found C. polystictus to be abundant in the tules of Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, and that these snakes often sought refuge in the wa¬ ter. As mentioned by Campbell and Lamar (2004), an older, previously overlooked observation made by Beebe (1905) also documented the aquatic habits and behaviors of C. polystictus from near Lake Chapala. However, as stated by Campbell and Lamar (2004), these possibly highly aquatic populations are no longer extant. Additional observations of aquatic escape behaviors in C. polystictus inhabiting an agricultural area in the state of Mexico were documented by Bryson et al. (2003). Herein we report on an additional observation of aquatic behavior in C. polystictus. On 15 July 2004, one of us (DH) observed an adult C. polystictus swimming across a small (ca. 12 m x 6 m) man-made pond in oak-grassland near Mayahua de Estrada, Zacatecas, Mexico, at around 1200 hrs. The area had received heavy rainfall prior to the observation and was pocketed by standing water. The pond was located about 50 m off ofMex. Hwy. 54, and the snake was observed swimming in the middle of the pond in a direction away from the road to the opposite bank that was heavily covered with low growing vegetation. It is unclear whether the snake sought refuge in the water in an attempt to escape or was merely swimming to the other side of the pond. Although the incident seemed to be unprovoked, it is possible that a previous vehicle passing by on the road had forced the snake to seek refuge in the water. However, most C. polystictus observed in the wild generally will not retreat until approached to within a few meters (Armstrong and Murphy, 1979; Bryson et al., 2003). Alternatively, the snake may have been forced from its refuge due to the re¬ cent heavy rains. Acknowledgements. We would like to thank J. Campbell for reviewing the manuscript. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 51 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Literature Cited. Armstrong, B. L. and J. B. Murphy. 1979. The natural history of Mexican rattlesnakes. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Special Publ. 5:1-88. Beebe, [C] W. 1905. Two bird-lovers in Mexico. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. 407 pp. Bryson, R. W., G. Ulises, and D. Lazcano. 2003 . Observations on a population of Mexican lance-headed rattlesnake (< Crotalus polystictus) from an agricultural area in the Mexican state of Mexico. Herpetol. Rev. 34:313-314. Campbell, J. A., and W. L. Lamar. 2004. Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, New York. 870 pp. Klauber, L. M. 1 972. Rattlesnakes: Their Habits, Life Histories, and Influence on Man¬ kind. 2nd ed. Univ. California Press, Berkeley, California. 1533 pp. Robert W. Bryson, Jr. and Deron Hartman RWB: 113 Walnut St. #97, Neptune, New Jersey 07753. DH: 18441 Island OakAve., Jupiter, Florida 33478. Received 1 1 February 2005 Accepted 28 February 2005 page 52 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Survivorship of Xenosaurus newmanorum (Sauria: Xenosauridae) from a Seasonal Tropical Environment in Mexico Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Geoffrey R. Smith, and Royce E. Ballinger Annual life history variation in lizards is commonly observed. For example, several studies have demonstrated that life history traits can often vary among years, and that such variation can often be linked to climatic variation among years (e.g., variability in precipitation: Tinkle et al. 1993, Anderson 1994, Smith and Ballinger 1994, Smith et al., 1995; Smith, 1996, Dickman et al 1999). Many of these studies have been conducted on temperate, desert, or temperate montane species. Fewer long-term mark-recapture studies are available that examine annual variation in survivorship in tropical species (but see Andrews and Nichols, 1990). Thus in order to understand the potential role of proximate variation in environmental conditions on lizards in general, we need additional studies on annual variation in life history traits, and survivorship in particular. In this study, we examine annual variation in survivorship of a population of Xenosaurus newmanorum , a species of lizard that lives in rock crevices in the tropi¬ cal cloud forests of Mexico (see Lemos-Espinal et al. 2000 for a review of the spe¬ cies). We predicted that there would be variation in annual survivorship, because we have observed annual variation in other life history traits in this population (e.g., growth rate, proportion of females reproductive; Lemos-Espinal et al., 2003b). Methods. Xenosaurus newmanorum is a viviparous species, with a gestation period of approximately 11-12 months, an apparent biennial reproductive cycle, and a typical litter size of 1 or 2 (Ballinger et al. 2000). Members of this species live in cracks in rock walls (Lemos-Espinal et al. 1998), and exhibit marked sexual dimorphism in head size and body size (Smith et al. 1997). They also have adult female-neonate associations that may be related to parental care (Lemos-Espinal et al. 1997). Under the canopy of a rather dense second growth forest and citrus/coffee plantation, our population of X. newmanorum has a relatively low body temperature that is tied to environmental temperatures (Lemos-Espinal etal. 1998). Xenosaurus newmanorum eats primarily arthropods, but appears to be an opportunistic forager, eating anything that enters its crevice, including plants and small mammals (Lemos-Espinal et al., 2003a). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 53 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 We studied a marked population of X newmanorum in a 50 m x 50 m area of mountains near Xilitla, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The study site consisted of coffee, orange, and lime plantations and forest edge interspersed with relatively dense sec¬ ond-growth forest, and falls into the perennial tropical forest zone of Rzedowski (1988). Unfortunately, climate data from the Instituto Meteorologico Nacional were not available for all years of this study at the time this paper was written, but for the years when data were available (1993-1997), all years had a month of greater than 600 mm rainfall, except for 1996 and 1997. Total annual precipitation was lowest in 1996 (1912 mm) and 1997 (1995 mm), and highest in 1994 (2535 mm) and 1995 (2617 mm) (see Lemos-Espinal et al., 2003b). There was very little among-year variation in maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures (see Lemos-Espinal et al., 2003b). We surveyed the population approximately monthly from February i994 to March 2000, although some years (e.g., 1998, 2000) had lower effort than others. We located lizards under rocks or in rock crevices, and whenever possible removed them from their crevices. Upon capture, we measured snout- vent length (SVL), and body mass (BM). Individuals were marked with unique toe clips and released at the site of capture. Based on these mark-recapture records, we estimated survivorship for all lizards and for each sex using the mark-recapture model (basically the Cormack- Jolly-Seber model) of the program MARK (White and Burnham, 1999). The fully parameterized model provided the best goodness-of-fit for all lizards, males, and females (P < 0.05 in all three cases). We also used the statistical tests available in the program MARK to test for differences in survivorship between males and females, and for annual variation in survivorship. Means are given ± 1 SE throughout. Results. Survivorship estimates for all lizards varied from year to year (Fig. 1 ; P = 0.0004). Survivorship declined from a peak from 1994-1995, and leveled off after 1997. This was also true when males and females were considered separately, al¬ though females had high survivorship from 1998-1999 (Fig. 1; P < 0.0001 in both cases). Males and females had significantly different survivorship rates, but this may be due in large part to the very high survivorship of females from 1998-1999 (Fig. 1 ; P< 0.0001). page 54 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 YEAR Figure 1. — Annual variation in survivorship estimates for a population of Xenosaurus newmanorum from Xilitla, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Estimates are given ± 1 SE. Standard error bars are not given for 1999 for males and all lizards since their size (41.6 and 70.7, respectively) would have reduced the ability of the figure to show the annual variation in survivorship estimates. Discussion. We found significant annual variation in survivorship in this population of Xenosaurus newmanorum. For the years we have climate data, the lowest survivor¬ ship estimate was found in the second year (1997) of two consecutive years of lower rainfall (1996 and 1997). Numerous studies on temperate and desert lizards have shown a relationship between precipitation levels and arthropod abundance, and varia¬ tion in life history traits (e.g., Tinkle etal. 1993, Anderson 1994, Smith and Ballinger 1994, Smith etal., 1995; Smith, 1996, Dickman etal. 1999). Thus it is possible that variation in survivorship in this population reflects variation in precipitation. How¬ ever, annual variation in survivorship in our population may have another, undiscov¬ ered cause. For example, Andrews and Nichols (1990) documented significant varia¬ tion in annual survivorship estimates in Anolis limifrons in Panama; however, the)’ were unable to find a correlate of this temporal variation in survivorship. Additional study on annual variation in survivorship is clearly needed in tropical lizards to deter- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 55 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 mine how often such variation is observed, what might be driving such variation, a nd whether the causes are the same as in temperate lizards. Based on an examination of the individual mark-recapture, individuals in this population can live > 7 years. For example, one female caught in 1994 with an SVL of 1 16 mm was recaptured in 2000, thus giving a minimum lifespan of 7 years, and likely more since she was already one of the largest individuals captured. Acknowledgments. Field assistance was provided by S. Sanoja-Sarabia and local residents. Fi¬ nancial support was provided by Project CONAB IO-R232, PA PUT IN200 1 02 and CONACyT 4 0797 -Q, and the University of Nebraska School of Biological Sciences. Literature Cited. Anderson, R. A. 1 994. Functional and population responses of the lizard Cnemidophorus tigris to environmental fluctuations. Am. Zool. 34:409-421. Andrews, R. NL, and J. D. Nichols. 1990. Temporal and spatial variation in survival rates of the tropical lizard Anolis limifrons, Oikos 57:215-221. Ballinger, R. E., I. A. Lemos-Espinal, and G. R. Smith. 2000. Reproduction in females of three species of crevice-dwelling liz¬ ards (genus Xenosaurus) from Mexico. Stud. Neotrop. Fauna Environ. 35:179-183. Dickman, C. R., M. Letnic, and P. S. Mahon. 1 999, Population dynamics of two species of dragon lizards in arid Aus¬ tralia: the effects of rainfall. Oecologia 119:357-366. Lemos-Espinal, I. A., R. E. Ballinger, and G. R Smith. 2000. Xenosaurus new manor unu Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles 714:1-2. Lemos-Espinal, J.A., G.R. Smith, and R.E. Ballinger. 1 997. Neonate-female associations in Xenosaurus newmanorum : a case of parental care in a lizard?. Herpetol. Rev. 28:22-23. page 56 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 1998. Thermal ecology of the crevice-dwelling lizard, Xenosaurus newmanorum. I. HerpetoL 32:141-144. 2003a. Diets of three species of knob-scaled lizards (genus Xenosaurus) from Mexico. Southwest. Nat. 48:119-122. 2003b. Variation in growth and demography of a knob-scaled lizard {Xenosaurus newmanorum: Xenosauridae) froma seasonal tropi¬ cal environment in Mexico. Biotropica 35:240-249. Rzedowski, I. 1988. Vegetacion de Mexico. Editorial Limusa, Mexico. 432 pp. Smith, G. R. 1996. Annual life-history variation in the striped plateau lizard, Sceloporus virgatus. Can. J. Zool. 74:2025-2030. Smith, G. R., and R. E. Ballinger. 1 994. Survivorship in a high-elevation population of Sceloporus jarrovi during a period of drought. Copeia 1994:1040-1042. Smith, G.R., R.E. Ballinger, and B.R. Rose. 1 995 . Reproduction in Sceloporus virgatus from the Chiricahua Moun¬ tains of southeastern Arizona with emphasis on annual variation, Herpetologica 5 1 :342-349. Smith, G. R., I. A. Lemos-Espinal, and R. E. Ballinger. 1997. Sexual dimorphism in two species of knob-scaled lizards (genus Xenosaurus) from Mexico. Herpetologica 53:200-205. Tinkle, D. W., A. E. Dunham, and J. D. Congdon. 1993. Life history and demographic variation in the lizard Sceloporus graciosus: a long-term study. Ecology 74:2413-2429. White, G.C., and K.P. Burnham. 1 999. Program MARK: Survival estimation from populations of marked animals. Bird Study 46 (SuppL): 120-138. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 57 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Laboratorio de Ecologia- UBIPRO, FES-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico , Apartado Postal 314, Tlalnepantla, Estado de Mexico, Mexico (JAL-E); Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023 USA (GRS); School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588 USA (REB); Author for correspondence: Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023 USA (smithg@denison.edu) Received 12 February 2004 Accepted 29 March 2004 page 58 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 An Experimental Study of Substrate Selection in American Toad (Bufo americanus) Metamorphs Geoffrey R. Smith After metamorphosis, anurans typically must begin to use the terrestrial en¬ vironment. How an anuran metamorph uses its new environment could have an im¬ pact on its success since habitat use can impact the physiological performance of an animal (e.g., Huey, 1991). Despite the potential importance of early habitat use and selection by anuran metamorphs for their success, we know relatively little about their choice of habitats, microhabitats, or substrates; either in the lab or the field. American toad ( Bufo americanus) metamorphs have been shown to select substrates that have some amount of predator refugia over a substrate that lacked a refuge (Heinen, 1993), to select substrates that are darker or have more vegetation (Heinen, 1985), and to select substrates that allow for maximal performance along a thermal gradient (Tracy et al., 1993). Cohen and Alford (1993) found that Bufo marinus metamorphs tend to occur close to water and not move away from the water. I experimentally investigated early microhabitat and substrate selection in metamorph American toads, Bufo americanus. Specifically I attempted to answer the following questions: 1) Would metamorphs choose to move up or downhill? I pre¬ dicted they would move uphill as they are likely to move away from water, and thus tend to move uphill. 2) Would metamorphs choose a black or white substrate? I pre¬ dicted that would prefer the black substrate which is the substrate closest to their own color (see also Heinen, 1985, 1994). 3) Would metamorphs choose a soil or rock substrate? I predicted metamorphs would choose the soil based on color matching, and they might expect moister conditions on soil. 4) Would metamorphs select a moist substrate or a dry substrate? I predicted metamorphs would prefer the moist substrate. Methods. American toad metamorphs were collected from near a small, temporary pond in Liberty, Clay Co, Missouri USA from 14-17 June 1999. This pond was surrounded by a drift fence that was monitored daily, and so metamorphs were known to have metamorphosed in the 1 - 2 days prior to collection. Metamorphs were trans¬ ported back to the lab for the experiment, used, and returned to the site of capture within 24 h. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 59 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 The study consisted of four independent experiments. The general proce¬ dure for each trial of the experiments was the same. To start a trial, a single metamorph was placed in the center of the experimental set-up. I typically ran two trials simulta¬ neously using two set-ups. At the end of 15 min, the location of the metamorph was noted. All experiments were performed at room temperature (19°C) and under over¬ head lighting. To reduce the possible effects of visual cues or differences in lighting or temperature gradients, the orientation of each experimental set-up was random, and replicate set-ups were placed in contrasting orientations. Experiment 1 was designed to assess the metamorphs’ preference for mov¬ ing up or downhill. A plastic tub (43 cm L x 24 cm W x 15 cm H) with its bottom covered with a thin layer of dirt was placed on an incline (approximately 30°). Ex¬ periment 2 was designed to determine if metamorphs preferred a black or white sub¬ strate. I lined the bottom of a plastic tub (43 cm L x 24 cm W x 1 5 cm H) with colored construction paper (half was black, the other half white). Experiment 3 was designed to determine whether the metamorphs would prefer a soil or a rock substrate. In this experiment, I used a small plastic wading pool as the test arena. I covered half of the wading pool (1.5 m in diameter) with soil and half with rocks (ranging in size from 3 - 6 cm in diameter). The wading pool was divided in half so two trials could be run simultaneously. Experiment 4 was designed to see if metamorphs would select a moist substrate or a dry substrate. The experimental set-up was similar to that of Experiment 3, except in this case the entire pool was lined with dirt and half was sprayed with water to moisten the soil (but no standing water). Each metamorph was potentially used in each experiment, but never more than once in any experiment. For a variety of reasons (e.g., escapes from holding bins, lethargy), some metamorphs were not used in every experiment, and so sample sizes were not the same for each experiment. Results and Discussion. In Experiment 1, more American toad metamorphs moved downhill (13; 76%) than moved uphill (4; 24%) (x2, = 4.76; P < 0.05). This is opposite of what I had predicted. Possible explanations for the tendency to move downhill include: the metamorphs actually move downhill to stay in moister microclimates than moving uphill, or it is physically easier to move downhill, especially given the slope used in the experimental design. Further experimentation is needed to elucidate the possible reasons for downhill movement in metamorphs and whether such behavior is ob¬ served in the field. page 60 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 In Experiment 2, the use of the black substrate by the metamorphs (15; 37.5%) was slightly less than the use of the white substrate (25; 62.5%), but the preference was not statistically significant (%2j = 2.50, P > 0.10). I had tentatively predicted that metamorphs would select the black substrate more than the white substrate since it appeared that it would provide the best match with the color of the metamorphs and that it was closer in color to the dirt substrate that I predicted the toadlets would prefer. If anything, the toadlets showed a slight preference for the white substrate, but it is clear the metamorphs do not have a strong preference for either substrate color. Previous studies on American toad metamorphs have found a preference for a dark background over a light background (Heinen, 1985, 1994). One possible explanation for my results is that neither color is likely to be encountered by the metamorphs in nature and thus there is no reason for metamorphs to have a preference for one of these particular colors. Using more realistic colors or substrates (as in Heinen, 1985, 1994) might help determine if metamorphs use color as a cue for substrate selection. Other anurans have been shown to choose substrates so as to “match” more realistic colors (e.g., Morey, 1990). American toad metamorphs showed a strong preference for the soil sub¬ strate (22; 75.9%) compared to the rock substrate (7; 24.9%) (%2, = 7.76, P < 0.007). This result is as I had predicted. In the field, soil substrates would be much more common in these metamorphs’ experience than a rock substrate (pers. observ.), so this preference may reflect the limited early experience of the toadlets. However, it may be that the soil substrate provides a better environment for the metamorphs than the rock substrate (e.g., temperature, moisture). My results suggest that further ex¬ perimentation to determine the causes behind a preference for soil substrates would be warranted. Bufo americanus metamorphs showed a highly significant preference for the moist substrate (30; 83.3%) over the dry substrate (6; 16.7%) in Experiment 4 (X2, = 16.0, P < 0.005). In a thermal gradient, Bufo americanus metamorphs consis¬ tently chose moist substrates over dry substrates even if the thermal conditions were better for the dry substrates (Tracy et al., 1993). It is not surprising that toad metamorphs preferred the moist substrate over the dry substrate, since water balance is a major challenge for amphibians (see Duellman and Treub, 1994), and so any behavior to ameliorate water loss would be advantageous. In conclusion, my results suggest that Bufo americanus metamorphs prefer particular substrates, specifically moist substrates and soil substrates. What is par¬ ticularly interesting is that these preferences were expressed less than one week (and more likely a couple of days) after metamorphosis, suggesting that experience is Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 61 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 unlikely to explain these preferences in their entirety. More investigations are needed on the habitat selection behavior of metamorphs, particularly in light of rapid changes in the habitats surrounding amphibian breeding sites. Literature Cited. Cohen, M.P. and R.A. Alford 1 993 Growth, survival and activity patterns of recently metamorphosed Bufo marinus . Wild!. Res. 20: LI 3. Dudlman, W.E. and L. Trueb 1994 Biology of amphibians. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Heinen, J.T. 1985 Cryptic behavior in juvenile toads. J. Herpetol. 19: 524-527. 1993 Substrate choice and predation risk in newly metamorphosed American toads Bufo americanus : An experimental analysis. Am. Midi. Nat. 130: 184-192. 1 994 The significance of color change in newly metamorphosed Ameri¬ can toads (Bufo a. americanus ). J. Herpetol. 28: 87-93. Huey, R.B. 1991 Physiological consequences of habitat selection. Am. Nat. 137: S91-S115. Morey, S.R. 1990 Microhabitat selection and predation in the Pacific treefrog, Pseudacris re g ilia. I. Herpetol. 24: 292-296. Tracy, C.R., K.A. Christian, M.P. O’Connor, and C.R. Tracy 1 993 Behavioral thermoregulation by Bufo americanus : The importance of the hydric environment. Herpetologica 49: 375-382. Department of Biology, William Jewell College \ Liberty, MO 64068 USA; Present address and address for correspondence: Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville , OH 43023 USA (smithg@denison.edu) Received 12 February 2005 Accepted 23 March 2005 page 62 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 First State Records (Chihuahua, Sonora) and a Northern Geographic Variant of the Treefrog Hyla smithii of Mexico Hobart M. Smith , Julio Lemos-Espinal and David Chiszar The treefrog Hyla smithii Boulenger (1902), based on specimens from Cuernavaca, Morelos, collected by Herbert H. Smith, has been known to have a wide distribution on lowland Pacific slopes of Mexico from 19 km NE San Benito, Sinaloa, southward to southern Oaxaca (Duellman, 2001). Actually the species occurs at least some 175 km northward in southwest¬ ern Chihuahua and southern Sonora. JLE collected two adult females (UBIPRO-JLE 13037, 13084) at Ejido Gorogachi, mpio. Chinipas, Chihuahua (27°16’21.1”N, 108°32’7.2”W), 700 m, 29 July 2004. In addition, Frederick A. Shannon and Frances L. Humphrey collected 24 immature specimens (LJIMNH 70663-6, 81053-72) at or near Navojoa, Sonora, 3 August 1956. The latter specimens vary in SVL 12-20 mm, and some of the smaller ones retain a vestige of a tail. The adults from Chihuahua are 36-37 mm SVL, and the prevomerine teeth are fully developed. In addition to documenting a notable range extension for the species, as well as first records for two states of Mexico, these specimens differ markedly in size and pattern from expectation for the species, based on descriptions and figures in various works (e.g. Duellman 2001: 368-370, pi. 55). Specimens from elsewhere have a light lateral stripe bordered below by a narrow black line. None of the specimens from Chihuahua and Sonora, adults and juveniles, have such markings; the pale tan color of the dorsum extends uninter¬ rupted onto the sides of the body. A narrow black line extends posteroventrally from the upper edge of the tympanum to above the axilla, but no farther. Presumably this represents the anterior tip of the continuous lateral dark line of more southern speci¬ mens. The juveniles have a single large or a smaller pair of conspicuous but diffuse black spots on the skin over the posterior end or sides of the urostyle. They are present but very small in the adults. Such marks have not been described for south¬ ern material. In addition, the SVL of the two adults, 36-37 mm, exceeds the recorded maximum of 31 mm for southern populations. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 63 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 We are not aware of other differences. Black dots or groups of dots are irregularly present or absent on the sides of the head and body, forming no discern¬ ible pattern. The body proportions likewise appear to be no different. This northern variant may be distinct taxonomically from the more southern populations, but if so it is probably of subspecific rank. The absence of any environ¬ mental barrier in the apparent hiatus in the known range of the species suggests that a populational continuity exists. In addition, constancy of the observed differences are not assured by the available material. Study of further material from northern Sinaloa, Sonora and Chihuahua is needed for a definitive conclusion. Acknowledgments. We are grateful to Dr. Chris Phillips and John Petzing for permission to study the specimens in UIMNH. JLE was supported by CONABIO under projects BE002, CE001 and CE002, and by DGAPA-PASPA. The University of Colorado, through the Department of EE Biology, generously provided support for JLE during his stay there on a sabbatical. Literature Cited. Duel lm an, W. E. 2001. Hylid frogs of Middle America. 2 vols. Revised and expanded edition. Ithaca, New York, Soc. Study Amph. Rept. HMS: Department of EE Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334 USA (hsmith@colorado.edu). JLE: Laboratorio de Ecologia, UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UN AM, Apartado Postal 314, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, edo. de Mexico, 54090 Mexico (lemos@servidorunam.mx). DC: Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0345 USA (chiszar@clipr.colorado.edu). Received: 14 February 2005 Accepted: 23 February 2005 page 64 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Note on Reproduction of the Silver Spinytail gecko, Diplodactylus strophurus (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Western Australia The silver spinytail gecko, Diplodactylus strophurus is known from the cen¬ tral coast and interior of Western Australia (Cogger, 2000). How et al. (1986) re¬ ported on the reproductive cycle of D. strophurus from an examination of museum specimens. Herein I add additional information on the reproductive biology of D. strophurus from a histological examination of museum specimens from a wild popu¬ lation. Histological evidence is provided that/), strophurus produces multiple clutches in the same reproductive season. Minimum size for reproductive activity is provided for males and females. Forty-three D. strophurus (21 females, mean snout- vent length, SVL = 70 mm ± 6 SD, range = 54-79 mm; 22 males, SVL = 58 mm ± 5 SD, range = 47-67 mm) from Western Australia were examined from the herpetology collection of the Natu¬ ral History Museum of Los Angeles County, LACM, Los Angeles, California. Speci¬ mens were collected: 18 March 1967 (LACM 56667); 19 August 1967 (56681); 20 August 1967 (56682); 23 August 1967 (56683); 24 August 1967 (56684); 25 Sep¬ tember 1967 (56690); 2 October 1967 (56692); 19 October 1967 (56693); 20 Octo¬ ber 1967 (56669-56671, 56672); 21 October 1967 (56673, 56674); 22 October 1967 (56675-56677); 26 October 1967 (56668, 56688); 27 October 1967 (56689); 28 Oc¬ tober 1967 (56694, 56696, 56697); 18 November 1967 (56679, 56698); 19 Novem¬ ber 1967 (56680); 22 November 1967 (56691); 30 November 1967 (56716, 56717); 29 December 1967 (56699-56702); 30 December 1967 (56703, 56705-56707); 3 Janu¬ ary 1968 (56714); 4 January 1968 (56715); 8 January 1968 (56708-56710); 9 Janu¬ ary 1968 (56718). Lizards were collected between 26°14’S to28°43’S and 118°38’E to 124°15’E, Western Australia by Eric R. Pianka. Data from these are in Pianka (1986) and Pianka and Pianka (1976). Gonads were dehydrated in ethanol, embed¬ ded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 fim and stained with Harris hematoxylin followed by eosin counterstain. Enlarged ovarian follicles (> 4 mm width) were counted; no his¬ tology was done on them. Male and female mean body sizes (SVL) were compared using an unpaired t test. All males examined were undergoing spermiogenesis; seminiferous tubules were lined by rows of metamorphosing spermatids and spermatozoa. Sperm were present in the epididymides. The sample ( n = 22) was from August 1967 ( n = 3); October 1967 (n = 9); November (n = 3); December (n ~ 3); January 1968 (n = 4). How et al. (1986) reported that testes of D. strophurus regressed in late summer and Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 65 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 autumn although a histological examination was not performed. My data indicate male D. strophurus from Western Australia are capable of insemination during late winter into early summer. The smallest reproductively active male measured 47 mm SVL (LACM 56681). Females were larger than males (unpaired t test, £ - 7.0, df~ 4 1 , P < 0.000 1 ). Monthly stages in the ovarian cycle of D. strophurus from Western Australia are in Table 1. How et al. (1986) reported a prolonged period of reproductive activity of females lasting nine months or possibly longer and that the presence of yolking fol¬ licles and oviductal eggs in the same female indicated females could produce more than one egg clutch in the same reproductive season. My data similarly indicate a prolonged period of female reproductive activity lasting at least seven months. The presence of one female (LACM 56676) from October (Table 1) possessing corpora lutea from a previous clutch and yolk deposition in progress (vitellogenic granules) for a subsequent clutch is the first histological evidence that D. strophurus produces multiple clutches in the same reproductive season. The smallest reproductively ac¬ tive female (enlarged follicles > 4 mm) measured 60 mm SVL (LACM 56680). Females in early yolk deposition (densely staining vitellogenic granules) were found from August, October and November. Females with enlarging follicles (> 4 mm) Table 1 . Monthly stages in ovarian cycle of Diplodactylus strophurus from Western Australia. Month n No yolk deposition Early yolk Enlarging follicles deposition (> 4mm) Yolk deposition and corpora lutea August 1967 1 0 1 0 0 September 1967 1 0 0 1 0 October 1967 9 1 1 6 1 November 1967 3 1 0 2 0 December 1967 5 1 3 1 0 January 1968 1 0 0 1 0 March 1968 1 0 0 1 0 page 66 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 were found in all months except August. Pianka and Pianka (1976) and Pianka (1986) previously removed oviductal eggs from the D. strophurus I examined from LACM and reported a clutch size of 2.0 for gravid females. Eight female D. strophurus that I examined from LACM contained 2.0 ± 0.0 SD enlarging follicles (> 4 mm), one on each ovary. How et al (1986) reported that all Diplodactylus produced clutches of two eggs but there was variation in the number of clutches produced and the duration of the reproductive season. Australia has an enormous number of gekkonid species with 95 listed in Cogger (2000). Subsequent examination of monthly samples of other Australian gekkonid spoecies will be needed before the diversity of reproductive cycles exhib¬ ited by Australian geckos can be ascertained. I thank Christine Thacker (LACM) for permission to examine D. strophurus. Literature Cited Cogger, H. G. 2000. Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia, 6lh Ed., Ralph Curtis Books, Sanibel Island, Florida. 808 pp. How, R. A., J. Dell and B. D. Wellington. 1986. Comparative biology of eight species of Diplodactylus gecko in Western Australia. Herpetologica 42:471-482. Pianka, E. R. 1986. Ecology and Natural History of Desert Lizards. Analyses of the Ecological Niche and Community Structure. Princeton Univer¬ sity Press, Princeton, New Jersey, x+208 pp. Pianka, E. R., and H. D. Pianka 1976. Comparative ecology of twelve species of nocturnal lizards (Gekkonidae) in the Western Australian desert. Copeia 1976:125- 142. Stephen R. Goldberg Whittier College, Department of Biology, Whittier, California 90608. Received 1 8 March 2005 Accepted 29 March 2005 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 67 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Classical Conditioning of Red-Backed Salamanders, Plethodon cinereus Scott L. Kight, Carolyn Eadie, Disha Lynch , Jennifer Coelho andAlicja Dewera Abstract. We examined associative learning as it relates to the sensory ecology of the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus , using a classical conditioning design to evaluate the response of salamanders to different kinds of stimuli. Conditioned stimuli (CS) reflected visual, chemosensory, and mechanosensory modalities of P. cinereus , with brief exposures to (I) white light, (II) acetic acid fumes, (III) low-frequency sound, and (IV) low-frequency vibration. In all experiments, a gentle mechanical stimulation of the tail served as the unconditioned stimulus (US), which consistently elicited movement of the head or body as the unconditioned response (UR). For two days, the US and CS were temporally unpaired, whereas the CS was presented 5 s before the US on the following three days. When low-frequency sound and vibration were used as the CS, conditioned salamanders exhibited significantly higher responses to the CS after training than controls in which the US and CS were never paired. The results for white light and acetic acid as the CS, however, were equivocal. These results suggest that substrate borne vibration, including sonic energy transduced through substrate, is a particularly relevant cue for learning in P. cinereus . The psychological literature is replete with studies of animal learning, ex¬ ploring concepts like performance, reinforcement, representations, and mechanisms of association (reviewed by Dickinson, 1980; Roitblat, 1987; Rescorla, 1988; Gallistel, 1990; Mackintosh, 1994). A smaller, but growing, body of studies by behavioral ecologists investigates learned behavior as it relates to the natural history of organ¬ isms - e.g., predator avoidance, locating and storing food, and avian song learning (reviewed by Krebs and Horn, 1991; Baida et al., 1998). The adaptive learning of anticipatory associations is thought to be common to all vertebrate animals (Macphail 1982) and many invertebrates (Bitterman 1988). For example, Villarreal and Domjan (1998) demonstrated that male and female Mon¬ golian gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus , quickly learn cues associated with access to their pair mate. The association can form in less than 10 conditioning trials on the first day of conditioning. Farris (1967) found that male Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix , could be classically conditioned to perform a courtship display by pairing page 68 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 the presentation of a female (US) with an artificial auditory cue (CS). Males formed an association in 5 to 32 trials. A study by Bronstein (1988) found that Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens , could very rapidly learn to associate visual cues with images of conspecifics. A single 15-minute trial was sufficient to demonstrate a learned association, although Demarest (1992) cautions that this response was likely mediated by spatial cues but not color cues. Hollis et al. (1989) classically condi¬ tioned blue gourami by using visual access to opposite sex pair mates as the US and a red light as the CS. Both sexes showed anticipatory displays in response to the CS after 3 to 6 days. In a study of classical conditioning in threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, Jenkins and Rowland (1996) found that males could be rap¬ idly trained to approach a red or green light in anticipation of the appearance of a same-sex conspecific. In each of these examples, conditioning was very rapid, pos¬ sibly due to the adaptive relevance of the stimuli. Similar studies of learning in the Caudata are relatively rare, but there is evidence that salamanders can form associations with diverse cues. For example, Phillips (1986) found that red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens , learned to move relative to the orientation of a magnetic field. In another study, juvenile Salamandra salamandra exposed to stationary versus mobile prey items formed adult feeding preferences based on previous experience with the respective prey type (Luthardt and Roth, 1979; Roth and Luthardt, 1980, but see Reilly, 1995). Jaeger and Rubin (1982) trained groups of Plethodon cinereus under different conditions of prey availability (large vs. small vs. mixed prey), after which only those trained to mixed prey exhibited optimal patterns of foraging. Dorries at al. (1997) classically condi¬ tioned tiger salamanders, Ambystoma tigrinum, using various organic compounds as conditioned stimuli. Another salamander, Proteus anguinus, can learn to associate vibration stimuli with the appearance of prey items (Uiblein and Parzefall, 1993). These studies illustrate not only that learning plays an adaptive role in the life history of salamanders, but also that different sensory modalities, such as magnetoreception, mechanoreception, vision, and chemoreception, are involved in the learning process. The particular cues that are most important for learning should be related to the ecological habits of the species, such as mating, territoriality, forag¬ ing, and predator avoidance. A diversity of sensory modalities, coupled with the adaptive potential of experience-based behavioral modification, suggests that sala¬ manders should be able to use different kinds of cues to form learned associations. In this study, we examined the response of P. cinereus to four types of conditioned stimuli: vibration, sound, light and chemical. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 69 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Methods. We captured Plethodon cinereus of the redback morph (N= 1 25) from wooded areas in Essex County, New Jersey over a four-week period in September 1999 and maintained them in the laboratory in individual 1 L clear plastic containers at 16 C and 14L:10D photoperiod in an environmental chamber. Drosophila melanogaster were provided ad libitum as food, and sufficient humidity was maintained by placing paper toweling moistened with deionized water in the containers. Salamanders were acclimated to laboratory conditions for 48 h prior to observation. Visual barriers to prevent behavioral interactions between subjects and to conceal the observers sepa¬ rated all containers. We conducted four learning experiments following a classical conditioning design. An unconditioned stimulus (US - unlearned) and conditioned stimulus (CS - learned) were presented independently and randomly for two “preconditioning days.” During three subsequent conditioning or “training” days, the CS preceded the US by 5 s per application. Each experiment was conducted on an independent group of salamanders using a unique CS. The US in all four experiments was a gentle tap on the tip of the tail with a plastic rod administered by a single human observer per experiment. The CS, how¬ ever, was different in each learning experiment. In Experiment I, the CS was a brief (1 s) visual stimulus from a penlight flashlight placed outside the enclosure but di¬ rectly in front of the subject. For Experiment II, the CS was a brief (1 s) exposure to a cotton swab saturated with 5% acetic acid positioned 5 cm directly in front of the subject. Acetic acid was selected instead of a biological compound (i.e., conspecific or predator pheromone) to ensure that the stimulus would not produce an uncondi¬ tioned or previously learned response. Salamanders might potentially react to acetic acid fumes through receptors in both the olfactory epithelium and the skin. The CS in Experiment III was a brief (Is) exposure to a recorded low frequency sound (hu¬ man vocalization, 100 Hz) played from the speaker of a handheld recorder placed directly in front of the subject but outside the enclosure. In Experiment IV the CS was a brief (1 s) exposure to a low frequency vibration produced by striking and bringing a vibrating pair of large (20 cm) forceps into contact with the side of the plastic enclosure (not in the visual field of the subject). We conducted all four learning experiments between 0800 and 1200 h under dim ambient light. To reduce subjectivity, observers were volunteers who were un¬ aware of the design and objectives of the study. Preconditioning trials, in which the US and CS were presented independently and randomly 10 times each day over a 1 h page 70 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 period, were conducted on the first two consecutive days of each experiment. On days three, four and five, 10 training trials were conducted for each individual on each day over a 1 h period in which the respective CS preceded the US by 5 s. In both preconditioning and training trials, the interval between treatments for each subject was 5 min. A positive response to the US or CS was assigned when a salamander moved its head or body immediately following exposure to the stimulus (the US and CS were only presented when salamanders were immobile). Each salamander would therefore receive a maximum score of 10 each day if it responded every time to a stimulus, and a minimum of 0 if it never responded on that day. Total scores for both the CS and the US were recorded for each individual on each day. To control for the possibility that salamanders could show increased respon¬ siveness over time to the CS due to increased sensitivity rather than a learned asso¬ ciation with the US, we conducted a separate control for each of the four experiments at the same time and under the same environmental conditions. In each control group, the US and respective CS were presented independently and randomly 10 times each day over a 1 h period on all five days. Learning would therefore be apparent if experimental and control groups did not differ during preconditioning days (P1-P2), but experimental salamanders were more responsive to the CS on training days (TI¬ TS). Sensitization to the CS and/or lack of learning would be indicated by no differ¬ ences on any days between experimental and control groups. All groups were composed of different individuals. Repeated measures of individuals within a treatment group were analyzed using the Friedman Two-Way Analysis of Variance by Ranks (Siegel and Castellan, 1988) with df = 4 and a+= 0.05. Comparisons of experimental salamanders and respective controls were analyzed for each trial day using a two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test (Siegel and Castellan, 1988) with a a 0.0298 (the adjusted a with sequential Bonferroni analysis at k = 40 (Rice, 1989)). Sample sizes varied between the four learning experimental groups based upon the number of specimens collected during a given week. In all cases, however, 10 animals each week were randomly assigned to the respective control group. Results. Experiment I - Vision. Salamanders in the visual learning experiment (Fig. h control N = 10, experimental N = 27) responded consistently by moving when tapped on the tail (US). Repeated measures analysis of response to US revealed no significant within-group differences over the five days in either the control group (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 4.667, P = 0.3232) or the experimental group Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 71 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 8.937, P = 0.0627). This was consistent with daily comparisons of response to the US in control and experimental groups (Two- tailed Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Table 1), which revealed no significant differences between groups. In contrast, response to the CS (light) was consistently low in the control group (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 4.988, P = 0.2886). There was, however, a significant effect in response to CS in the experimental group over the five days (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 28.98, P < 0.0001). However, a comparison of CS response in control and experimental salamanders each day did not reveal any significant differences under Bonferroni-adjusted a (Two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann- Whitney, Table 1). The results of this experiment are therefore equivocal and we cannot conclude with confidence that learning occurred in the experimental condi¬ tioned group. CS - Light Fig. 1. Average response of red-backed salamanders to a brief (1 s) white light flash (CS) when the CS was temporally unpaired with a light mechanical tail- tap (US) (days PI , P2), and when it directly preceded the US by 5 s (days T1,T2, T3). Squares = US, circles - CS. Clear symbols = control, black symbols = experimental. Error bars represent standard error on the mean. page 72 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Experiment II - Acetic Acid. As in the previous experiment, salamanders in the acetic acid experiment (Fig. 2, control N = 10, experimental N = 16) responded by moving when tapped on the tail (US). No significant differences in response across days were observed in the control group (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 4.526, P = 0.3394) or experimental group (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 7.815, P- 0.0986). This was also reflected in comparisons of response to US in control and experimental salamanders on each day (Two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Table 1) in which no differences occurred. Repeated measures analysis revealed no significant differences across days in response of control salamanders to acetic acid (CS), which was generally low (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 2.476, P - 0.6489). This was not the case in the experimental group, in which a significant effect was detected in the response to acetic acid between days (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 10.63, P -- 0.0310). However, a comparison of CS response in control and experimental salamanders CS = Acetic Acid Fig. 2. Average response of red-backed salamanders to a brief (1 s) expo¬ sure to a nearby (<5 cm) source of acetic acid (CS) when the CS was temporally unpaired with a light mechanical tail-tap (US) (days PI, P2), and when it directly preceded the US by 5 s (days Tl, T2, T3). Symbols as in Fig. 1. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 73 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 each day did not reveal any significant differences (Two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann- Whitney, Table 1). As in the previous experiment, the results of this experiment are also equivocal and we cannot confidently reject the hypothesis that no learning oc¬ curred. Experiment III - Sound. As in the previous experiments, salamanders in the sound experiment (Fig. 3, control N = 10, experimental N ~ 16) consistently moved in response to tail taps, with no significant differences across days in either treatment group (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, control: F = 7.478, P = 0.1127; experimental: F = 5.707, P = 0.2221). Likewise, there were no significant differences between con¬ trol and experimental groups on any day (Two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann- Whitney, Table 1). Repeated measures analysis of response to the CS (low frequency sound) revealed no significant differences between days in the generally low response scores of the control group (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F = 2.515, P = 0.6419), but a CS = Sound Fig. 3. Average response of red-backed salamanders to a brief (1 s) expo¬ sure to a recorded low-frequency sound (CS) when the CS was temporally unpaired with a light mechanical tail-tap (US) (days PI, P2), and when it directly preceded the US by 5 s (days Tl, T2, T3). Symbols as in Fig. 1. page 74 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 highly significant learned response in the experimental group (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, F - 26.52, P < 0.0001). Conditioned stimulus (CS) response scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than controls on the second and third days of training (Two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Table 1). We therefore con¬ clude that salamanders quickly formed an association between the sound stimulus and tail tap. Experiment IV - Vibration. Salamanders in the vibration experiment (Fig. 4, control N ~ 10, experimental N = 26) responded to the US in a similar way to the previous experiments: generally high response scores with no significant differences within groups over the five-day period (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, control: F = 6.000, P = 0.1991; experimental: F - 8.691, P = 0.0693). There were also no differ¬ ences between control and experimental salamanders on any given day (Two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Table 1). CS = Vibration Fig. 4. Average response of red-backed salamanders to a brief (Is) expo¬ sure to a low-frequency vibration (CS) when the CS was temporally unpaired with a light mechanical tail-tap (US) (days PI , P2), and when it directly preceded the US by 5 s (days Tl, T2, T3). Symbols as in Fig. 1. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 75 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Table 1. Daily comparisons of responses of control and experimental sala¬ manders using 2-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann- Whitney statistical procedures. Asterisk denotes statistical significance when alpha = 0.05 was reduced to alpha < 0.0298 following sequential Bonferroni adjustment (Rice 1989). Experiment Treatment Day U-experimental U-control P Vision US PI 115 155 0.5048 P2 105 165 0.3130 T1 147 123 0.6941 T2 143.5 126.5 0.7844 T3 143.5 126.5 0.7844 cs PI 101.5 168.5 0.2591 P2 120 150 0.6200 T1 152.5 117.5 0.5610 T2 175.5 94.5 0.1713 T3 195 75 0.0419 Acetic Acid US PI 67 93 0.5100 P2 56.5 103.5 0.2254 T1 63 97 0.3845 T2 81 79 0.9790 T3 102 58 0.2572 cs PI 108 52 0.1472 P2 105 55 0.1966 T1 93.5 66.5 0.4932 T2 104 56 0.2155 T3 103.5 56.5 0.2254 Sound US PI 22.5 57.5 0.1309 P2 30 50 0.3886 T1 41.5 38.5 0.9292 T2 38.5 41.5 0.9292 T3 40 40 0.9646 cs PI 73.5 85.5 0.7518 P2 90 70 0.6166 T1 100.5 59.5 0.2918 T2 148.5 11.5 0.0003(*) T3 144.5 15.5 0.0007(*) page 76 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Experiment Treatment Day U-experimental U-control P Vibration US PI P2 T1 T2 T3 122 131 100 117 115 138 129 160 143 145 0.7911 0.9859 0.2975 0.6589 0.6086 CS PI 117 143 0.6589 P2 122.5 137.5 0.8047 T1 192 68 0.0298 T2 179 81 0.0867 T3 241.5 18.5 0.0001 (*) Unlike previous experiments, however, both control and experimental groups exhibited significant within-group effects in response to the CS (low frequency vi¬ bration) between days (Friedman Two-Way ANOVA, control: F = 9.988, P = 0.0406; experimental: F ~ 81.71, P < 0.0001). This suggests some level of unconditioned response (or previously learned response) to substrate borne vibrations. It should be noted, however, that experimental animals exhibited significantly higher CS response scores than controls on training day three (Two-tailed Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Table 1), indicating an experimentally conditioned response nonetheless. Discussion. Plethodon cinereus show evidence of rapid conditioned responses to vibra¬ tion and sonic cues - they are attentive to these stimuli and quickly learn from them. Unfortunately, the design of this study makes difficult a direct comparison of the four conditioned stimuli to one another, because experiments were conducted on different groups of salamanders during different weeks. It is clear, however, that P cinereus learns to use mechanical and sound cues to anticipate impending physical encoun¬ ters. For terrestrial salamanders, sonic cues are probably synonymous with tactile cues, given that vibration in both the substrate and air appear to be transduced through the opercularis system (Kingsbury and Reed 1909). Although responses to visual and chemical cues were equivocal, these mo¬ dalities are important components of salamander sensory ecology. Despite a rela¬ tively simple optic nerve (Roth et al., 1997), visual stimuli play sophisticated roles in behavior. For example, courtship (e.g. D. brimleyorum, Verrell, 1997; D. ocoee , Vinnedge and Verrell, 1998) and territoriality (e.g. Plethodon cinereus , Jaeger, 1984) Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 77 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 can be visually mediated. Salamanders also use visual cues to discriminate among mates (e.g., females of R cinereus , Mathis, 1991) and prey items (e.g., Ensatina eschscholtziij Deban, 1997) of different size, and are known to use stereopsis in the localization of prey (Wiggers and Roth, 1994). Ambient light intensity can also in¬ fluence general foraging behavior. Placyk and Graves (2001) suggested that R cinereus exhibits sit-and-wait visually mediated foraging under low ambient light, but active chemosensory mediated foraging in the absence of light. Murray and Jenkins (1999) demonstrated that P cinereus avoids areas with chemical secretions of garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis , which have fed on conspecific salamanders. Alarm pheromones are also known to play a role in avoidance behavior in some species (R vehiculum , Chivers et ah, 1997; Graves and Quinn, 2000). Salamanders also use chemical cues to discriminate among mates (R vehiculum and R dunni , Marco et ah, 1998) and territorial rivals (R serratus , Mathis et ah, 1998). Territorial scent marking can pro¬ vide potential information to both territory holders and intruders, including identity and condition of individuals in addition to the boundaries of the territory (Simons et ah, 1997). The importance of olfaction in reproductive behavior is further evident in the morphology of the nervous system. Males of P. cinereus have larger vomerona¬ sal organs than females, and both sexes have larger vomeronasal organs during the breeding season than during other parts of the year (Dawley and Crowder, 1995). Despite the importance of visual and chemical stimuli in the life history of salamanders, however, response to light and acetic acid was weak or absent in the present study. This may be an artifact of particular experimental stimuli. When exposed to visual and chemical cues from predators, salamanders have been observed to increase refuge-use (Kats, 1988) and remain or become immobile (Ducey and Brodie, 1983). Plethodon cinereus is also unlikely to move away from an intense light source if individuals are in locations with acceptable moisture and pH (Sugalski and Claussen, 1997). However, when mechanically stimulated by the tongue of a snake, salamanders attempt to flee (Ducey and Brodie, 1983). Decreased mobility would mask learning in the present experiment because motor activity was used as the measure of conditioned response. It is possible a naturally occurring image or pheromone would have resulted in a different outcome, but we selected otherwise to avoid unconditioned or previously learned responses. Sonic and mechanical cues, however, may be more likely to elicit a motor response if used to anticipate the appearance of a potential mate, rival or predator. For example, male Desmognathus employ tactile cues that bring females into sexual receptivity during mating (D, brimleyorum , VerrclL 1997; D. wrighti and D. quadramaculatus , VerrelJ, 1999), Tactile cues have also been used successfully as conditioned stimuli, although in Proteus anguinus a conditioned association between page 78 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 vibration cues and prey delivery was greater when the vibration was presented in conjunction with olfactory cues (Uiblein and Parzefall, 1993). Salamanders might be expected to increase motor behavior in response to vibration and sound cues if those cues predict the presence of a predator (i.e. snakes, Ducey and Brodie, 1983) or a conspecific. Although we did not test stimuli generated directly by other organisms, the rapid associations formed by P. cinereus suggest that organism-generated sounds and vibrations may be particularly relevant under natural conditions. Acknowledgements . We thank M. Benson, K. Galindez, C. Leo, N. Maignan and A. Zajak for assistance in collection of salamanders and data recording. A Margaret and Herman Sokol Research Award supported S.L. Kight and C. Eadie. The manuscript benefited from comments by D. Vanderklein, J. Smalley, J. Smallwood and other readers. Literature Cited. Baida, R. P., Pepperberg, I. M. and A. C. Kamil, eds. 1 998. Animal Cognition in Nature: The Convergence of Psychology and Biology in Laboratory and Field. Academic Press, New York. Bitterman, M. E. 1988. Vertebrate-invertebrate comparisons. In H. J. Jerison & I. Jerison (Eds.), Intelligence and evolutionary biology , pp. 251-276. Ber¬ lin: Springer- Verlag. Bronstein, P. M. 1988. Socially mediated learning in male Betta splendens. Ill: Rapid acquisitions. Aggressive Behavior, 14:415-424. Chivers, D. P., Kiesecker, J. M., Wildy, E. L., Anderson, M. T. and A. R. Blaustein. 1997. Chemical alarm signaling in terrestrial salamanders: Intra- and interspecific responses. Ethology. 103: 599-613. Dawley, E. M. and J. Crowder. 1 995 . Sexual and seasonal differences in the vomeronasal epithelium of the Red-backed salamander ( Plethodon cinereus). Journal of Com¬ parative Neurology 359:382-390. Deban, S. M. 1997. Modulation of prey-capture behavior in the plethodontid sala¬ mander Ensatina eschscholtzii. Journal of Experimental Biology 20:1951-1964. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 79 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Demarest, J. 1992. Reassessment of Socially Mediated Learning in Siamese Fight¬ ing Fish ( Betta splendens). Journal of Comparative Psychology. 106: 150-162. Dickinson, A. 1 980. Contemporary Animal Learning Theory. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Dorries, K. M., White, J., and J. S. Kauer. 1997. Rapid classical conditioning of odor response in a physiological model for olfactory research, the tiger salamander. Chemical Senses 22:277-286. Ducey, P. K. and E. D. Brodie, Jr. 1983. Salamanders respond selectively to contacts with snakes: Survival advantage of alternative antipredator strategies. Copeia 1983: 1036- 1041. Farris, H. E. 1 967. Classical conditioning of courting behavior in the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica. Journal of the Experimental Analy¬ sis of Behavior, 10: 213-217. Gallistel, C. R. 1990. The Organisation of Learning. MIT Press, Cambridge. Graves, B.M. and V.S. Quinn. 2000. Temporal persistence of alarm pheromones in skin secretions of the salamander, Plethodon cinereus. Journal of Herpetology 34:287-291. Hollis, K. L., Cadieux, E. L. and C. M. Maura. 1 989. The biological function of Pavlovian conditioning: A mechanism for mating success in the blue gourami ( Trichogaster trichopterus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. 103: 115-121. Jaeger, R. G. 1984. Agonistic behavior of the red-backed salamander ( Plethodon cinereus). Copeia. 1984: 309-314. page 80 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Jaeger, R. G. and A. M. Rubin. 1982. Foraging tactics of a terrestrial salamander: Judging prey profit¬ ability. Journal of Animal Ecology 51:1 67- 1 76. Jenkins, J.R. and W.J. Rowland. 1 996. Pavlovian Conditioning of Agonistic Behavior in Male Threespine Stickleback [Gasterosteus acukatus ). Journal of Comparative Psy¬ chology. 110: 396-401. Kars, L. B. 1 988. The detection of certain predators via olfaction by small-mouthed salamander larvae ( Ambystoma texanum ). Behavioral and Neural Biology 50:126-131. Kingsbury, B.G. and H I) Reed. 1 909. The columella auris in Amphibia. Journal of Morphology. 20:549- 628. Krebs, J. R. and G. Horn, eds. 1991. Behavioural and Neural Aspects of Learning and Memory. Clarendon Press, Oxford. Luthardt, G. and G. Roth. 1979. The influence of prey experience on movement pattern prefer¬ ence in Salamandra salamandra (L.). Zeitschrift Tierpsychologie 51:252-259. Mackintosh, N. J., ed. 1994. Animal Learning and Cognition, 2nd. ed. Academic Press, Lon¬ don. Macphail, E. M. 1 982. Brain and intelligence in vertebrates. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press. Marco, A., Chi vers, D. R, Kiesecker, J. M. and A. R. Blaustein. 1998. Mate choice by chemical cues in western redback (. Plethodon vehiculum) and Dunn's (R dunni) salamanders. Ethology. 104: 781-788. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 81 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Mathis, A. 1991. Large male advantage for access to females: Evidence of male- male competition and female discrimination in a territorial sala¬ mander. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 29:133-138. Mathis, A., Deckard, K. and C. Duer. 1998. Laboratory evidence for territorial behavior by the southern red- backed salamander, Plethodon serratus : Influence of residency status and pheromonal advertisement. Southwestern Naturalist 43:1-5. Murray, D. L. and C. L. Jenkins. 1999. Perceived predation risk as a function of predator dietary cues in terrestrial salamanders. Animal Behaviour 57:33-39. Phillips, J.B. 1986. Magnetic compass orientation in the eastern red-spotted newt ( Notophthalmus viridescens). Journal of Comparative Physiol¬ ogy (A). 158:103-109. Placyk, J.S. Jr. and B.M. Graves. 2001. Foraging behavior of the red-backed salamander ( Plethodon cinereus) under various lighting conditions. Journal of Herpetol¬ ogy 35:521-524. Reilly, S. 1995. The ontogeny of aquatic feeding behavior in Salamandra salamandra : stereotypy and isometry in feeding kinematics. Jour¬ nal of Experimental Biology 198: 701-708. Rescorla, R. A. 1988. Behavioural studies of Pavlovian conditioning. Annual Review of Neuroscience 1:329-352. Rice, W, R. 1989. Analyzing tables of statistical tests. Evolution. 43:223-225. Roitblat, H. L. 1 987. Introduction to Comparative Cognition. W.H. Freeman, New York. page 82 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Roth, G. and G. Luthardt. 1 980. The role of early sensory experience in the prey catching responses of Salamandra salamandra to stationary prey. Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie 52:141-148. Roth, G., Nishikawa, K. C. and D. B. Wake. 1997. Genome size, secondary simplification, and the evolution of the brain in salamanders. Brain Behavior and Evolution 50:50-59. Siegel, S. and N.J. Castellan, Jr. 1 988. Nonparametric Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. New York: McGraw Hill. Simons, R. R., Jaeger, R. G. and B. E. Felgenhauer. 1 997. Competitor assessment and area defense by territorial salamanders. Copeia. 1997:70-76. Sugalski, M.T. and D. L. Claussen. 1997. Preference for soil moisture, soil pH, and light intensity by the salamander, Plethodon cinereus. Journal of Herpetology 3 1 :245- 250. Uiblein, F. and J. Parzefall. 1993. Does the cave salamander Proteus anguinus detect mobile prey by mechanical cues? Memoir de Biospeol. 20:261-264. Verrell, P. 1997. Courtship behaviour of the Ouachita dusky salamander, Desmognathus brimleyorum , and a comparison with other desmognathine sala¬ manders. Journal of Zoology (London). 243:21-27. 1999. Bracketing the extremes: Courtship behaviour of the smallest and largest-bodied species in the salamander genus Desmognathus (Plethodontidae: Desmognathinae). Journal of Zoology (London). 247:105-111. Vinnedge, B. and P. Verrell. 1998 Variance in male mating success and female choice for persua¬ sive courtship displays. Animal Behaviour. 56:443-448. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 83 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 Wiggers, W. and G. Roth. 1994. Depth perception in salamanders: The wiring of visual maps. Euro¬ pean Journal of Morphology 32:311-314. Department of Biology and Molecular Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043. USA page 84 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes Sea Turtles: A Complete Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conser¬ vation, by James R. Spotila. 2004. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland. 227 pp. Cloth $24.95. ISBN 0-8018-8007-6. It’s hard to believe that anyone could amass such an awesome collection of photographs and illustrations for this indispensable guide on our seven species of highly endangered sea turtles. The author served under the Clinton Administration as Chief Environmental Scientist for the Department of the Army, and since that time has spent his life studying and conserving sea turtles, upon returning to the academic world. He is responsible for organizing the non-profit organization called The Leath¬ erback Trust which focuses on the conservation of our rarest species, gathers a vast accumulation of data on the ecology of this highly endangered species, and studies the other six endangered species. Chapter one is devoted to a general discussion of the seven species of sea turtles, with the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) noted as the latest and largest species by far, attaining a mass of up to 2,000 (907 kg). This would give the impres¬ sion of a sea monster coming ashore to deposit its eggs in a suitable location. Since this is the largest marine turtle it is surprising that it eats jellyfish and can dive as deep as a whale, whereas the other species eat a more diversified diet. In the second chapter, the author provides an excellent overview of reproduc¬ tion with comments on age at first reproduction, size of females, clutch size, number of clutches, and hatching success. Remarkably, it takes no less than 24 to 48 hours for hatchlings to reach the surface after hatching, and late hatchlings even longer. The author emphasizes the slim chances of egg and hatchling survival due to predation by dogs and raccoons on unprotected nests, remarks on survival after reaching the surf, and finally comments on their protection upon reaching the Sargassum rafts drifting in the Atlantic Ocean. The Loggerhead turtles avoid floating seaweed altogether. Actually, little is known about most of the seven species until they return to nesting beaches several years later. It truly is remarkable to observe the navigational skills these awesome creatures have, and their ability to return to the same beaches from where they hatched after swimming hundreds or even thousands of miles at sea, with delays of as long as 15 to 25 years before a female later returns to lay her first clutch of eggs. Chapter three is concerned with the role of compass orientation, the use of sight and smell to find feeding grounds and returning to the same nesting beaches, Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 85 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes along with highly interesting information on gas exchange in turtle eggs during nest¬ ing, and the effects of temperature on sex determination. Chapter four provides an excellent and highly illustrated review on fossil his¬ tory with an emphasis placed on one of the first genera, Proganochelys, whereas the modern sea turtle lineage appeared some 110 million years later. This is followed by a highly enlightening review of man’s early contact with sea turtles. It is rather de¬ pressing when one reads of the vast number of sea turtles slaughtered for food con¬ sumption by early mariners, but it served as a major food source on long voyages, and this practice has changed little in several oriental countries. A truly unique feature about this book is the emphasis by the author on the father of sea turtle biology and conservationist Archie Carr, along with acknowledg¬ ments of chelonian specialists and conservationists, including Peter Pritchard, Adriana Laura Sarti Martinez, Jack Frazier, Lisa Campbell, Karen Bjomdal, Pamela Platkin, Dimitris Margaritoulis, Kartick Shanker, and many more who have been instrumen¬ tal in the conservation movement of these awesome creatures. Chapters six and seven are devoted to the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) with emphasis on major nesting areas, life his¬ tory, migration, population declines and conservation. The author honors Karen Bjorndal, present director of the Archie Carr research foundation. Chapters eight and nine are devoted to the Olive Ridley and Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidoshelys olivacea and L. kempii), with emphasis on nesting behavior, breeding behavior, distributions, life history, predation and conservation. These focal areas have been promoted by Pamela Plotkin, who is presently working on a book on the biology of the ridley turtles. This is followed by chapters on the Loggerheads ( Caretta caretta) and Flatbacks (Natador depressus ); Flatbacks are the least studied species restricted to the Australian nesting colonies. The Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest of the seven sea turtles, is a widespread species nesting in Florida, Mexico, Central and South America, in addition to Africa and the New Zealand area. Life history, anatomy and physiology, and comments of international protection are also included. It should be noted that all the royalties from the sale of this beautiful book will be donated to the Leatherback Trust. This alone should promote sales, and certainly will be an incentive for anyone interested in promoting conservation, especially those interested in chelonian natural history. The author and publisher have done an excel¬ lent job of organizing and illustrating this volume, and the cover design will certainly catch the eye of anyone seeing this amazing volume. page 86 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes Anyone interested in turtles will certainly want a copy for reference, and the beauty of the illustrations and excellent demographic contents provide for a truly unique publication. The price is certainly within the means of anyone interested in turtles, conservation, or enjoyment of browsing through the outstanding photogra¬ phy. Harlan D. Walley & Theresa L. Wusterbarth, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 6011 5. hdw@niu.edu. Received: 1 February 2005 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 87 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes VENOMOUS SNAKES: SNAKES IN THE TERRARIUM. By Ludwig Trutnau, 2004. xii + 340 pp. Krieger Publishing Company, Krieger Drive, Malabar, Florida 32950. ISBN 1-57524-138-2. Cloth. $74.50. It should be stated that this is the 1st English edition of a previously known 4th German edition Gilfschlangen: Schlangen im Terrarium Band 2, 1998, by Eugene Ulmer GmbH & Company, Stuttgart, Germany, and translated by Donald W. Stremme. The attractive cover will immediately catch the eye with a King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) in threatening posture, while the back cover provides an ex¬ cellent photograph of the transcauscaus nose-horned viper, Vipera ammodytes transcaucasiana. The average person would immediately consider this a general herpeto-culture volume concerned with captive care, and husbandry, but one is im¬ mediately surprised upon observing the individual species accounts. The author has provided descriptions of peculiarities along with special coloration and details re¬ garding variation in coloration for each venomous snake species cited within the text. The author has provided extremely high quality photographs for the majority of the species, along with updating the taxonomic nomenclature as currently recog¬ nized, which deviates considerably from the 4th German volume. Following the introduction, the author provides a general review of the charac¬ teristics of venomous snakes, along with comments on snake venom and symptoms. The author provides several highly interesting accounts of his own experiences with snakebite. The author gives little faith in trying to acquire self-immunity, although this has been accomplished by his colleague Bill Haast, who is over 90 and has been bitten by over 100 various venomous snakes. This certainly will prove to be an ex¬ ception, whereas the late Sherman Minton felt that repeated immunization against snake venom is difficult but possible. This is followed by a list of antivenin produc¬ ers from throughout the world, and will provide vital information for anyone han¬ dling venomous serpents, or any medical institution in need of same. A list of species presented in this volume is followed by species descriptions starting with the Elapidae. The Hydrophiidae (sea snakes) are not included due to their rarity in captivity and special requirements. One will immediately become im¬ pressed with the excellent layout, as the author provides each species with the scien¬ tific name, along with an excellent natural history and habitat notes. This is followed by informative statements of husbandry and breeding. Another major asset is that the author provides superb photographs of the majority of the species, and a habitat de¬ scription under each species account. The photographs are not centrally located as in most major works, but are in each individual species, accounts along with a habitat page 88 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes description. The majority of the species are provided with excellent to mediocre color plates, and those not illustrated can usually be found in recent publications by Broadley et al 2003, Campbell and Lamar 2004, Disi et al. 2001, Goris and Maeda 2004, and Khan 2002. We are not concerned with revisioeary works on taxonomy, although such changes are warranted for certain genera and species, as this book is not ori¬ ented towards systematics but designed for herpetoculture and husbandry. Following 295 pages of species accounts, the author provides a bibliography which is somewhat in need of updating but does list citations up to 1999, along with an index. This book will certainly be a welcome addition for professional herpetolo¬ gists, curators of any zoological garden, or anyone having any tingling interest in venomous snakes. The prices might seem rather high, but after reviewing the con¬ tents and then weighing the facts, it is not overly priced. Considering the cost of most selective herpetological books, it certainly is an excellent purchase. Literature Cited. Broadley, D.G., C.T. Doria and Jurgen Wigge. 2003. Snakes of Zambia: An Atlas and Field Guide. Chimaira. Frank¬ furt am Main. 280 p. Campbell, J.A. and W.W. Lamar. 2004. The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Vol. 1 . Cornell University Press. 475 p. + 28 p. index. Disi, A.M., D. Modry, P. Necas and L. RifaL 2001. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Chimaira. Frankfurt am Main. 408 pp. Goris, R.C. and Norio Maeda. 2004. Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Japan. Krieger Publ Co., Malabar, Florida. xv+ 285 p. Khan, Muhammad Sharif. 2002. Die Schlangen Pakistans. Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main. 265 p. Harlan D. Walley & Theresa L. Wusterbarth » Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University » DeKalb , Illinois 60115 . hdw@niu.edu. Received: 28 February 2005 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 89 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes Errata: In Volume 41, Number 1, “Erosion Mesh Netting: A Major Threat Hazard to Snakes” article, 2nd paragraph, last line.“This land is Starved Rock State Park” should read “This land is supervised by the conservation department of Starved Rock State Park.” Errata: In Volume 40 Number 4 (December 2004), on page 190, Figure la, was not cropped far enough to the left, which left both Harford and Cecil Counties without their respective distribution dots. The corrected version is shown below. page 90 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes Ieptile and Rescue -0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows. Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts. OUR CURRENT NEEDS: ® Piece of Property with a Building ® Outdoor Shed • Power & Hand Tools • Postage Stamps • Copy Paper • Envelopes • Pillow Cases /Snake Bags ® Paper Towels www.reptileinfo.com Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 91 Volume 41 Number 2 June 2005 News and Notes Presented by MARS Preservation Fund, Inc. ^EPTIHE SHOW St Km n » ... We believe in education , the promotion of captive breeding and the protection of critical habitats. Saturda^l/0/Sero'®re: ^Z?u-43(>Pm. show/Sc Up-m- Sunday /» „ min^s: arrangeM^hackfor • detail-) 2004 LOCATIONS Maryland State Fairgrounds 4-H Building (Daily Show and Seminars) * Special Guest: Mark O’Shea (author & host of television’s “O’Shea’s Big Adventure") • Captive born reptiles & amphibians for display and sale * Equipment , books & supplies * Daily book signings • Educational exhibits a Door Prizes * Raffles * Artwork for sale 0 Kids Craft Area 9 Pre-show social gathering 0 “Reptiles & Rainforests ’’ art collection ° Seminars throughout the show 9 “Critter Contact ” hands-on animal display Show proceeds are donated to purchase and protect rainforest and critical habitat Now In otir eleventh year, the MID- ATLANTIC REPTILE SHOW has protected 2,828 acres of critical habitat to date. ADMISSION: Weekend Pass (includes show both days & lectures) $12 Adults, One Day Pass (Sat or Sun.) $8 Adults. Children 6-12 and Seniors over 65 - $6 (for one day or weekend pass), Children 5 & under are free. FOR ADDITIONAL IHPORMATlOHl Call the MARS Hotline at 410-580-0250, visit our web site at http://www.reptileinfo.com or e-mail us at mars@reptileinfo.com Only registered vendors may display or sell on the premises. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PET ANIMALS AT HOME! They will not be admitted to the show. Thank you. page 92 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Society Publication Back Issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $.25/page. 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A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League SEPTEMBER 2005 VOLUME 41 NUMBER 3 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 CONTENTS Note on Reproduction of the Beaked Gecko, Rhynchoedura ornata (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Western Australia Stephen R. Goldberg . . . . 83 Field Observations on the Salamanders Ambystoma rosaceum and A. tigrinum of Chihuahua, Mexico Hobart M. Smith, Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, David Chiszar . 87 Sharing a Habitat: Phyllomedusa sauvagii and Pleurodema Borelli Tadpoles Monique Halloy and Gabriela Elias . 90 Note on Reproduction of the Tree Dtella, Gehyra variegata (Squamata: Gekkonidae from Western Australia) Stephen R. Goldberg . . . . . . . 97 Scanning Electron Microscopy: Scale Topography in Crotalus and Sistrurus Herbert S. Harris, Jr,. . . . . . . . . . . 101 Ancient Pinon-Juniper Woodlands: A Natural History of Mesa Verde County Theresa L. Wusterbarth and Harlan D. Walley . . . 116 Incubation of Reptile Eggs Theresa L. Wusterbarth and Harlan D. Walley . . 118 BULLETIN OF THE mbl)8 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society” newsletter and on the website, www.marylandnature.org. Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Note on Reproduction of the Beaked Gecko, Rhynchoedura ornata (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Western Australia The beaked gecko, Rhynchoedura ornata is known from the dry interior mainland states of Australia where it inhabits a variety of arid life zones (Cogger, 2000). Henle (1996) reported on gravid R. omata females from new South Wales. Read (1999) gave information on the female reproductive cycle of R, ornata from specimens collected in pitfall traps in northern South Australia. Pianka (1986), Pianka and Pianka (1976) and Swan (1990) reported clutch sizes. Herein I add additional information on the reproductive cycle of R. ornata from a histological examination of museum specimens. Histological evidence is given that female R. ornata produce multiple clutches in the same reproductive season. The first information on the tes¬ ticular cycle is presented. Minimum size for reproductive activity is provided for males and females. One-hundred eleven R. ornata (55 females, mean snout- vent length, SVL=49 mm±3 SD, range = 43-58 mm; 56 males, SVL=45 mini: 4 SD, range = 37-52mm) from Western Australia were examined from the herpetology collection of the Natu¬ ral History Museum of Los Angeles County, LACM, Los Angeles County, Califor¬ nia: LACM 57652-57654, 57656, 57657, 57659, 57668, 57671-57673, 57676, 57677, 57683, 57697, 57698, 57701, 57704-57706, 57713-57715, 57718-57720, 57724, 57730, 57732-57734, 57736, 57741, 57743, 57745-57751, 57753, 57754, 57757- 57759, 57762, 57764, 57767, 57770, 57772, 57776, 57778, 57779, 57784-57786, 57790, 57795, 57796, 57798-57800, 57802, 57806-57808, 57810-57813, 57816, 57820, 57822, 27826-57828, 57831, 57834, 57836-57839, 57841, 57844-57846, 57849, 57851, 57853, 57854, 57856, 57859, 57861, 57863, 57873, 57876, 57879, 57882, 57883, 57891, 57893, 57896-57899, 57904, 57906, 57914, 57919, 57921, 57925. Lizards were collected between 26°14’S to 29°05’S and 1 12°50,E to 125°50'E, Western Australia by Eric R. Pianka during 1967-68. Data from these are in Pianka (1986) and Pianka and Pianka (1976). Gonads were dehydrated in ethanol, embed¬ ded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 jum and stained with Harris hematoxylin followed by eosin counterstain. Enlarged ovarian follicles (>4mm width) were counted: no his¬ tology was done on them. Male and female mean body sizes (SVL) were compared with an unpaired t test using Instat (vers. 3.0b, Graphpad Software, San Diego, CA). The one male from August was undergoing early spermiogenesis (i.e., sperm formation). Portions of the borders of the seminiferous tubules were lined by small Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 83 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 clusters of spermatozoa; other areas contained metamorphosing spermatids. All males from September (n= 9), October (tf=15), November (n= 14), December («= 11), Janu¬ ary (n= 9), February (n=2) were undergoing spermiogenesis. Greater quantities of sperm were produced during these months than seen in the August male. No males were present from March or April. The one male from May was undergoing early recrudescence. Spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were the predominant cells in the seminiferous tubules. No secondaiy spermatocytes were present. The above suggests R. ornata males have a testicular cycle with a prolonged period of spermio¬ genesis lasting at least six months. The smallest reproductively active male (sper¬ miogenesis in progress) measured 37 mm SVL (LACM 57673) and was from Janu¬ ary. Two males from October that measured 38 mm SVL were also undergoing sper¬ miogenesis (LACM 57718, 57919). Table 1 . Monthly stage in ovarian cycle of Rhynchoedura ornata from Australia. Month n No yolk Early yolk deposition deposition Enlarging follicles (>4mm) Oviductal Enlarging eggs follicles (>4mm) and early yolk deposition January 5 1 0 4 0 0 February 6 4 0 0 2 0 March 2 2 0 0 0 0 August 2 2 0 0 0 0 September 1 1 0 0 0 0 October 13 1 5 7 0 0 November 9 1 2 4 0 2 December 17 3 4 9 0 1 Females were larger than males (unpaired t test, /=6. 2, 4^=109, PO.OOOl). Monthly stages in the ovarian cycle of R. ornata are in Table 1. Females were repro¬ ductively active in five of the eight months sampled (January-February; October- December). Females with enlarging follicles (>4 mm) were present January and Oc- page 84 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 tober-December. Henle (1996) reported females were gravid during November (late spring) in New South Wales. Read (1999) observed gravid R. ornata in August and October- February in northern South Australia. Two females with oviductal eggs were present in February (Table 1). Some oviductal eggs were previously removed by Eric R. Pianka so the actual prevalence of oviductal females is likely higher than in Table 1. Three females (LACM 57834, 57882 from November, LACM 57751 from De¬ cember) with enlarging follicles (>4 mm) were also undergoing yolk deposition (vitellogenic granules) in the same ovary for an additional clutch. This provides the first histological evidence that R. ornata produces more than one egg clutch in a reproductive season. Read (1999) also reported multiple clutches for R. ornata fe¬ males. The smallest reproductively active female (yolk deposition in progress) mea¬ sured 43 mm SVL and was from August (LACM 57899). Mean clutch size for 29 R. ornata females was 1.83 ± 0.38 (range 1-2). This is close to the value of 1.97±0.23 reported for 73 R. ornata in Pianka (1986) and 2 reported by Pianka and Pianka (1976) and Swan (1990). Read (1999) reported 1-2 eggs were produced. In conclusion, R. ornata exhibits a prolonged testicular cycle lasting six months or longer. Females may produce more than one egg clutch in the same reproductive season. Mean clutch size for 29 females was 1.83 (range 1-2). I thank Christine Thacker (LACM) for permission to examine R. ornata . Literature Cited. Cogger, H. G. 2000. Reptiles & Amphibian of Australia, 6th Ed., Ralph Curtis Books, Sanibel Island, Florida. 808 pp. Henle, K. 1 996. Herpetological observations in Sturt National Park, northwestern New South Wales, with a comment on Ctenotus uber and C astarte. herpetofauna 26:12-25. Pianka, E.R. 1986. Ecology and Natural history of Desert Lizards. Analyses of the Ecological Niche and Community Structure. Princeton Univer¬ sity Press, Princeton, New Jersey, x + 208 pp. Pianka, E.R., and H.D. Pianka 1976. Comparative ecology of twelve species of nocturnal lizards (Gekkonidae) in the Western Australian desert. Copeia 1976:125- 142. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 85 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Read, J.L. 1 999. Longevity, reproductive effort and movements of three sympatric Australian arid-zone geckos. Australian Journal of Zoology 47:307-316. Swan, G. 1990. A Field Guide to the Snakes and Lizards of New South Wales. A three Sisters Publication, Winmalee, New South Wales, 224 pp. Stephen It Goldberg Whittier College, Department of Biology, Whittier, California 90608. Received: 1 8 April 2005 Accepted: 16 June 2005 page 86 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Field Observations on the Salamanders Ambystoma rosaceum and A. tigrmum of Chihuahua, Mexico Little has been recorded on Ambystoma tigrmum (Green) in Chihuahua, and locality records are few (three). We here report field observations on two popula¬ tions of the species in extreme eastern Chihuahua that presumably represent A. t. mavortium Baird. In addition we add numerous locality records for A. r rosaceum Taylor, as well as observations on eggs and larvae in early spring. Material here reported was collected by JLE in the summers of 200 1 and 2002. All catalog numbers refer to the collection of the Unidad de Biologia, Tecnologia y Prototipos (UBIPRO), Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Mexico. Ambystoma n rosaceum Taylor One hundred fifty specimens are at present available, all larvae: 8824, nr Quirare (27° 12’51 .7"N, 107°3 1 ’4 1 .6"W), 2269 m, June 16; 8853-8931, Mesa Ejido El Zorrillito, Guadalupe y Calvo (26°3’34.8MN, 106°57’38.8"W), 2595 m, April 2-3; 9167-95, km 215, Creel-Guachochi (27°3 ’46.7"N, 1 07° 1 T 1 ”W), 2331m, May 1 2; 9 1 96-9205, Mesa de Agostadero, pobl. Cerro Blanco (26054’38.7"N, 106°47,14.1MW), 2356 m, May 12; 9474-7, 1 km N Humira (27°25’43.0"N, 107°29’24.6”W), 1906 m, July 13; 9478-85, km 128, Creel- Guachochi (27°32’9.9,rN, 107°30’23.0”W), 2340 m, July 13; 9486-9, km 116.3, Creel- Guachochi (27°34,28.0”N, 107°32’30.7"W), 2230 m, July 13. Among samples from various places, the earliest specimens were taken was April 3, at which time eggs, newly hatched and totally black, limbless hatchlings -1 1 mm TTL, and larger larvae ~200 mm TTL, were taken. On May 12 the specimens taken measured 22-48 mm TTL, the smaller ones with nubbins as hind legs, and no forelegs; at 30-33 mm, the hind legs measured 2-4 mm; all were quite dark, with reticulations appearing in only the larger specimens. A June 16 specimen, at 41 mm, is more lightly colored than smaller larvae, and prominently reticulated. July 13 specimens were 50-70 mm TTL. Other specimens collected by JLE in 2002 from localities other than the above, but not dealt with here, were from km 13.8, Samachique-Batopilas (27°12’51.7”N, 107°3r58.rW), 2269 m; Basigochi deAboreachi (27°12’12.2”N, 107°22’45”W), 2409 m; km 48.7, Creel-San Rafael (27°3 1 ’18.2”N, 107°50’50.5”W), 2313 m; km 123, Creel-Guachoci (27°32’9.9”N. 107o30’23”W), 2230 m; km 124, Creel-Guachochi (27°33’11.5”N, 107°31’47.3”W), 2332 m; km 209.5 Creel- Guachochi (27°5’23.1”N, 107°14f59”W), 2350 m; GasolineraNapuchis-Samachique (27°18’19.1”N, 107°31’40.2”W), 2179 m; 4.25 km S Cusarare (27°33’47.2”N, 107°31’50.2”W), 2098 m. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 87 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium Baird. Fifty-nine, all larvae: 6971-7007, 7863-7, Aguaje Medanos La Bamba (30°5’51.6”N, 105°25?6.9”W), 1380 m, 8 June and 30 July, respectively; 7008-23, 7026, 8932, Aguaje El 33, Rancho Agua Zarca, mpio Camargo (29°54’34.3”N, 105°29? 1 8.8”W), 1443 m, 9 June. The La Bamba res¬ ervoir was 75x50 m, depth maximum 1 m; the other reservoir was 2Qx 15 m, 1, 3 m deep. Only 5 individuals were taken in July (3), at La Bamba (the others were taken in early June), and all 5 are 93- 100mm SVL When captured, all were larvae, but they were kept in a minimum of water, where they started to transform. They died within a few weeks, but at that time they had reduced gills, caudal fins reduced or absent, and the dorsal and lateral skin thickened, roughened and darkened, unlike the pale, thin and smooth skin of the others. All had 20-30 epaxial dark blotches on the tail, but the body pattern had not yet developed. Seven, all from Agua Zarca (9 June), are adult, breeding males, 92- 102mm SVL, with enlarged perineal glands. They are all neotenic, with well developed gills and fins. They are darkly pigmented, without dark blotches evident on tail All the rest vary in SVL 48-83mm SVL, except for two at 25-28mm SVL (Agua Zarca), which are rather translucent. The others are all light-colored and opaque; the dark caudal blotches are absent in the smallest specimens, but all at about 60mm SVL, or larger, have them. The pattern seems to develop ontogenetically, appearing in various stages of development at intermediate SVLs. In a few they are exception¬ ally prominent and extend somewhat onto the trunk. The distribution of A. tigrinum in Chihuahua is poorly known. Occurrence of what has been regarded as A. t. mavortium is confirmed in extreme northeastern Chihuahua herein; it was first reported as such for the state by Lemos-Espinal el al (2002), extending its known range from adjacent Texas, as depicted by Conant and Collins (1998), Irschick and Shaffer (1997), Petranka (1998) and Stebbins (2003). The only other published record that we here regard as A. tigrinum (presum¬ ably A. t. mavortium) is from the northern part of the municipality of Chihuahua at Rancho La Campana (Dominguez et a 1977), although JLE could find no sala¬ manders there. The range of the species in Chihuahua is apparently limited to the northeastern plains. All other records of the A. tigrinum complex are referable to A. s ilvens is Webb (2004). Acknowledgments We are much indebted for the support of UBIPRO for studies by JLE under projects BE002, CE001 and CE002, and for that of DGAPA-PASPA. The University of Colorado provided facilities for his sabbatical leave there, 2005-2006. page 88 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Literature Cited Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians : eastern and central N orth America. Third edition, expanded. New York, Houghton- Mifflin, xix, 616 pp. Dominguez, P.? T. Alvarez and R Huerta. 1977. Coleccion de anfibios y reptiles del noroeste de Chihuahua, Mexico. Revta. Soc. Mex. Hist. Nat. 35: 117-142 (1974). Irschick, D. J. and H. B. Shaffer. 1997. The polytypic species revisited: morphological differentiation among salamanders (. Ambystoma tigrinum) (Amphibia: Caudata). Herpetologica 53: 30-49. Lemos-Espinal, J. A., D. L. Auth, D. Chiszar and H. M. Smith. 2002. Geographic distribution: Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium. Herp. Rev. 33:216-217. Petranka, J. W. 1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. Washington, D. C., Smithsonian Inst, xvi, 587 pp. Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Boston, Houghton Mifflin, xv, 533 pp. Webb, R. G. 2004. Observations on tiger salamanders {Ambystoma tigrinum com¬ plex, family Ambystomatidae) in Mexico with description of a new species. Bull. Maryland Herp. Soc. 40: 122-143. Hobart M. Smith, EPO Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0334; Julio A. Lemos-Espinal, Laboratorio de Ecologia, UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Apartado Postal 314, Avenida de Los Barrios No. 1, Los Reyes Iztacala , Tlalnepantla, Estado de Mexico, 54090 Mexico / and David Chiszar, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0345. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 89 Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 SHARING A HABITAT: PHYLLOMEDUSA SAUVAGII AND PLEURODEMA BORELLII TADPOLES Monique Halloy and Gabriela Elias Abstract. Individuals of different species that share the same habitat should respond to one another in ways that will favor their survival. This may go from no response at all to changes in their morphology, growth, or behavior, allowing the organism to adapt to particular environmental conditions including the presence of conspecific or heterospecific competitors or predators. Here we looked at tadpole response to each other in two syntopic anuran species of northwestern Argentina, the leptodactylid Pleurodema borellii and the hylid Phyllomedusa sauvagii. We conducted an experi¬ ment raising 20 tadpoles of each species by themselves, and 10 of each species put together (the mixed condition), each treatment being replicated three times. We found that growth of the tadpoles was affected depending on the treatment. Tadpoles of P. borellii grew significantly more in the mixed condition than when by themselves and tadpoles of P sauvagii grew significantly less in that same treatment than when by themselves. We did some field observations over a period of five years at three same¬ sized pools to which the two species regularly came to breed. We noticed that P sauvagii tended to breed later in the season compared to what has been reported in the literature although the other species appeared at the expected time. It is not known whether this may be due to the presence of tadpoles of P. borellii in the pools or to other factors, biotic as well as abiotic. This needs to be investigated further. Two species that share the same habitat in natural conditions may evolve adaptive strategies that favor the survival of the respective species (Kiesecker and Blaustein 1997, Griffiths and Foster 1998, Relyea 2000). In anuran tadpoles, these adaptations may be morphological, behavioral, or developmental including growth (Relyea and Werner 1999, Thiemann and Wassersug 2000, Relyea 2001). Field ob¬ servations indicate that Pleurodema borellii , a leptodactylid, and Phyllomedusa sauvagii , a hylid, overlap in parts of their distribution, e.g., in the province of Tucuman, Northwestern Argentina (Cei 1980, Halloy and Espinoza 2000, Halloy and Fiano 2000), where this study was conducted. Here we investigate the hypothesis that habi¬ tat sharing in tadpoles may affect an individual’s growth, among other factors, hav¬ ing either a positive, negative or no impact on it. We tested this in an experimental setting. We also made some field observations to determine when the species started to appear at a field site where the two species were known to breed. page 90 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Materials and Methods Experimental Observations . We obtained a foam nest of Pleurodema borellii and a nest of Phyllomedusa sauvagii from the Reserva Experimental Horco Molle, Universidad National de Tucuman, located about 3 km from the site of the field observations (see further). Once the larvae hatched, P borellii hatching first, fol¬ lowed by P. sauvagii five days later (both at about stage 26 of Gosner I960), 90 tadpoles were separated from each nest. They were placed in bowls containing 1 .5 liter of rain water (replacing about half a liter every 2 or 3 days) and they were fed with boiled lettuce ad libitum . The bowls were placed in two rows next to a large window, occasionally receiving direct sunlight. Their position was switched randomly every two days to avoid location effect. The tadpoles were assigned to three different treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times. The treatments were: - 1: 20 tadpoles of P borellii in each of 3 bowls. - II: 10 tadpoles of P borellii and 10 tadpoles of P sauvagii in each of 3 bowls. - Ill: 20 tadpoles of P sauvagii in each of 3 bowls. Once a week, we counted the remaining tadpoles (P. borellii tadpoles occa¬ sionally predated on their own or on P sauvagii tadpoles, Halloy and Piano, 2000) and weighed them by species and by bowl (OHAUS Scale Corporation balance, Florham Park, NJ, 0.0 Ig), blotting out excess water with a cloth towel after which they were returned to their corresponding bowl. The experiment was discontinued at 28 days when the first tadpoles of P borellii had reached metamorphosis, stage 42 (Gosner, 1960), front limbs emerging and the froglets attempting to climb out of the bowls. We compared the average weight per tadpole of each group of the three repli¬ cates within a treatment using the Friedman two-way analysis of variance by ranks test (Siegel and Castellan, 1988), since individuals in a replicate were related (tad¬ poles were from the same clutches). Because we obtained no significant differences among replicates, we pooled the data to make comparisons between treatments (us¬ ing the Wilcoxon signed ranks test, Siegel and Castellan, 1988). Field Observations. Field observations were done between August 1999 and March 2004, in a grassy area near an artificial pond (described in Cramp and Vaira, 1991), on the outskirts of the city of Tucuman, Northwestern Argentina, where Pleurodema borellii and Phyllomedusa sauvagii naturally occur. Other species were sometimes found in the area but no eggs or larvae were observed for these species: Bufo arenamrn , Leptodactylus chaquensis , L latinasus, Odontophrynus americanus , Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 91 Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 Physalaemus biligonigerus, Scinax fuscovarius. Potential predators of tadpoles were local birds, such as the great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, Tyrannidae (Crump and Vaira, 1991), Odonata larvae and possibly other aquatic invertebrates. Two plastic barrels that had contained honey were cut in half, obtaining four pools, each measuring approximately 95x50x25 cm (one pool was not used in this study). The pools were placed in the ground at 1 to 2m distance of each other and approximately 3 to 5m from the artificial pond (Crump and Vaira, 1991). The pools filled with rain, dry leaves and other detritus. Adult P. borellii and P. phyllomedusa came and bred at these pools, the former species laying foam nests on the water surface (e.g., Cei 1980, Halloy and Fiano 2000) and the latter constructing leaf nests in a grape fruit tree with branches overhanging the pools (e.., Lavailla and Scrocchi 1988, Halloy and Espinoza 2000). Pleurodema borelli is reported to start breeding by the end of the Southern Hemisphere winter, i.e., beginning of August, until the end of summer in March (Halloy and Fiano 2000). Phyllomedusa sauvagii, on the other hand, has been re¬ ported to start breeding well into the spring, i.e., end of October until the mid-sum¬ mer in mid-February (Halloy and Espinoza 2000), and it is associated with the rainy season (Cei 1980). We checked the pools every night during the time of the study for the presence of the two species and that of tadpoles. Results Experimental Observations. Of the 60 initial tadpoles of P. borellii from treatment I (3 replicates), 32 tadpoles (53,3%) remained after 28 days including two tadpoles that had developed front limbs. In treatment II (3 replicates), 1 6 tadpoles of P. borellii (53,3%) of the initial 30 tadpoles, including one tadpole whose front limbs had emerged, and 16 tadpoles of P. sauvagii (53,3%) of the initial 30, remained, the latter having reached stages 26 to 27 of Gosner (1960). Of the 60 initial tadpoles of P sauvagii from treatment III (3 replicates), 41 (68,3%) remained, most of them having reached stages 30 to 3 1 of Gosner (1960). Thus, survival in both species was similar, i.e., a little more than 50%, this value being a little higher but not significantly in treatment III (X2 = 0.87, df = 1, p > 0.05). The developmental stages reached at the end of the experiment were similar in tadpoles of P. borelli in the two treatments, whether on their own or with tadpoles of P. sauvagii (treatments I and II, respec¬ tively) but it was more advanced in tadpoles of P. sauvagii when these were on their own (treatment III) than when they shared a bowl with tadpoles of P. borellii (treat¬ ment II). Tadpoles of P. borellii reached an average weight (Table 1) that was signifi- page 92 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 cantly greater when together with tadpoles of P sauvagii (N=5, T 1 5 , p=0.03, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, one-tail) than when they were alone, whereas tadpoles of R sauvagii reached a weight (Table 2) significantly lower when they were together with tadpoles of P. horellii (N=5, T= 1 5, p=0.03, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, one-tail) than when they were alone. Field Observations. Pairs of P. borellii reproduced and laid foam nests in the 3 pools beginning in August in the 5 years of the study. This was also observed at another field site (Halloy and Fiano 2000). However, pairs of P. sauvagii did not start breeding until November or December (even in one case, starting in February when the breeding season was almost over for this species) instead of in October (Cei 1980, Halloy and Espinoza 2000): - year 1 : 6 February 2000, - year 2: 23 December 2000, - year 3: 27 November 2001, - year 4: 2 December 2002, - and year 5: 18 November 2003. Table 1 . Average weight ± 1 standard error ( X ± 1 SE) in milligrams of a tadpole in different treatments (I: Pleurodema borellii tadpoles only; II a: P. borellii tadpoles in the mixed treatment; II b: Phyllomedusa sauvagii tadpoles in the mixed treatment; III: P. sauvagii tadpoles only; see Experimental Observations in Methods for further details) and at different ages in days since hatching (numbers to the left of the slash bar correspond to age of tadpoles of P. borellii and to the right of P sauvagii). Treatment I Ha fib m Age X+ 1SE X+ 1SE X+ 1SE X+ 1SE 6d/ld 21 ±1 25 ±3 11 ±0 12± 1 10d/5d 43 ±3 52 ±2 18 ± 2 25 ±1 17d/12d 191 ±27 211 ± 13 35 ±2 70 ± 7 24d/19d 299 ±41 3 1 6 ± 28 32 ± 2 84 ±11 28d/23d 312 ± 38 344 ± 35 38 ±11 89 ±17 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 93 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Tadpoles of Pleurodema borellii were present in the pools between August and March of each year. By April, there might be some tadpoles of P borellii left but usually no tadpoles of P sauvagii. Discussion In the experimental setting, tadpoles of P. borellii and P. sauvagii gained more and less weight, respectively, when sharing a bowl. This has been observed in other anuran species. For example, the tadpoles of the European Rana temporaria grew less in the presence of tadpoles of Bufo bufo (Anssi, 2000), whereas tadpoles of the latter species grew more in the presence of the former. Tadpoles of Rana sylvatica , a North American anuran, grew faster in the presence of Rana pipiens (Relyea, 2000) In the field setting, it is not known whether the presence of tadpoles of P borellii would affect the growth of tadpoles of P sauvagii and vice versa. What was observed was that P. sauvagii initiated breeding later than what has been reported for this species (Cei, 1980), starting in November or December, and even one year in February, instead of in October. We suggest that postponing laying nests might be a way of avoiding the effect of possibly a large number of tadpoles of P. borellii on the growth of its own larvae choosing a time when numbers might be lower (also see, Resetarits and Wilbur 1989, Crump 1991, Halloy and Fiano 2000). However, a field situation is quite complex compared to an experimental setting. It is possible that not only does the presence of tadpoles of P borellii affect the timing of breeding in P. sauvagii but other biotic and abiotic factors may also be involved. This needs further investigation. Acknowledgments We thank the Reserva Experimental de Horco Molle, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Argentina, for allowing us to collect a nest of each of the two species used in the study. The research was supported by PIP-CONICET 4966/97 and 02668 (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires) and CIUNT 26/G218, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Argentina. Literature Cited Anssi, L. 2000. Competitive ability and the coexistence of anuran larvae in fresh¬ water rock-pools. Freshwater Biology 43(2): 161-174. page 94 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Cei. J. M. 1 980. Amphibians of Argentina. Italy: Monitore zoologico italiano N.S. Monogr. 2. 609 pp. Cramp, M. 1991. Choice of oviposition site and egg load assessment by a treefrog. Herpetologica 47: 308-315. — — — and M. Vaira. 1991. Vulnerability of Pleurodema borelli tadpoles to an avian preda¬ tor: effect of body size and density. Herpetologica 47(3):3 1 6-32 1 . Gosner, K. L. 1960. A simplified table for staging anuran embryos and larvae with notes on identification. Herpetologica 16: 183-190. Griffiths, R. A. and J. R Foster. 1 998. The effect of social interactions on tadpole activity and growth in the British anuran amphibians (. Bufo bufo , B . calamita , and Rana temporaria ). Journal of Zoology (London) 245(4): 431-437. Halloy, M. and R. E. Espinoza. 2000. Territorial encounters and threat displays in the neotropical frog Phyllomedusa sauvagii (Anura: Hylidae). Herpetological Natu¬ ral History 7(2): 175-180. — - - and J. M. Fiano. 2000. Oviposition site selection in Pleurodema borellii (Anura: Leptodactylidae) may be influenced by tadpole presence. Copeia 2000(2): 606-609. Kiesecker, J. M. and A. R. Blaustein. 1 997 . Population differences in responses of red-legged frogs (Rana au¬ rora) to introduced bullfrogs. Ecology 78(6): 1752-1760. La villa, E. O. and G. J. Scrocchi. 1988. Phyllomedusa sauvagii Boulenger. Revue franchise d'Aquariologie (Supplement) 2: 336. Relyea, R. A. 2000. Trait-mediated indirect effects in larval anurans: Reversing com¬ petition with the threat of predation. Ecology 81(8): 2278-2289. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 95 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 2001. Morphological and behavioral plasticity of larval anurans in re¬ sponse to different predators. Ecology 82(2): 523-540. — - — and E. E. Werner, 1 999. Quantifying the relation between predator-induced behavior and growth performance in larval anurans. Ecology 80(6): 2117-2124, Resetarits, W. J. and H, M. Wilbur. 1 989. Choice of oviposition site by Hyla chry^soscelis : role of predators and competitors. Ecology 70: 220-228. Siegel, S. and N. J. Castellan Jr. 1 988. Nonparametric Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. 2nd ed. New York. McGraw-Hill. 399 pp. Thiemann, G. W. and R, J. Wassersug. 2000. Patterns and consequences of behavioural responses to predators and parasites in Rana tadpoles. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 71: 513-528. Instituto de Herpetologia, Fundacion Miguel Lillo, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000 San Miguel de Tucumdn , Argentina , mhalloy@webmailuntedu.ar (MH); Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Tucumdn , Miguel Lillo 205 , 4000 San Miguel de Tucumdn, Argentina » gabrilor@hotmail.com (GE). page 96 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Note on Reproduction of the Tree Dtella, Gehyra variegata (Squamata: Gekkonidae from Western Australia) The tree dtella, Gehyra variegata is widely distributed through the inland of eastern and south-eastern Australia with a distinct population in southern Western Australia (Cogger, 2000). Aspects of the reproductive biology of G. variegata from New South Wales have been reported (Bustard, 1968, 1969; Henle, 1990, 1996; Swan, 1 990) and Northern Territory (McAlpin, 1 997). Pianka ( 1 986) and Pianka and Pianka (1976) provided G. variegata clutch sizes from Western Australia. The purpose of this note is to present information on the reproductive cycle of G. variegata from Western Australia.. Comparisons are made with information on G. variegata repro¬ duction from new South Wales. The first information on the testicular cycle is pre¬ sented. Minimum size for reproductive activity is provided for males and females. One-hundred twenty-five G. variegata (55 females, snout- vent length, SVI - 52 mm ± 5 SD, range = 38-58 mm; 70 males, SVL = 52 mm ± 7 SD, range = 37-63 mm) from Western Australia were examined from the herpetology collection of the Natu¬ ral History Museum of Los Angeles County, LACM, Los Angeles County, Califor¬ nia: LACM 57366, 57370, 57371, 57374, 57377, 57384, 57386, 57388, 57389, 57391- 57393, 57395-57398, 57401-57407, 57409-57413, 57415, 57416, 57418-57421, 57424, 57427, 57428, 57430-57436, 57440, 57443, 57445, 57446, 57449, 57450, 57452-57455, 57457, 57464, 57465, 57467, 57468, 57470, 57474, 57476, 57478, 57480, 57483-57485, 57488, 57489, 57493, 57494, 57496, 57497, 57500, 57502, 57511, 57513, 57517-57520, 57527, 57531, 57533, 57535, 57538, 57540, 57541, 57545, 57549, 57552, 57554, 57555, 57559, 57560-57563, 57565-57570, 57572, 57574-57576, 57581-57585, 57587, 57589-57592, 57621, 57625, 57633, 57634, 57646, 64433, 74379. Lizards were collected between 26°14'S to 28°30'S and 199°05’E to 125°40'E. Western Australia by Eric R. Pianka during 1967-68. Data from these are in Pianka (1986) and Pianka and Pianka (1976). Gonads were dehydrated in etha¬ nol, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 jjm and stained with Harris hematoxylin followed by eosin counterstain. Enlarged ovarian follicles (>4 mm width) were counted; no histology was done on them. Male and female body sizes (SVL) were compared with an unpaired t test using Instat (vers. 3.0b, Graphpad Software, San Diego, CA). There was no significant size difference between males and females (unpaired t test, t = 0.233, df = 123, 7M). 8 1 6.). Seasonal changes in the G. variegata testis cycle are in Table 1 . All testes from August to January were undergoing spermiogenesis; epididymides contained sperm. Fifty percent of the testes from March were regressed; Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 97 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Table 1 . Monthly stages in testis cycle of Gehyra variegata from Western Australia. Month n Regression Recrudescence Spermiogenesis January 5 0 0 5 February 2 0 1 1 March 6 3 2 1 May 1 0 1 0 August 5 0 0 5 September 9 0 0 9 October 11 0 0 11 November 24 0 0 24 December 7 0 0 7 Table 2. Monthly stages in ovarian cycle of Gehyra variegata from Western Australia. Month n No yolk Early yolk deposition deposition Enlarging follicles (>4mm) Oviductal Corpus luteum eggs present January 3 1 1 0 0 1 February 7 7 0 0 0 0 March 7 7 0 0 0 0 May 1 1 0 0 0 0 August 2 2 0 0 0 0 September 6 3 1 1 0 1 October 11 4 2 5 0 0 November 15 6 3 2 1 3 December 3 1 0 0 0 2 page 98 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 testes in recrudescence were found in February, March and May indicating renewal of the germinal epithelium occurs during autumn. The presence of all males undergo- ing spermiogenesis during August- January suggests most breeding occurs during this six month period. Another gecko Rhynchoedura ornata exhibited a similar testis cycle in which males undergoing spermiogenesis were found September- F ebru ary (Goldberg, 2005). The smallest reproductively active male (spermiogenesis in progress) mea¬ sured 37 mm SVL (LACM 57370) and was collected 20 November 1967. Seasonal changes in the G. variegata ovarian cycle are in Table 2. Females undergoing early yolk deposition (basophilic yolk granules) were observed in Janu¬ ary and September-November (Table 2). Females with enlarging follicles (>4 mm) were found in September-November. One female with an oviductal egg was found in November. Females with corpora lutea in the ovaries were found in January, Septem¬ ber and N o vember-December (Table 2); no yolk deposition for a subsequent clutch was observed in these females. The smallest reproductively active female (yolk depo¬ sition in progress) measured 38 mm SVL (LACM 57633) and was collected 6 Janu¬ ary 1968. Mean clutch size for seven females (enlarge follicle >4 mm width or ovi¬ ductal egg) was 1 .0. Some oviductal eggs were previously removed by Eric R. Pianka so the actual prevalence of oviductal females is likely higher than in Table 2. Pianka (1986) and Pianka and Pianka (1976) reported clutch sizes of 1.0 for 152 and 29 G. variegata respectively, from Western Australia. Bustard ( 1 968, 1 969) and Swan ( 1 990) reported G. variegata in Northern New South Wales produced two clutches of one egg each per breeding season. Henle (1990) also reported some G. variegata females from New South Wales produced multiple clutches in the same reproductive season. Because there was no evidence of multiple clutches in the females examined herein (yolk deposition underway in the same female with oviductal eggs or enlarged fol¬ licles or corpora lutea), it is conceivable that only one clutch is produced per repro¬ ductive season by G. variegata in Western Australia. Additional G. variegata fe¬ males from Western Australia will need to be examined to answer this question. I thank Christine Thacker (LACM) for permission to examine G. variegata. Literature Cited. Bustard, H.R. 1 968 . The ecology of the Australian gecko, Gehyra variegata, in north¬ ern New South Wales. Journal of Zoology, London 154: 1 1 3-138. Bustard, H.R. 1 969. The population ecology of the gekkonid lizard ( Gehyra variegata, (Dumeril & Bibron) in exploited forests in northern New South _ _ Wales. Journal of Animal Ecology 38:35-51. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 99 Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 Cogger, H. G. 2000. Reptiles & Amphibian of Australia, 6th Ed., Ralph Curtis Books, Sanibel Island, Florida. 808 pp. Goldberg, S.R. 2005 . Note on reproduction of the beaked gecko, Rhynchoedura ornata (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Western Australia. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological society (41:83-86). Henle, K. 1 990. Population ecology and life history of the arboreal gecko Gehyra variegata in arid Australia. Herpetological Monographs 4:30-60. Henle, K. 1 996. Herpetological observations in Sturt National Park, northwestern New South Wales, with a comment on Ctenotus uber and C. astarte. Herpetofauna 26:12-25. McAlpin, S. 1 997. Communal egg laying by two species of Gehyra in the same site. Herpetofauna 27:54-55. Pianka, E.R. 1986. Ecology and Natural history of Desert Lizards. Analyses of the Ecological Niche and Community Structure. Princeton Univer¬ sity Press, Princeton, New Jersey, x + 208 pp. Pinaka, E.R., and H.D. Pianka 1976. Comparative ecology of twelve species of nocturnal lizards (Gekkonidae) in the Western Australian desert. Copeia 1976: 125- 142. Swan, G. 1990. A Field Guide to the Snakes and Lizards of New South Wales. A Three Sisters Publication, Winmalee, New South Wales, 224 pp. Stephen R. Goldberg Whittier College , Department of Biology, Whittier, California 90608. Received: 9 May 2005 Accepted: 14 June 2005 page 1 00 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Scanning Electron Microscopy: Scale Topography in Crotalus and Sistrurus Herbert S. Harris, Jr Hoge and Santos (1953) first discussed the use of the scanning electron mi¬ croscope in taxonomy. Later Hoge and Hoge (1983) again mentioned its use and offered a new method of classification using snake scales and the optical microscope. In this paper the use of the former was explored. In early 1975, while searching for new taxonomic tools, I had the opportu¬ nity to examine rattlesnake scale topography (Epidermatoglyphics) using the scan¬ ning electron microscope. The instrument used, by today’s standard obsolete, was a Cambridge Mark 2A Scanning electron Microscope. The accelerating voltage was 30 KV. A standard procedure was adopted in determining the area to be viewed. Epidermal tissue sections from two scale rows from the middorsal line at midbody were removed and prepared. Since most of the species and subspecies were alive in my laboratory, shed epidermal tissue was used. In the case of preserved material generally epidermal tissue could be lifted from the scales in the area under study. The epidermal tissue samples were prepared with a thin coating of gold platinum alloy about 100 angstroms thick. Images were recorded on Polaroid Land Film, type 55. At 1000X, 10 cm is 10 microns. Of the 88 species and subspecies I recognized at the time, I was able to examine all but seven (Harris and Simmons, 1978). The only species that I was unable to examine was Crotalus lannomi. Temporary accession numbers are used in this paper to correspond to Harris, and Simmons (1978). Permanent accession numbers are available using the card cata¬ logue at the NHSM. Images that follow are a representation of each species or species group except C. lannomi. Magnification of both 1000X and 5000X are presented. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 101 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 1000X 5000X Crotalus adamanteus 72-150: Florida, Hillsborough Co., Near Tarpon Springs. 1000X 5000X Crotalus atrox 72-7: Arizona, Cochise Co., Highway 86 at Tucson. 1000X Crotalus aquilus 71-230: Mexico, Hidalgo, El Chico. 5000X page 102 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 1000X 5000X Crotalus basiliscus basiliscus 75-18: Mexico, Colima, Colima area. Crotalus catalinensis Crotalus cerastes cerastes 71-9: California, San Bernardino Co., Twenty-nine Palms. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologieal Society page 103 Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 1000X 5000X Crotalus durissus durissus 72-60: Guatemala, Pacific Coast. 1000X 5000X Crotalus enyo enyo 71-246: Mexico, Baja del Sur, near Miraflores. 1000X 5000X Crotalus (ruber) exsul 77-6: Mexico, Isla Cedros, NE side of Island. page 1 04 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 1000X 5000X Crotalus horridus horridus 74-1: Man land, Frederick Co., near Thurmont 1000X 5000X Crotalus intermedius intermedins 74-27: Mexico, Veracruz, Cofre de Perote. 1000X 5000X Crotalus lepidus lepidus 72-102: Texas, Jeff Davis Co., near Ft Davis. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 105 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 1000X Crotalus mitchellii mitchellii 77-8: Mexico, Baja del Sur. 1000X 5000X 5000X Crotalus molossus molossus 71-31: Arizona, Cochise Co., Chiricahua Mts., CaveCreek Canyon. 1000X 5000X Crotalus polystictus 73-63: Mexico, Jalisco, about 10 mi N Tapalpa. page 1 06 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 1000X 5000X Cro talus pricei pricei RS 983 HSH: Mexico, Sonora, Sierra de Los Ajos. 1000X 5000X Crotalus pusillus 73-46: Mexico, Michoacan, on road between Uruapan and Tancitaro. 1000X 5000X Crotalus ruber ruber 71-39: California, San Diego Co., Awanga. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 107 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 1000X Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus 75-27: Nevada. 1000X 5000X Crotalus stejnegeri RS 901 HSH: Mexico, Sinaloa, 10-15 mi E Concordia. 1000X 5000X Crotalus tigris 71-41: Arizona, Maricopa Co. (?), Canyon Lake. 5000X page 108 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Crotalus tortugensis 76-2: Mexico, Gulf of California, Isla Tortuga. 1000X 5000X Crotalus transversus 74-15: Mexico, Mexico, above Laguna Zempoala. 1000X 5000X Crotalus triseriatus triseriatus 73-96: Mexico, Michoacan, on road between Uruapan and Tancitaro. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 109 Volume 41 Numbers 1000X Crotalus unicolor September 2005 5000X 72-32: Aruba, Netherlands Antilles 1000X 5000X Crotalus vegrandis 71-43: Venezuela, Monogas State, 20-30 km SW Paso Nuevo. 1000X 5000X Crotalus viridis viridis 73-52: New Mexico, Grant Co., 15 mi S Gila River on Highway 80. page 110 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 1000X Crotalus willardi willardi September 2005 5000X 71-57: Arizona, Cochise Co., Huachuca Mts., Ramsey Canyon. 1000X 5000X Sistrurus catenatus catenatus 73-84: Wisconsin, Buffalo Co., Chippewa, Buffalo City. 1000X 5000X Sistrurus miliarius miliarius 72-125: North Carolina, Hyde Co. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 1 1 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 1000X Sistrurus(Crotalus) ravus ravus 71-178: Mexico, Veracruz, near Perote. In all but three species, at both 1000X and 5000X, there are “ridges” that can appear “straight” or “swirling” and may or may not have “bridging” between the ridges. In areas where “swirling” is prominent this “bridging” can form small-en¬ closed areas (“rings”). In examining the Polaroid prints, an optical illusion can occur in the tightly enclosed areas (“rings”) indicating the area has low rounded “bumps”. When I started this study, I was hoping for some possible indication of phlogeny within the rattlesnakes or even signs of adaptation to some habitat. Of the thirty-one species shown here, only three stand out as different from the rest. At both 1000X and 5000X, for the most part, in most of the Crotalus and Sistrurus , the no¬ ticeable ridges are sometimes “straight”, “swirled”, “bridged” or “ring-shaped”, and can occur in various combinations of these forms. This variation was both interspe¬ cific and intraspecific in the material examined. The species that definitely stand out are Crotalus horridus , Crotalus stejnegeri , and Sistrurus miliarius. The finger-like projections shown at 5000X for C. horridus horridus are the same in Crotalus h. atricaudatus. In C. stejnegeri the only difference is that the tightly enclosed areas (“rings”) are very uniform over the entire area. The “cone” pattern shown at 5000X for Sistrurus miliarius miliarius also occurs in both S. m. barbouri and S. m. streckeri. In determining the average ridge orientation of each species in the three categories below, the 1000X print was used. The print was scanned visually with the use of both a hand lens and a stereo microscope. The ridge orientation calculated was based on the most prominent features observed. In the case where subspecies are recognized, their prints were also used to make the overall determination. If a subspecie(s) appeared distinct from its counterpart(s) each subspecie was there placed in the appropriate group. 5000X page 1 1 2 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 Variation within the species and subspecies are quite variable. A synopsis of the material examined indicates the following: Ridges that are for the most part “straight”, some “swirling” possible, are most evident in: C. adamanteus , C atrox, C. aquilus, C.basiliscus (basiliscus, oaxacus), C. catalinensis, C. lepidus (lepidus, maculosus, klauberi), C. polystictus, C. ruber, ruber, C. triseriatus (triseriatus, quadrangularis), C. unicolor, C. vegrandis, and S. ravus (ravus, brunneus, lutescens). Ridges that for the most part are both “straight” and “swirling” are most evident in: C. durissus (durissus, cascavella, collilineatus, culminatus, cumanensis, terrificus, totonacus, trigonicus, tzabcan), C. enyo (enyo, cerralvensis, furvus), C. intermedius (intermedius, omiltemanus), C. molossus (molossus, estebanensis, nigrescens), C. pricei miquihuanus, C. tigris, C. viridis (viridis, abyssus, caliginis, cerberus, concolor, helleri, lutosus, nuntius, oreganus). Ridges that “swirl” for the most part are most evident in: C. mitchellii (mitchellii, angelensis, muer tens is, pyrrhus, stephensi), C.pusillus, C. ruber elegans, C. ruber lorenzoensis, C. ruber lucasensis, C. ruber monserratensis, C. scutulatus (scutulatus, salvini), C. tortugensis, C. willardi amabilis, C. willardi meridionalis, C. willardi silus (appears somewhat intermediate with both C. willardi willardi and C. willardi obscurus), S. catenatus (catenatus , edwardsii, tergeminus). These data also indicate that the more intense or “tight” ridge “swirling” forming the very tight “ringed” pattern shown in C. stejnegeri , is also prominent to a lesser degree in C. willardi willardi and C willardi obscurus, in C transversus, in C. pricei pricei, in C lepidus morulus and in C cerastes (cerastes, laterorepens). Mon¬ tane to desert forms are represented in these species. C.exsul has this tight ridge “swirling”, but the “ring” formation is not evident. In the species Crotalus lepidus , one of the subspecies, C. /. morulus had an anomaly not seen in any other specimen examined of either Crotalus or Sistrurus. There is a small depression in the center of each “cell” within the area of the scale examined at 1000X. The specimen also exhibited the very tightly enclosed areas (“rings”) as in C. stejnegeri at 5000X. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 113 Volume 41 Numbers 1000X Crotalus lepidus morulus September 2005 5000X 72-68: Mexico, Tamaulipas, Mountains SE San Francisco. Acknowledgments I would like to thank the many individuals who helped make this study pos¬ sible including foremost Floyd Sykes who gave his time in the preparation and scan¬ ning of the many samples provided. I would also like to thank the many individuals who helped by providing either data, specimens or shed skins of additional needed material, including Barry Armstrong, John Arnett, J. Banks, Terry Basey, Pat Birchfield, Claude Box, Jim Brocket, Dave Brown, the late Howard Campbell. Jonathan Campbell, Ron Cauble, Steve Christman, John Cochrane, John Davis, Bruce Felhamer, Wade Ferrell, Bruce Fothergill, Richard Funk, Tom Greenwood, John Groves, Stephen Hale, Blair Hedges, Dave Johnson, Lee Knott, Mike Kreiger, Joe Kilmon, B. Lamoreau, Dave Lee, Clive Longden, Tom Logan, Karen Lundin, Bruce Means, Brent Martin, Chuck McClung, Hank Molt, Jim Nyhan, John Ottley, An¬ thony Picheo, Louis Porras, Tom Porter, Arnold Powers, Andy Price, B. Preston, Mark Prihoda, Charles Radcliffe, Charles Rau, John Rindfleish, the late Robert Simmons, Hobart Smith, Carl Switak, Peter Tolson, Barney Tomberlin, Earl Turner, Bob Udell, Robert Webb, John Wright and many others. Literature Cited Harris, Herbert S., Jr. and Robert S. Simmons. 1978. A preliminary account of the rattlesnakes with the descriptions of four new subspecies. Bull. Md. Herp. Soc. 14(3): 105-2 1 1 . page 114 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 Hoge, A. R. and S. Alama Romano Hoge. 1983. (1982). Notes on micro and ultrastructure of “Oberhautschen” in Viperoidea. Mem. Inst. Butantan 44/45 (for 1980/81): 81-118. Hoge, A. R. and R Sousa Santos. 1953. Submicroscopic structure of “stratum comeum” of snakes. Sci¬ ence 118:410-411. Curator, Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, 2643 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218. Received: Accepted: 1 8 December 2004 14 June 2005 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 1 5 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 News and Notes ANCIENT PINON-JUNIPER WOODLANDS: A NATURAL HISTORY OF MESA VERDE COUNTY, (ed.) By M. Lisa Floyd. 2003. University Presses of Colorado, 5589 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 206C, Boulder, Colorado. ISBN 0-87081- 740-X hardcover, ISBN 0-87081-749-3 (pbk.). The author, Lisa Floyd, has gathered together noted specialists and historians to describe the varied and unique woodland regions surrounding Mesa Verde Na¬ tional Park. This book is comprised of four parts on the biological and ecological characteristics of old-growth Piiion-Juniper Woodlands covering geology, weather and soils of Mesa Verde Country. The author discusses the processes of changes having occurred, management considerations, and prospects for the future. Each seg¬ ment of the book has been broken down into short chapters written by different au¬ thors, each of which will be summarized in this review. In Part I, the following aspects of the Mesa Verde community are discussed. The introduction, by M. Lisa Floyd, briefly provides a short overview of this ancient woodland dominated by twisted Utah Junipers (Juniperus osteosperma) and old Colo¬ rado Pirion Pines (Pinus edulis) which define the focus of this book. The region consists of a 13,000 square km area along the eastern boundary of the Colorado Plateau geological province. It actually lies within the Four Comers region of Colo¬ rado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. The major portion lies in Colorado, within the Mesa Verde National Park area. Both J. osteosperma and P. edulis are restricted to elevations between 1,666 and 2,275 m in the four comer states. As a rule these spe¬ cies are more restricted by precipitation between 30 cm to 50 cm of precipitation per year. The higher precipitation level is not a physiological barrier; the increasingly moist climate at higher elevations allows several mesophytic species including Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine), Quercus gambelii (Gambel Oak), and Pseudosuga menziesii (Douglas Fir) to outcompete both species. Pinons may grow to a meter in girth and may live up to 450 years, whereas junipers are close to 600 years of age. Extremes have been recorded of Utah Junipers being 1,350 years old. This is followed with an excellent review of the understory plants found with Mesa Verde Country, while chapters 4 and 5 are related to the fungi, mosses, and microbial organisms found in the Pinon- Juniper woodlands of Mesa Verde. Chapters 6 and 7 describe the avian and mammalian communities with com¬ ments on their food sources, habitat, and adaptions to aridity. Chapter 8 provides a most enlightening overview on the eighteen species of bats found within the Mesa page 116 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 News and Notes Verde, with comments on their general ecology obtained by the Midcontinent Eco¬ logical Science Center survey in 1989. The chapter that will interest you most is number 9 on the reptiles and amphib¬ ians, with excellent information on the habitat and behavior of the single species of salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, along with the anuran species Bufo (punctatus and wodhousii) and the spadefoots (Spea intermontanus, S. multiplicata and S. bombirons). Other species of anurans are Rana catesbeiana, R. pipiens, and the two species of hylids, Hyla arenicolor and Pseudacris triseriata. The Reptilia are far greater in abun¬ dance due to their greater tolerance for aridity, and are represented by some 26 spe¬ cies of sauria and serpentes. The insect section is extremely short as this would probably involve another complete volume, although it covers the species associated with both Pinon and juni¬ per associations. Part II covers the geology, climatic features and soils of Mesa Verde county, which includes sections on bedrock geology, landforms, soils, and water resources. This is followed by a truly interesting coverage on fire history, along with effects of fire on insect communities, ethnobotanical uses of plants, and ancestrian Puebloans and implications of human impact in transforming the land. This covers the threats of fire, non-native invasion of species, air pollution climatic changes and management considerations for conserving old-growth Pinon-Juniper woodlands. While certain sections may not be of particular interest, overall this book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of vital areas within the United States, and especially Mesa Verde National Park and surrounding areas. This book is illustrated with b/w photographs and graphs throughout the text, and we would recommend this book to anyone interested in any aspect of southwest¬ ern environmental ecology, or historical prehistory. Theresa L. Wusterbarth and Harlan D. Walley, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. Received: 20 June 2005 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 117 Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 News and Notes KOHLER, Gunther, Kreiger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida, 214 pp. 2005 INCUBATION OF REPTILES EGGS: Basic Guidelines, Experi¬ ences. Available from Krieger Publishing Company, $38.50 Cloth bound, ISBN 1- 5524-193-5. The original edition was published in Germany in 1997 by Herpeton Verlag. This new edition provides an accurate translation of the German edition “Inkubation von Reptilieneiem” and provides information on reptiles as pets, eggs, incubation and embryology. The introduction gives a short review on egg development followed by sec¬ tions on morphology of reptilian eggs, development inside the female’s body and embryonic development in general. These sections are highly illustrated with figures of crocodilian, chelonian, saurian and Serpentes embryonic developmental stages. This is followed by a short section on hatchlings. Section six discusses the physiological foundations of reptilian incubation, with comments on influences of temperature on hatchling success, influence of tem¬ perature and humidity on sex determination, gas exchange and defense mechanisms of the egg against microbial infections. Sections seven and eight provide excellent information on egg deposition and incubation in the natural environment for crocodilians, chelonians, snakes, and tuat- aras, followed by data on egg-laying in the vivarium. Sections nine through eleven cover such topics as parental care, clutch mortal¬ ity in the wild, and the influences of maternal care on egg quality. Sections twelve and thirteen focus on artificial incubation, and provides de¬ tailed information on forced-air incubators, modification methods in incubator de¬ sign, and other containers and substrates for incubation of eggs in captivity. Com¬ ments are also provided on caring and examining eggs during incubation, egg spoil¬ age, dead animals in the egg, malformations and twinning. Chapter fifteen provides short sections by Gunther Kohler, Rudolf Wicker, Marcus Knirr, Walter Sachsse, Robert Seipp, Jens Kruger, and Bemd Eidenmuller on special incubation notes for various commonly kept species for which their expertise on captive care is noted. The author provides a 432 entry references cited section which should prove highly rewarding to anyone interested in searching for publications on specific spe- page 1 1 8 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Numbers September 2005 cies. This is followed by appendices on the influence of incubation temperature on sex ratio, changes in egg mass during incubation, clutch and incubation parameters which give vital information on clutch size, incubation temperature variation and duration, and sources for each citation. An index rounds out the volume. The author and publisher have provided an attractive cover design, and as usual the author has exhibited his vast knowledge and varied interests in the field of herpetology. We would highly recommend this book for anyone having a concern for captive care and management of reptilian species. Harlan D. Walley and Theresa L. Wusterbarth, Department of Biology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. hdw@niu.edu. Received 20 June 2005 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 1 9 Volume 41 Number 3 September 2005 News and Notes Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 410-580-0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows. Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts. OUR CURRENT NEEDS: • Piece of Property with a Building • Outdoor Shed • Power & Hand Tools • Bleach • Copy Paper • Envelopes • Pillow Cases /Snake Bags • Paper Towels www.reptileinfo.com page 120 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Society Publication Back issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $.25/page. Information for Authors All correspondence should be addressed to the Executive Editor. Manu¬ scripts being submitted for publication should be typewritten (double spaced) on good quality 8 1/2 by 1 1 inch paper with adequate margins. Submit origi¬ nal and first carbon, retaining the second carbon. If entered on a word proces¬ sor, also submit diskette and note word processor and operating system used. Indicate where illustrations or photographs are to appear in text. Cite all lit¬ erature used at end in alphabetical order by author. Major papers are those over five pages (double spaced, elite type) and must include an abstract. The authors name should be centered under the title, and the address is to follow the Literature Cited. Minor papers are those pa¬ pers with fewer than five pages. Author’s name is to be placed at end of paper (see recent issue). For additional information see Style Manual for Biological Journals (1964), American Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016. Reprints are available at $.07 a page and should be ordered when manu¬ scripts are submitted or when proofs are returned. Minimum order is 100 reprints. Either edited manuscript or proof will be returned to author for ap¬ proval or correction. The author will be responsible for all corrections to proof, and must return proof preferably within seven days. The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. 2643 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 US ISSN: 0025-4231 BULLETIN OF THE flFtarylanb hs f)ecpetological Repl ©ociety DEPARTMENT OF HERPETOLOGY THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARYLAND, INC. MARYLAND’S ANURAN POPULATIONS: ARE THEY AT RISK FROM ANTHROPOMORPHIC IMPACT Wayne G Hildebrand \ MDHS A Founder Member of the Eastern Seaboard Herpetological League DECEMBER 2005 VOLUME 41 NUMBER 4 BULLETIN OF THE MARYLAND HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 CONTENTS Maryland’s Anuran Populations: Are They at Risk From Anthropomorphic Impact I. Calling Survey of Maryland’s Anurans Wayne G Hildebrand . . . 121 II. Natural History of Maryland’s Anurans Wayne G Hildebrand . . . . . . . . 140 BULLETIN OF THE mbt)6 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 The Maryland Herpetological Society Department of Herpetology, Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. President Tim Hoen Executive Editor Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Steering Committee Jerry D. Hardy, Jr. Herbert S. Harris, Jr. Tim Hoen Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-93458 Membership Rates Membership in the Maryland Herpetological Society is $25.00 per year and includes the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society. For¬ eign is $35.00 per year. Make all checks payable to the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. Meetings Meetings are held monthly and will be announced in the “Maryland Herpetological Society” newsletter and on the website, www.marylandnature.org. Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 MARYLAND’S ANURAN POPULATIONS: ARE THEY AT RISK FROM ANTHROPOMORPHIC IMPACT L CALLING SURVEY OF MARYLAND’S ANURANS Wayne G Hildebrand Abstract From 1999 to 2004, roadside frog chorus surveys were conducted across the state of Maryland by volunteers using the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program protocol. I used the data that were generated to determine if anuran popula¬ tions are stable in Maryland. The detection rates of Rana clamitans increased signifi¬ cantly over the course of this study and R. virgatipes showed a nearly significant decrease. The populations of thirteen Maryland anuran species (R. catesbeiana , R. palustris , R. sylvatica , R, sphenocephala, Bufo americanus , R. fowled, Acris crepitans , Pseudacris crucifer , Rferiarum , Hyla cinerea , H. chrysoscelis complex, Gastrophryne carolinensis, and Scaphiopus holbrookii) were stable during this study. The remain¬ ing three species of Maryland anurans (R. pipiens , P. brachyphona , and H. gratiosa) were not detected during this study. Introduction Anurans, commonly known as frogs and toads, serve as bioindicators of environment health (Blaustein and Wake, 1995). Anurans are in contact with aquatic habitats as larvae and terrestrial habitats as adults. Their skin is extremely permeable and is reported to allow pollutants to enter their body tissues (Duellman and Trueb, 1994); thus the health of anuran populations might suggest the condition of diverse habitats associated with wetlands and their terrestrial buffer zones. Anuran populations in a number of locations have declined over the last 20 years. Accounts began appearing in the literature at an alarming rate in the 1980s and 1990s (Houlahan et al., 2000; Livermore, 1992). Species that were once common began to disappear from both habitats impacted by humans as well as apparently pristine habitats. In many instances, by the time researchers determined something was amiss, populations exhibited irreversible declines. The extinctions of the golden toad, Bufo periglenes, and the gastric breeding frog, Rheobatrachus silus , are key examples (Crump et al., 1992; Stebbins and Cohen, 1995). Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain worldwide amphibian de¬ clines. One clear cause is the destruction and fragmentation of suitable habitat caused by human development (Blaustein et al., 1994; Blaustein and Wake, 1995; Dodd, Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 121 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 2003; Gibbs, 2000; Semlitsch and Bodie, 1998). Amphibian species richness is usu¬ ally negative correlated with increased urbanization (Findlay and Houlahan, 1997; Lehtinen et al., 1999), and amphibians are prone to local extinctions resulting from transformation and fragmentation of habitat (Gibbs, 1998). For example, adult green frog (Rana clamitans ) populations are significantly lower on lake shores with exten¬ sive development than on undeveloped lake shores where habitat has not been de¬ graded (Woodford and Meyer, 2003). Other putative causes of declines are more poorly understood. Pollution is hypothesized to cause declines. Anuran survivorship is lowered by exposure to met¬ als, fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals such as PCBs (Diana and Beasley, 1998). Other chemicals like the environmental estrogens, 4-nonyl-phenol and bisphenol, and the herbicide atrazine cause feminization of male frogs, thus reducing fertility (Hayes et al., 2002; Mosconi et al., 2002). Decreased pH slows growth rates and reduces maximum body size (Beebee, 1996; Gannon, 1997). The population level effects of these pollutants requires more study. Diseases are also implicated in the declines of some populations (Carey et al., 1999; Daszak et ah, 1999). Viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases have been implicated in some declining populations and in populations with high rates of malformation (Kiesecker et al., 2004). Interactions with other species, including humans, may also instigate de¬ clines. Humans use frogs for food, bait, pets, and research. Anurans are also preyed upon by many other species such as other amphibian larvae and adults, insects, and snakes (Green, 1997; Hinshaw and Sullivan, 1990; Petranka and Thomas, 1995). Competition with introduced species, such as fish or introduced Bullfrogs, has detri¬ mental effects on native anuran populations (Behler and King, 1979; Drost and Fellers, 1996; Knapp and Matthews, 2000; Lawler et al., 1999; Mitchell, 2000). Climatic variations, such as El Nino, may result in normal population fluc¬ tuations that may result in the extirpation of local populations (Sarkar, 1996). Global wanning may results in changes in precipitation and temperatures (McDonald, 1 998). Many of the above factors or the myriad combinations of these factors may be responsible for much of the worldwide population declines of frogs (Carey, 1993). Stress on an anuran caused by one factor, such as predators, may intensify another. For example, in Gray Treefrog tadpoles (Hyla versicolor) the pesticide carbaryl decreases mobility and leads to increased predation, with lethal consequences (Relyea and Mills, 200 1 ). The combination of octyphenol and excessive UV-B results in disrupted growth patterns in the Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens ) (Crump et al., 2002). page 122 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 All of these threats to anuran diversity have the potential to cause great harm to populations (Reaser, 2000). Maryland is no exception. Maryland has lost much of its wetland habitats and what remains are threatened by pollution and introduced species. In Maryland, only 27% of the pre-Columbian wetlands still exist (Porter and Hill, 1 999) and habitat loss and degradation are a pervasive threat to wetland biologi¬ cal diversity (Boylan and MacLean, 1997). In addition to wetlands, terrestrial buffer zones around wetlands provide valuable habitat for adult amphibians and thus are in need of conservation (Dodd and Cade, 1998). Presently, Maryland has nineteen anuran species (Table 1 ), none of which are endemic to the state (Conant and Collins, 1998; Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002). Today, five species are considered in need of some form of protection within the state, despite this all are considered globally secure (Maryland Wildlife and Heri¬ tage Division, 2001). The remaining fourteen species of Maryland’s anurans appear to have stable populations and broad regional distributions. Many anuran populations display dramatic population swings. For example, Bufo americanus charlesmithi and Bufo woodhousei exhibited natural declines fol¬ lowed by recovery during the 1950s in Oklahoma (Pechmann and Wilbur, 1994). Dramatic population swings makes it difficult to distinguish natural population fluc¬ tuations and impending human caused extinction (Blaustein et al., 1994; Dunson et al., 1992; Flather et al., 1999). Only long-term studies, especially those longer than ten years, can provide insight. Monitoring programs, such as those administered by the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) or the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Surveys (WFTS) will provide invaluable information on population trends and alert biolo¬ gists to possible declines (Mossman et al., 1998). These surveys monitor the calls that male frogs use to attract mates. Anuran calls are quite distinctive and provide a reliable indication of population size and abundance (Foley and Smith, 1996). In this study, I examine Maryland’s anuran populations to determine whether they are stable, increasing, or decreasing. Materials and Methods Data were collected from roadside chorus surveys performed according to the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) protocol (USGS, 2001 ; Weir and Mossman, 2005). There are 28 established NAAMP routes in Mary¬ land. Twenty-two of the survey routes were randomly generated. The other six sur¬ vey routes were non-randomly generated and were chosen in areas of Maryland not covered by the randomly generated routes. All 28 routes were approximately 16 to 25 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 123 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 km (10 to 15 mi) long with ten (thirteen at Blackwater NWR) survey stops, each of which was within 400 m of a wetland habitat (i.e. swamp, farm pond, roadside ditch, vernal pool, etc). The stops were placed at least 0.8 km (0.5 mi) apart so that frog calls cannot be heard from adjoining stops. The occurrence of anurans was not known at the time the survey stops were established. I determined the latitude and longitude for each survey stop using a global positioning system unit (Garmin GPS III Plus, position accuracy ± 15m). Volunteers completed surveys three times a year during the appropriate sam¬ pling periods (Table 2). The surveys were conducted beginning at least 30 min after sunset on evenings just after rain, just before rain, with light rain, or with high hu¬ midity. At each stop an observer listened for 5 min (3 min in 1 999) and recorded the Amphibian Calling Index for each species heard (Table 3). I trained volunteer ob¬ servers to identify frog calls and to conduct the NAAMP surveys before each season. Currently, NAAMP has about 100 volunteers across Maryland. All data collected by these volunteers from 1 999 through 2004 were used in this study. The nineteen species of frogs found in Maryland have distinctive calls that can be reliably used to determine species identification. For this study, I grouped Hyla chrysoscelis and Hyla versicolor together as “Gray Treefrog Complex” to elimi¬ nate the possibility of misidentification because the calls of these species are difficult to distinguish for the inexperienced volunteer. Therefore, only eighteen possible anu- ran species were surveyed. A recording of the frog calls was provided to each volun¬ teer to assist in identification. I determine into which physiographic ecoregions of Maryland (Figure 1) the stops were located and compared anuran species diversity in these regions. Ecoregion designations were based on those used by NAAMP (Lannoo et al., 2005). To insure quality control, I reviewed all data. The calling date for each spe¬ cies was compared to known calling dates particular to that species. Additionally, published distributions were compared to the collected data to determine grossly erroneous records. For example, one would not expect a mountain chorus frog to be calling in Worchester County on Maryland’s Coastal Plain when historically they were only found in Garrett and Allegheny Counties of the Allegheny Plateau. I perfonned statistical analysis using SPSS Graduate Pack 1 1 .0 for Windows. I combined the data from the three runs within each year and calculated the average per¬ centage of stops that each anuran was heard. I arcsin transfonned this percentage and evaluated population trends over time for each species separately with linear regression. page 124 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 The relative abundance of anurans per year, the ranking of the species occurring most frequently per stop, was compared using the Kruskal- Wallis Test. Results The total number of stops at which each species was heard was ranked by year for all the years represented in this survey. Pseudacris crucifer was the most commonly detected frog in the state in every year of the survey (Table 4). Hyla ver¬ sicolor / chrysoscelis, Gray Treefrog Complex was the second most commonly de¬ tected frog. The least common frogs detected in this study were S. holbrookii , R. virgatipes, and G. carolinensis ranked thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth respec¬ tively. The only year that Gastrophryne carolinensis was detected was 200 1 . A single Hyla gratiosa was detected during the 2004 season in Anne Arundel County but was well outside its known distribution. The report was either an error in identification or possibly the call of a released specimen and therefore was excluded from the study. Two species were not detected (P. brachyphona , and R. pipiens ). No significant dif¬ ference in the overall species ranking occurred over the six year survey period (Kruskal- Wallis test p = 1.0, Table 4). There was no change in the number of species present over the six years of this study. Maryland’s anurans showed varying detection rates over the course of this study (Figures 2, 3, 4). The detection rate is the total number of stops that a species was heard. A significant upward trend in detection was observed from 1999 through the 2004 season for Rana clamitans (p = 0.027, Figure 2). One species of frog, R. virgatipes , showed a nearly significant decline in detection rate (p = 0.055, Figure 2). According to the survey data, Maryland’s Coastal Plain, in particular the lower Eastern Shore had the highest concentration of anuran species (Figure 5). Three Counties, Dorchester, Wicomico, and Worchester, each had fourteen species. Garrett and Washington Counties had the fewest species with six. The Northern Piedmont (11 species), Ridge and Valley (10 species), and the Allegheny Plateau (6 species) had relatively fewer species detected compared to the Coastal Plain (14 species). Discussion Most of the anurans in Maryland have stable populations and are common over their entire distributional ranges. Anuran populations go through “boom or bust” cycles (Collins et ah, 2003). In favorable years, a “bumper crop” or boom of new frogs may result. The present study suggests that R. clamitans maybe increasing in numbers in Maryland. However, whether this increase is real or simply part of nor¬ mal population oscillation remains to be seen. Increased detection may also be the result of acquired identification skills of the NAAMP volunteers. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 125 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 The near significant decrease in the detection of R. virgatipes may similarly be the result of a normal population cycle. Given suggested that R. virgatipes de¬ clines may be the result of vernal acidic wetlands being modified into farm ponds (Given, 1999). Anuran detection rates can vary from year to year and even be missed if the observer is not keyed in to the localized environment. If conditions are unfavorable, some species skip reproduction for the year (i.e. S. holhrookii). Other species are explosive breeders, in which nearly all individuals in a local habitat use the same breeding ponds when the right environmental factors occur (i.e. R, sylvaticd). In¬ creasing the number of annual sampling periods may decrease the chances of miss¬ ing sporadic and explosive breeding events. However, since NAAMP is a volunteer based program it may be difficult to gain support for additional surveying. Species at the periphery of their range, with localized populations, or lim¬ ited habitat preferences are more susceptible to localized extinction than those with a broad range (Collins et al., 2003; Dodd and Smith, 2003). Species in Maryland that meet these criteria are R. virgatipes , R. pipiens, P brachyphona , H. gratiosa , and G. carolinensis. Of these species, only R. virgatipes and G. carolinensis were found in this study; P brachyphona and H. gratiosa continue to survive in isolated popula¬ tions, but their long term status is tenuous. If an event such as premature pond drying or a flood in a roadside ditch occurs, a whole reproductive season’s output may be lost. The effect is more pronounced if the species is at the periphery of its distribution range, this might be the case for the Mountain Chorus Frog (P. brachyphona) which was nearly extirpated from the state by a flood of their last known breeding ditch in 1997 (Forester et al., 2003). The introduced Rana pipiens may no longer occur in the state. As local populations disappear, the chances of recolonization events decrease because adjoining populations are unable to cross barriers to these habitats. As we lose progressively more local populations, the entire species is at increased risk with in the state. Species that are threatened and endangered in Maryland are secure to common globally. Fewer anurans occurred in western Maryland compared to the east. The Al¬ legheny Plateau and Ridge and Valley ecoregions have 10 species, the Northern Pied¬ mont 13 species, and the Upper Coastal Plain 16 species. Therefore losing one spe¬ cies in the Allegheny Plateau would have a greater effect on anuran diversity com¬ pared to losing one species in the Upper Coastal Plain. Overall, my study supports the levels of protection assigned to anurans in Maryland. However, I propose the following changes. Because no Mountain Chorus Frogs were detected in this survey, even at their last documented breeding area in the page 126 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 state, I recommend that their status be changed from “State Threatened” to “State Endangered”. In addition, given the nearly significant decreased detection of Car¬ penter Frog and the failure by this study to detect the species in much of its historic range, its status should be changed from “In Need of Conservation” to “State Threat¬ ened”. Furthermore, I propose that the Eastern Spadefoot Toad and the Southeastern Chorus Frog be listed as “In need of conservation”, especially west of the Chesa¬ peake Bay. This survey reports the Eastern Spadefoot Toad at 26 survey stops state¬ wide, only four of these were west of the Bay. The Southeastern Chorus Frog was reported at 98 stops in this survey but only 20 were to the west of the Bay. Histori¬ cally, both species were more common west of the Bay (Harris 1975). The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program’s mission statement is “...to provide a statistically defensible program to monitor the distributions and rela¬ tive abundance of amphibians in North America, with applicability at multiple scales, including state, ecorerigional and continent levels.” The protocol has been critically reviewed and published (Weir and Mossman, 2005). The protocol was based on the long running WTFS with input from all NAAMP state coordinators, including my¬ self as Maryland’s Coordinator. The data used in this study was that of the primary observers whose data was reported to the NAAMP database and the data from all secondary observers whose data was used for additional studies. Interobserver reliability is a concern of studies such as these. A possible way to improve reliability would be to use only experienced observers rather than volun¬ teers with all levels of experience from decades of experience to beginners. Most other states in the program only place one observer per route, but the turnout in Maryland greatly exceeded the number of routes available. Multiple observers have been assigned routes and thus they provide the data for observer comparison. NAAMP is using the Maryland data to evaluate variance between observers and these data will allow for better quality assurance. The continuation of the NAAMP program in Maryland after this study will help to further our understanding of anuran population trends. Eventually with suffi¬ cient years of data we will be able to statistically determine if anuran populations in Maryland are in decline, are stable, or just going through normal population cycles. 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Upper Coastal Plain and Northern Piedmont Run # 1 March 1 to March 3 1 , temperatures are greater than 5.6°C (42°F) Run #2 April 15 to May 15, temperatures are greater than 10°C (50°F) Run #3 June 1 to June 30, temperatures are greater than 12.8°C (55°F) Ridge and Valiev and Allegheny Plateau Run #1 March 1 5 to April 15, temperatures are greater than 5 .6°C (42°F) Run #2 May 1 to May 31, temperatures are greater than 10°C (50°F) Run #3 June 15 to July 15, temperatures are greater than 12.8°C (55°F) Table 3: Amphibian calling index (Weir and Mossman, 2005). Calling Index Definition 1 Individuals can be counted; there is space between calls 2 Calls of individuals can be distinguished but there is some over¬ lapping of calls 3 Full chorus, calls are constant, continuous and overlapping Figure 1: The ecoregions of Maryland (Lannoo et ah, 2005). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 129 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Table 4: Relative abundance by rank of Maryland’s anurans by survey year. Species Mean 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Pseudacris crucifer Spring Peeper 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Hyla versicolor / chrysoscelis Gray Treefrog Complex 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 Bufo americanus American Toad 3 3 2 5 4 3 4 Rana clamitans Green Frog 4 9 4.5 2 2 4 2 Rana catesbeiana American Bullfrog 5 4 4.5 4 5 6 5 Pseudacris feriarum Southeastern Chorus Frog 6 5 6 8 7 7 6 Bufo fowleri Fowler’s Toad 7 8 11 6.5 6 5 8.5 Acris crepitans Northern Cricket Frog 8 6 9.5 6.5 8 9 7 Rana sylvatica Wood Frog 9 7 9.5 9 10 8 8.5 Rana sphenocephala Southern Leopard Frog 10 11 7 11 11 11 10 Rana palustris Pickerel Frog 11 13 12 10 9 10 11 Hyla cinerea Green Treefrog 12 14 8 12 12 12 12 Rana virgatipes Carpenter Frog 13 11 13 14 14 14 13 Scaphiopus holbrookii Eastern Spadefoot Toad 14 11 14 15 13 13 14 Gastrophryne carolinensis Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad 15 16.5 16.5 13 16.5 16.5 16.5 Hyla gratiosa Barking Treefrog 17 16.5 16.5 17 16.5 16.5 16.5 Pseudacris brachyphona Mountain Chorus Frog 17 16.5 16.5 17 16.5 16.5 16.5 Rana pipiens Northern Leopard Frog 17 16.5 16.5 17 16.5 16.5 16.5 page 130 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society # Stops with Calling Frogs (arcsin) Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 0.5000 -j 0.4000 0.3000 • 0.2000 0.1000 0.0000 -- R2 * 0.7446 p = 0.027 m R2 - 0.2870 ♦ R2 = 0 4088 R2=> 0.6018 R2 = 0.3202 R2 = 06419 p = 0.055 1499 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 ♦ R. calesheiana & R. clam Hans A R. paiustris XRsylvatica XR. virgatipes • R. sphenocephala Figure 2: Number of survey stops for each survey year with Ranidae (. R . pipiens not observed). 0.5000 ♦ 0.4500 \ R2 = 0.4062 0.4000 ♦ cT 0.3300 i ♦ I 1 S> 0.3000 -i . ♦ 81 2 •M 0.2500 R2 = 0.4264 <3 £ £ 0.2000 1 SO ♦ m m w 4fc 0.1500 i 0.1000 s 18 0.0500 A a A R2 = 0.0019 0.0000 i . - .A _ .rr.*.rr. ■* “ - A R2 = 0.0171 1999 2000 2001 — . . —.‘.rr^pzr. 2002 2003 'W — - ’ 2004 ♦ B. americanus $3 B. fowleri AS. holbrookii • G. carolimnsis i Figure 3: Number of survey stops for each survey year with Bufonidae, Microhylidae, and Pelobatidae. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 131 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 1.2000 1.0000 g 0.8000 i S 0.6000 u 1 !" 0.4000 R2 - 0.5346 0.2000 4 - . ” . A . . ,1 . • ♦ R2 = 0.1527 . A R2* 0.0890 X X A 0.0000 1 * • — . - J - - 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 +A. crepitans SI P. crucifer ▲ P. feriarum • H. chrysoscelis/versicoior X H. cimrea Figure 4: Number of survey stops for each survey year with Hylidae (P brachyphona and H. gratiosa not observed). Figure 5: Map of anuran species diversity in Maryland. (AA= Anne Arundel, Al=Allegany, Ba=Baltimore, Ca=Carroll, Ce= Cecil, Ch=Charles, Cl=Calvert , Cr=Caroline, Do=Dorchester, Fr=Frederick, Ga=Garrett, Ha=Harford, Flo ^Howard, Ke=Kent, Mo ^Montgomery, PG=Prince Georges, QA=Queen Annes, SM=St. Marys, So=Somerset, Ta-Talbot, Wa = Washington, Wi=Wicomico, Wo=Worchester). page 132 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank the hundreds of N A AMP volun¬ teers, too numerous to name, across Maryland whose dedication to this program over the past five years has made this project possible. I would also like to thank all of the institutions (Hood College, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, The Salisbury Zoo, La Vale Library, Crofton Library, Centreville Library, Hampstead Library, Adkins Arboretum, Bear Branch Nature Center, Croydon Creek Nature Center, and Fair Hill Nature Center) that have provided space for training of the NAAMP volunteers. Additionally, I would like to thank the staff at the USGS and NAAMP, especially Linda Weir, without whom there would not have been a project. Special thanks to Dr. Don C. Forester for providing recordings of Maryland Frog Calls, and for the review of this MS. Next, I would like to thank my wife Jacqueline and my daughter Elisabeth for putting up with me during this project and lending a hand from time to time. I think that Elisabeth has come to appreciate the environment as much as I do. The initial project funding was provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and overseen by Hood College. I am grateful to my thesis committee mem¬ bers (Dr. Michael Alavanja, Dr. Eric Kindahl, and Dr. Lori Wollerman), to Dr. Drew Ferrier, and the Hood College Environmental Biology Department. Research reported in this document was originally published in a Master’s thesis sponsored by the Department of Environmental Biology and submitted to The Graduate School of Hood College in Frederick Maryland. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 133 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Beebee, T. J. C. 1996. Literature Cited Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians. Chapman & Hall, Lon¬ don, UK. Behler, John L. and F. Wayne King. 1979 The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Blaustein, Andrew R. and David B. Wake. 1 995 . The Puzzle of Declining Amphibian Populations. Scientific Ameri¬ can 272: 52. Blaustein, Andrew R., David B. Wake, and Wayne P. Sousa. 1994. Amphibian Declines: Judging Stability, Persistence, and Suscep¬ tibility of Populations to Local and Global Extinctions. Conser¬ vation Biology 8: 60-71. Boylan, Karen Day and Donald R. MacLean. 1997. Linking Species Loss with Wetlands Loss. National Wetlands Carey, Cynthia. 1993. Newsletter 19(6): 1-17. Hypothesis Concerning the Causes of the Disappearance of Bo¬ real Toads from the Mountains of Colorado. Conservation Biol¬ ogy 7: 355-362. Carey, Cythia, Nicholas Cohen, and Louise Rollins- Smith. 1999. Amphibian Declines: An Immunological Perspective. Develop¬ mental and Comparative Immunology 23: 459-472. Collins, James P., Jesse L. Brunner, Verma Miera, Matthew J. Parris, Danna M. Schock, and Andrew Storfer. 2003. Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease. In Semlitsch, Raymond D., editor. Amphibian Conservation. Washington and London: Smithsonian Books, p 137-151. Conant, Roger and Joseph T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians Eastern and Central North America. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Co. page 134 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Crother, Brian I. 2001. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Rep¬ tiles of North America North of Mexico, With Comments Re¬ garding Confidence in Our Understandings. Society for the study of Amphibians and Reptiles Herpetological Circular No. 29. Crump, Douglas, David Lean, and Vance L. Trudeau. 2002. Octylphenol and UV-B Radiation Alter Larval and Hypothalamic Gene Expression in the Leopard Frog ( Rana Pipiens). Environ¬ mental Health Perspectives 110(3): 277-284. Crump M. L., F. R. Hensley, and K. J. Clark. 1992. Apparent Decline of the Golden Toad: Underground or Extinct? Copeia 1992:413-420. Daszak, Peter, Lee Berger, Andrew A. Cunningham, Alex D. Hyatt, D. Earl Green, and Rick Speare. 1999. Emerging Infectious Diseases and Amphibian Population De¬ clines. Emerging Infectious Diseases 5(6). Diana, Stephen G. and Val R. Beasley. 1998. Amphibian Toxicology. In: Lannoo, Michael J., editor. Status & Conservation of Midwestern Amphibians. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, p 266-277. Dodd, C. Kenneth, Jr. 2003 . Monitoring Amphibians in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. U. S. Geological Survey Circular 1258. Dodd, C. Kenneth, Jr. and Brian S. Cade. 1998. Movement Patterns and the Conservation of Amphibians Breed¬ ing in Small, Temporary Wetlands. Conservation Biology 12(2): 331-339. Dodd, C. Kenneth and Lora L. Smith. 2003. Habitat Destruction and Alteration. In Semlitsch, Raymond D., editor. Amphibian Conservation. Washington and London: Smithsonian Books, p 94-112. Drost, Charles A. and Gary M. Fellers. 1996. Collapse of a Regional Frog Fauna in the Yosemite Area of the California Sierra Nevada, USA. Conservation Biology 10(2): 414- 425. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 135 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Duellman, William E. and Linda Trueb. 1 994. Biology of Amphibians. Baltimore Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Dunson, William A., Richard L. Wyman, and Edward S. Corbett. 1 992. A Symposium on Amphibian Declines and Habitat Acidification. Journal of Herpetology 26(4): 349-352. Findlay, C. Scott and Jeff Houlahan. 1997. Anthropogenic Correlates of Species Richness in Southeastern Ontario Wetlands. Conservation Biology 1 1(4): 1000- 1009. Flather, Curtis H.; Brady, Stephen J.; Knowles, Michael S. 1999. Wildlife resource trends in the United States: A technical docu¬ ment supporting the 2000 RPA Assessment. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-33. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agricul¬ ture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 79 pages. Foley, Dan H. and Scott A. Smith. 1 996. Herpetofaunal Inventory Methods. Maryland Department of Natu¬ ral Resources, p 53. Forester, Don C., Shawn Knoedler, and Randell Sanders. 2003. Life History and Status of the Mountain Chorus Frog ( Pseudacris brachyphona ) In Maryland. The Maryland Naturalist 46(1): 1- 15. Gannon, Robert. 1997. Frogs in Peril. Popular Science Dec. 1997: 84-88. Gibbs, James P. 1 998. Distribution of Woodland Amphibians Along a Forest Fragmen¬ tation Gradient. Landscape Ecology 13: 263-268. Gibbs, James P. 2000. Wetland Loss and Biodiversity Conservation. Conservation Biol¬ ogy 14(1): 314-317. Given, Mac F. 1999. Distribution Records of Rana virgatipes and Associated Amiran Species Along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Herpetological Review 30(3): 144-146. page 136 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Green, David M. 1997. Perspective on Amphibian Population Declines: Defining the Prob¬ lem and Searching for Answers. Herpetological Conservation 1:291-30. Harris, Herbert S. 1975. Distributional Survey ( Amphibia/Reptilia) : Maryland and the Dis¬ trict of Columbia. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Soci¬ ety 11: 73-167. Hayes, Tyrone B., Atif Collins, Melissa Lee, Magdelena Mendoza, Nigel Noriega, A. Ali Stuart, and Aaron Vonk. 2002. Hermaphroditic, Demasculinized Frogs After Exposure to the Her¬ bicide Atrizine at Low Ecologically Relevant Levels. Proceed¬ ings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 99:5476-5480. Hinshaw, Steven H. and Brian K. Sullivan. 1 990 . Predation on Hyla versicolor and Pseudacris crucifer During Re¬ production. Journal of Herpetology 24(2): 196-197. Houlahan, Jeff E., C. Scott Findlay, Benedikt R. Schmidt, Andrea H. Meyers, and Sergius L. Kuzmin, 2000. Quantitative Evidence for Global Amphibian Declines. Nature 404: 752-755. Kiesecker, Joseph M., Lisa K. Belden, Katriona Shea, and Michael J. Rubbo. 2004. Amphibian Declines and Emerging Disease. American Scientist 92: 138-147. Knapp, Ronal A. and Kathleen R. Matthews. 2000. Non-Native Fish Introductions and the Decline of the Mountain Yellow- Legged Frog From Within Protected Areas. Conservation Biology 14(2): 428-438. Lannoo, Michael, Allisa L. Gallant, Priya Nanjappa, Laura blackbum, and Russell Hendricks. 2005. Species Accounts. In: Lannoo, M.J. (Ed.), Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species. Berkeley, Cali¬ fornia, USAA: University of California Press, p. 351-366. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 137 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Lawler, Sharon P., Deborah Dritz, Terry Strange, and Marcel Holyoak. 1999. Effects of Introduced Mosquitoflsh and Bullfrogs on the Threat¬ ened California Red-Legged Frog. Conservation Biology 13(3): 613-622. Lehtinen, Richard M., Susan M. Galatowitsch, and John R. Tester. 1999. Consequences of Habitat Loss and Fragmentation for Wetland Amphibian Assemblages. Wetlands 19(1): 1-12. Livermore, Beth. 1992. Amphibian Alarms: Just Where Have All the Frogs Gone? Smithsonian 23: 113. Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division. 200 1 . Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals of Maryland. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Mary¬ land. McDonald, Kim A. 1998. Sharp Decline of Amphibians Alarm Biologists Worldwide. Chronicle of Higher Education 44(16): All-12. Mitchell, Joseph C. 2000. Amphibian Monitoring Methods and Field Guide. Front Royal, Virginia: Conservation Research Center. Mosconi, G., O. Camevali, M.F. Franzoni, E. Cottone, I. Lutz, W. Kloas, K. Yamamoto, S. Kikuyama, and A. M. Polzonetti-Magni. 2002. Environmental Estrogens and Reproductive Biology in Amphib¬ ians. General and Comparative Endocrinology 126: 125-129. Mossman, Michael J., Lisa M. Hartman, Robert Hay, John R. Sauer, and Brian J. Dhuey. 1 998 . Monitoring Long-term Trends in Wisconsin Frog and Toad Popu¬ lations. In: Lannoo, Michael J., editor. Status & Conservation of Midwestern Amphibians. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, p 169-198. Pechmann, J. H. K. and H. M. Wilbur. 1994. Putting Declining Amphibian Populations in Perspective: Natu¬ ral Fluctuations and Human Impacts. Herpetologica 50: 65-84. page 138 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetologica! Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Petranka, James W. and Daphne A. G. Thomas. 1995. Explosive Breeding Reduces Egg and Tadpole Cannibalism in the Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica. Animal Behaviour 50: 731-739. Porter, William F. and Jennifer A. Hill. 1999. Biotic resources of the northeastern United States. Pages 181- 218 in Mac, M. J., P. A. Opler, C. E. Pucket Haeker and P. D. Doran, editors. Status and trends of the nation’s biological re¬ sources. U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Sur¬ vey, Reston, Virginia. Reaser, J. K. 2000. Amphibian declines: an overview. Federal Taskforce on Amphib¬ ian Declines and Deformities. Washington DC: TADD, PARC, DAPTF, and AC A. Relyea, Rick A. and Nathan Mills. 2001. Predator-induced Stress Makes the Pesticide Carbaryl More Deadly to Gray Treefrog Tadpoles (. Hyla versicolor). Proceed¬ ings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 98: 2491-2496. Sarkar, Sahotra. 1996. Ecological Theory and Anuran Declines. BioScience. 46: 199. Semlitsch, Raymond D. and J. Russell Bodie. 1998. Are Small, Isolated Wetlands Expendable? Conservation Biol¬ ogy 12(5): 1129-1133. Stebbins, Robert C. and Nathan W. Cohen. 1995. A Natural History of Amphibians. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Weir, L.A. and M.J. Mossman. 2005 . North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP). In: Lannoo, M.J. (Ed.), Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Sta¬ tus of United States Species. Berkeley, California, USA: Univer¬ sity of California Press, pp. 307-3 13. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 139 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 White, James F. Jr. and Amy Wendt White. 2002. Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva. Centreville, Maryland: Tidewater Publishers. Woodford, James E. and Michael W. Meyer. 2003. Impact of Lakeshore Development on Green Frog Abundance. Biological Conservation 110: 277-284. Young, B. E., S. N. Stuart, J. S. Chanson. 2004. Disappearing Jewels: The Status of New World Amphibians. Ar¬ lington, Virginia: NatureServe. Maryland Calling Amphibian Coordinator, North American Amphibian Monitoring Program, 11825 Warner Road; Keymar, Maryland 21757, wayneh@netstorm.net and Hood College, 401 Rosemont Avenue; Frederick, Maryland 21701. page 140 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 II. NATURAL HISTORY OF MARYLAND’S ANURANS Wayne G Hildebrand Ariura is derived from the Greek words “an” and “oura” meaning without tail (Zug et ah, 2001). Accordingly, anurans are the tailless amphibians more com¬ monly referred to as frogs, toads, and treefrogs. All have relatively short stout bodies, with no apparent neck, and longish hind legs that enable them to move by saltatory (jumping) locomotion. Maryland’s anurans reproduce by means of external fertiliza¬ tion. Male frogs typically call to attract females to breeding ponds and thus frogs have an acute sense of hearing. A male frog then sexually embraces a female frog (a process known as amplexus) and fertilizes her eggs as she deposits them in water. All Maryland frogs use axillary amplexus except for Scaphiopus holbrookii that uses inguinal amplexus. The eggs hatch in a short period of time into an aquatic larval stage, the tadpole. Eventfully, the tadpole develops fully functional legs and its tail is reabsorbed as the tadpole metamorphoses into miniature versions of the adults. Five families of anurans occur in Maryland: Ranidae, Bufonidae, Hylidae, Microhylidae, and Pelobatidae. The distributions of anurans in Maryland have been summarized by Harris (1975). These data however are now 30 years old. Moreover, much of Harris’ (1975) data actually came from previous accounts published prior to 1960. Thus, a reassessment of frog distribution in the state is long overdue. The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) conducted roadside frog chorus surveys in Maryland using volunteer observers (Weir and Mossman, 2005). The surveys were performed three times a year from 1999 to 2004. At each survey stop on a roadside route, the volunteers recorded what species that were heard calling. Anurans produce unique calls that allow for easy identification (Foley and Smith, 1996). I used this data collected from all primary and secondary NAAMP observers to update Maryland’s anuran distribution maps and calling calen¬ dars. Primary observers’ data are reported to the NAAMP database. The secondary observers’ data currently are not report to the NAAMP database, but instead used in other research to help understand anuran distribution, calling chronology, and ob¬ server variation. Family Ranidae The Ranidae are “true frogs”. Ranid frogs have long hind legs with webbed feet. They are excellent jumpers. With the exception of the Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica , members of this family can typically be found at the waters edge escaping Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 141 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 to the water at the first sign of danger. Seven species of this family occur in Mary¬ land. American Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana Description: The American Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana (Plate 1), is Maryland’s largest anuran with a snout to vent length (SVL) from 9.0 to 20.3 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998). The dorsal coloration of the body is green to yellow and brown or gray. The head typically is green. The venter is whitish or yellowish and mottled with gray. Rana catesbeiana lack a dorsolateral ridge (Behler and King, 1979); the ridges on this frog start at the back of the eye and end at the back of the large tympanum. The hind legs may have dark bands. The hind feet are fully webbed with the exception of the last section of the fourth toe. Males and females are of nearly equal size. Males have a yellowish chin and their tympanums are larger than their eyes (Hulse et al., 2001). In females, the chin is white and the tympanum is smaller or equal to the size of the eye. Habitat: American Bullfrog prefer large permanent bodies of water such as lakes, ponds and slow- flowing streams (Conant and Collins, 1 998). Man-made ponds such as golf course water traps, farm ponds, and goldfish ponds provide ideal habitat (White and White, 2002). Suitable habitat is usually profusely vegetated to provide cover. Distributional Range: The original distribution included much of Eastern North America from Southern Canada, South to Florida and the Gulf Coast, and west into to the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains (Conant and Collins, 1 998). The range of R. catesbeiana in Maryland is statewide (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004) (Figure 1). The American Bullfrog has been introduced in many areas of the United States and around the world. Voice: The breeding call of male R. catesbeiana is a boisterous, deep, “jug-o-rum” (Conant and Collins, 1998). Larger males produce deeper calls compared to smaller males (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). The calls may carry up to 0.4km (0.25 mi) page 142 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 (Behler and King, 1979). Breeding: Female American Bullfrogs lay 6,000 to over 20,000 eggs in a jelly- like floating sheet on the water’s surface (Hulse et ah, 2001). The egg mass might be up to 0.6 m in diameter. Breeding calls may be heard in Maryland from early March through August (Figure 2). Breeding usually takes place from April to August when water temperatures are quite warm. Male Bullfrogs are prolong breeders (Wells, 1 977a) and males establish and defend calling sites (Bee and Bowling, 2002). Development: The eggs are 0. 12 to 0. 17 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995) and they hatch in 2 to 5 days (Davis and Menze, 2002). Tadpoles obtain a total length from 10.0 to 17.1 cm and take from one to two years to transform (Behler and King, 1979; personal observation in Maryland). Froglets measure 2.9 to 5.7 cm (Hulse et al., 2001). Sexual maturation is reached at three to four years in both males and females (Wright and Wright, 1995). Status: The American Bullfrog is one of the most common anurans in Mary¬ land. Globally their status is secure and it is likely that they are increasing in numbers (Young et al., 2004). Their preference for man-made ponds, high reproductive rate, large larval size, and voracious appetites often displaces other native anurans in areas where they are introduced. Remarks: The American Bullfrog is highly carnivorous and will eat anything that fits into its mouths, including frogs, fish, birds, snakes, turtles, and crayfish (Green and Pauley, 1987; Johnson 2000; White and White, 2002; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004). The introduction of American Bullfrogs into the western United States may have contributed to the declines in some native frog populations, such as the California Red-Legged Frog, Rana aurora , and the Spotted Frog, Rana pretiosa (Stebbins and Cohen, 1 997). American Bullfrog tadpoles are commonly sold as scav¬ engers for ornamental goldfish ponds. This trade is unregulated and care should be taken not to introduce Bullfrogs into new habitats. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 143 Volume 41 Number 4 Green Frog, Rana clamitans Description: December 2005 The Green Frog, Rana clamitans (Plate 2), measures from 5.7 to 10.8 cm SVL (Conant and Collins, 1998). The coloration is green to brown dorsally with dark brown or grayish spots. The head is typically green and a yellowish line may extend back from the jaw. The hind legs have indistinct dark barring. The venter is white with dark mottling under head and legs. A dorsolateral ridge extends from behind the eye and down the body but it does not reach the groin (Behler and King, 1979). Adult males and females are about the same size. Males have tympanums that are larger than their eyes whereas the female’s tympanums are equal to or smaller than their eyes (White and White, 2002). During the breeding season, the throat of the male becomes yellow. Habitat: Green Frogs inhabit shallow fresh water such as springs, creeks, brooks, streams, ditches, lakes, and ponds (Conant and Collins, 1998). This species is often encountered along woodland streams but also can be found in open wetland areas. At many sites, Green Frogs may be found coexisting with Bullfrogs. Distributional Range: The range of the Green Frog reaches into Southern Canada, south into Cen¬ tral Alabama and West to Central Texas and Minnesota (Conant and Collins, 1 998). A gap in the distribution occurs in Illinois and Indiana. This species has also been intro¬ duced in many areas outside its native range. In Maryland, R. clamitans is found statewide (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004) (Figure 3). Voice: During the breeding season the male R. clamitans emit a call that resembles the plucking of a loose banjo string “gunk gunk gunk” (White and White, 2002). The call may be repeated briskly two to three times. The call is produced by two internal vocal sacs. Breeding: Breeding occurs from March through August (Figure 4). Females lay 1,000 to 5,000 eggs on the waters surface in a thin film (Hulse et al., 2001; Wright and Wright, 1995). The egg mass is normally about 0.3 m in diameter. Females initiate the axillary amplexus by touching the males (Davis and Menze, 2002). Male Green page 144 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Frogs enthusiastically defend calling stations from male conspecifics (Wells, 1977b). Development: Rana clamitans eggs are about 0.15 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). Hatching occurs from three to five days depending on temperature (Hulse et ah, 2001). The tadpoles attain a length of 6.5 to 10.5 cm. Transformation may occur at about 70 days but often takes as long as a year. Newly transformed frogs measure approximately 2.3 to 3.8 cm (Wright and Wright, 1 995). Both male and female Green Frogs reproduce at about one to three years of age (Hulse et al., 2001; Martof et ah, 1980). Status: The Green Frog is a very common anuran species in Maryland and through¬ out its entire range though some localized populations may be threatened (Young et ah, 2004). The Green Frog, like the Bullfrog, is a habitat generalist and easily adapts to almost all fresh water habitats including man-made ponds. Remarks: The Green Frog is one of the most commonly encountered anurans in Mary¬ land, though you seldom get a good look at it. Walking a long the shore of a pond or a woodland stream in Maryland, often one hears a “squeak” and then a splash as a Green Frog escapes into the safety of the water. Pickerel Frog, Rana palustris Description: The Pickerel Frog, Rana palustris (Plate 3), reaches a length of 4.4 to 8.7 cm SVL (Conant and Collins, 1998) with the females being much larger than the males (Green and Pauley, 1987). The dorsal coloration is olive green to tan with dark squar¬ ish spots in 2 parallel rows running down the back. A prominent dorsolateral ridge runs along the back with additional dark spots below on the sides of the body. A light line is present on the upper jaw. The venter is plain whitish with brilliant yellow to orange under the hind legs. The yellow to orange coloration may extend forward along the lower sides to under the front limbs. The hind legs’ upper surfaces appear barred with dark bands and the front legs have dark spotting. The young appear me¬ tallic but lack the bright under leg coloration (Conant and Collins, 1998). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 145 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Habitat: The Pickerel Frog occupies a wide variety of wetland habitats from moun¬ tain streams to floodplain swamps (Conant and Collins, 1998). Individuals often ven¬ ture far from water out into open woodlands and meadows. Pickerel frogs are also found in caves that contain water and may be active year round, if the temperature permits (Schreiber, 1952; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004). Distributional Range: The Pickerel Frog’s distribution extends from Coastal Canada south to South Carolina (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range extends west to Eastern Texas and extreme Eastern Minnesota. Extensive gaps in the range exist in Northwestern Ohio, much of Illinois and the adjoining states, and areas in the southern section of the range. The published Maryland distribution is statewide (Harris, 1975), but the NAAMP surveys have not detected R. palustris in Garrett and Washington Counties (Figure 5). , Voice: The Pickerel Frog breeding call is a slow snore lasting for one to two sec¬ onds (Conant and Collins, 1998). Males chorus from the edge of ponds and some¬ times from under water (Behler and King, 1979). The low-pitched call is low volume and cannot be heard at a distance. The call can often be missed in roadside chorus surveys (Foley and Smith, 1996). Calls are produced through a pair of external vocal sacs (White and White, 2002). Breeding: Pickerel frogs breed from March through June in Maryland (Figure 6). A female lays 2,000 to 3,000 yellow and brown eggs in a bulbous mass (Wright and Wright, 1995). Eggs masses measure 8.7 to 10.0 cm and are typically attached to submerged aquatic vegetation. Development: Individual Pickerel Frog eggs measure about 0.16 cm (Wright and Wright, 1995). The eggs hatch in seven to fourteen days (Davis and Menze, 2002; Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et al., 2001). Tadpoles attain a length of up to 8.0 cm (Hulse et al., 2001). Metamorphosis takes 70 to 90 days. New transformed frogs measure 1.9 to 2.7 cm (Wright and Wright, 1995). It takes 3 years for the Pickerel Frog to attain maturity (Green and Pauley, 1987). page 146 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Status: Rana palustris are common frogs in Maryland. They are abundant through out their entire distribution and their population is probably secure (Young et ah, 2004). Remarks: Pickerel Frogs have toxic skin secretion (White and White, 2002). These secretions can be an irritant to some humans. The secretions can be quite toxic to small animals that may consume the frogs. Other animals and different species of frogs that are kept in the same water with Pickerel Frogs may perish because of the secretions. Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica Description: The Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica (Plate 4), attains a SVL of 3.5 to 8.4 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998; White and White, 2002). The dorsal coloration is pink to red to brown to black. A dark mask on the head ending behind the ear is always present. Below the mask is a light line running along the upper lip. The Wood Frog has dorsolateral ridges that extend to the groin. The Wood Frog’s venter is light col¬ ored. The legs have dark colored bands. Males are smaller and frequently appear darker then females (White and White, 2002; personal observations). Habitat: Rana sylvatica inhabits moist deciduous woodlands and are often found away from water (Conant and Collins, 1998). In the late winter to early spring, the Wood Frog is usually encountered as they migrate to their breeding ponds, which are typi¬ cally vernal pools or fish-free ponds (Hulse et al., 2001). Distributional Range: The Wood Frog can be found north to the Artie Circle in Eastern Canada and west to Alaska (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range extends south to the Appala¬ chian Mountains of Northern Georgia. Isolated populations are located in North Da¬ kota and Alabama. Rana sylvatica has a statewide distribution in Maryland (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004) (Figure 7). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 147 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Voice: The Wood Frog’s breeding call is a hoarse duck-like quack repeated several times (Conant and Collins, 1998). A pair of external vocal sacs produces the call (White and White, 2002). The males call from the water. A chorus of Wood Frogs resembles a flock of ducks in the distance. Breeding: The Wood Frog is one of the earliest anurans to breed in Maryland. The breeding season begins with the first warm rains of late winter in February and ex¬ tends through April (Figure 8). Locally, the Wood Frog is an explosive breeder and all adult specimens in a given area breed over a few day period. This synchronized breeding may reduce cannibalism among conspecific since all larvae are of similar size (Petranka and Thomas, 1995). Wood frogs exhibit communal oviposition, and large conglomerations of egg masses may be attached to submerged vegetation or branches (Martof et al., 1980) or deposited as large floating masses in open water (Forester and Lykens, 1988). Eggs are often laid in the same place as previous years (Hulse et al, 2001). Individual egg masses measure up to 13 cm in diameter (White and White, 2002) and may contain 3,000 eggs (Green and Pauley, 1987). Development: The eggs of Rana sylvatica measure 0. 1 7 to 0.2 1 cm in diameter (Hulse et al., 2001). Hatching occurs within 10 to 21 days, depending on the temperature (Green and Pauley, 1987; Mansueti, 1940). The tadpole stage lasts 44 to 113 days (Hulse et al., 2001). Wood Frog tadpoles achieve a total length of 5.0 to 6.6 cm (Hulse et al., 200 1 ). New metamorphed frogs measure 1 .6 cm (Green and Pauley, 1 987). Male Wood frogs are able to breed at two years, females at three years (Green and Pauley, 1987). Status: The Wood Frog is a common frog through out its distribution and its popula¬ tions are probably secure (Young et al, 2004). When observing localized breeding populations in Maryland, the Wood Frog appears to be abundant. At other times of the year this species is difficult to find, making it appear less common. Remarks: In the late winter, I have seen Wood Frogs moving across ice to reach open water. Researchers report this species can be frozen in ice and emerge unscathed upon thawing (Stebbins and Cohen, 1995). Increased glucose in their blood acts like page 148 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 antifreeze and prevents ice crystal formation, which would damage the cell mem¬ branes (Costanzo et al., 1997). Carpenter Frog, Rana virgatipes Description: An adult Carpenter Frog, Rana virgatipes (Plate 5), measures from 4. 1 to 6.7 cm SVL (Conant and Collins, 1998). The body coloration is brown with four light stripes running along the dorsum and sides. Like the Bullfrog, the Carpenter Frog lacks a dorsolateral ridge, however the Bullfrog is much larger. The venter is cream colored with dark mottling (White and White, 2002). Males have tympanums that are larger than their eyes, while in females, the tympanums are the same size or smaller than the eyes (Wright and Wright, 1995). Habitat: Carpenter Frogs are associated with sphagnum bogs (Conant and Collins, 1998), cypress swamps, pine surrounded wetlands, and Delmarva Bays (White and White, 2002). Given hypothesized that Carpenter Frogs may inhabit waters that are more acid than other frogs can tolerate and that if the waters become less acidic due to increased run off from cleared land, other more hardy species, such as Green Frogs, may invade (Given, 1999); and can eventually out-compete and displace the Carpen¬ ter Frogs. Distributional Range: The northern distribution of the Carpenter Frog is made up of scattered popu¬ lations in Southern New Jersey, the Delmarva Peninsula, and Eastern Virginia (Conant and Collins, 1998). The distribution becomes more contiguous in southeast Virginia and follows the coast south into extreme northern Florida. In Maryland R. virgatipes is found exclusively on the lower Eastern Shore (Committee on Rare and Endan¬ gered Amphibians and Reptiles of Maryland, Maryland Herpetological Society, 1973; Conant, 1947; Harris, 1975; Reed, 1958; Sipple, 1976). NAAMP Calling Surveys detected this frog in some but not all of its historic range (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004) (Figure 9). There is a single documented report of the Carpenter Frog in Charles County Maryland near Mason Springs (Reed, 1957) and a single report from the 2003 NAAMP survey in Saint Marys County near Mechanicsville. Further study is needed to determine if these reports are accurate and represent a range extension. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 149 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Voice: The breeding call of R. virgatipes sounds like that of a like carpenter ham¬ mering on a roof. The call, produced by a pair of vocal sacs, may be presented once or repeated swiftly several times in a succession “pu-tunk, pu-tunk, pu-tunk” (Conant and Collins, 1998; White and White, 2002). Breeding: The Carpenter Frog breeds in Maryland from March through July (Figure 10). Egg clutches measure 6.5 to 10.0 cm and may contain up to of up to 600 eggs per clutch (Hulse et al., 2001). The eggs are attached to submerged vegetation (White and White, 2002). Development: The egg of R. virgatipes measures 0.15 to 0.18 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). The eggs hatch in about seven days (White and White, 2002). The tadpole stage may last up to approximately one year (Martof et al., 1980). The tad¬ pole attains a maximum length of 8.8 to 9.2 cm (White and White, 2002). Newly transformed Carpenter Frogs measure 2.3 to 3.1 cm in length (Martof et al., 1980). Status: The Carpenter Frog is considered secure over its entire range (Young et al., 2004). This range, however, contains many disjunct populations that are severely threatened by habitat loss and degradation. The Maryland DNR has listed the species as being “in need of conservation”, because of extensive habitat loss due to agricul¬ tural development (Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division, 200 1 ; Vial and Saylor, 1993). Remarks: Over the years I have heard the distinctive hammering call of Carpenter Frogs on several occasions near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland, but have never been able to capture one to obtain a photographic voucher. It was not until I was on a field trip to Merchants Mill Pond in Gates County, North Carolina in 2001 that I was finally able to capture a few. In this cypress swamp the Carpenter Frogs would call while floating among duckweed. At night, I was able to canoe right up to them, reach out by hand, and grab them. page 150 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens Description: Adult Northern Leopard Frogs, Rana pipiens (Plate 6), reaches a SVL of 5. 1 to 1 1 . 1 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998). The dorsal coloration is brown or green with dark spots. The spots are roundish with light borders. Rana pipiens have conspicuous dorsolateral ridges that extend to the groin. A light colored stripe runs along the upper lip and extends dorsally over the arm. The hind legs have dark banding with light borders. The venter coloration is white. Male Northern Leopard Frogs are typically smaller than females (Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et al., 2001). Rana pipiens lack a light spot on the tympanum, this characteristic is present on R. sphenocephala (Green and Pauley, 1987). Habitat: Rana pipiens inhabit wetlands such as swamps, ponds, and streams with profuse vegetation. They can be found venturing great distances from water espe¬ cially into wet meadows (Conant and Collins, 1998). Northern Leopard Frogs may also enter brackish marshes (Behler and King, 1979). Distributional Range: The Northern Leopard Frog ranges from the Southern Canadian Provinces south to Central Pennsylvania and Western West Virginia (Conant and Collins, 1 998). The range extends from Coastal New England West into New Mexico. Isolated popu¬ lations are located in the Maryland Piedmont and Eastern West Virginia. The North¬ ern Leopard Frog was introduced in Maryland at Lily Pons (Figure 1 1 ) and positively identified by Pace from specimens deposited at United States National Museum (Pace, 1974). The NAAMP surveys have failed to confirm the continued existence of R. pipiens in the Lily Pons vicinity. Voice: The breeding calls of Northern Leopard Frogs are long rattling snores with clucking grunts (Conant and Collins, 1998). The call has a duration of 1-3 s with a pulse rate of 20/s (Conant and Collins, 1998). Males call from the shore of warm water breeding pools. A single male calling is not very loud, but large choruses can be quite deafening. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 151 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Breeding: The Northern Leopard Frogs presumably breeds from March through May in Maryland. Eggs are usually deposited in semi-permanent wetlands (Hulse et ah, 2001) attached to vegetation or on the pond bottom (Behler and King 1979). The egg masses measure 12.7 to 15.2 cm and are flatten ovals in shape (Green and Pauley, 1987). Each mass contains from 300 to 6,000 eggs (Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et ah, 2001). Development: An egg of R. pipiens measures about 0. 17 cm (Hulse et al., 2001). The eggs hatch within seven to ten days and transformation from tadpole to frog takes 60 to 80 days (Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et al., 2001 ; Wright and Wright, 1995). Tadpole attains a length of 5.0 to 8.5 cm prior to metamorphosis (Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et al., 2001), and a newly metamorphosed frog measures 1.8 to 5.9 cm (Hulse et al., 2001; Wright and Wright, 1995). Male and female Northern Leopard frogs reach sexual maturation at three years of age (Green and Pauley, 1987). Status: The Northern Leopard Frogs is considered secure over its entire range (Young et al., 2004). Locally some populations are threatened, such as the widely published malformations occurring in the Midwestern United States (Helgen et al., 1998). The Maryland DNR considers R. pipiens a rare introduced species. Remarks: The nomenclature surrounding the Leopard Frog complex is quite confus¬ ing. Prior to Pace’s ground breaking work (Pace, 1974), the range of R. pipiens ex¬ tended from the East Coast to the West Coast and from the Gulf of Mexico well into Canada (Dickerson, 1969; Fowler, 1925; Mansueti, 1941; Wright and Wright, 1995), including all of Maryland. Harris (1975) reported that the only verifiable population of R. pipiens was at Lily Pons in Frederick County Maryland. He suggested that their presence might be the result of action of the Three Springs Fishery (Harris, 1975). Most of the populations originally named R. pipiens in Maryland were either re¬ named R. sphenocephala , or R. palustris that were misidentified. In 2003, the Mary¬ land DNR recognized the Northern Leopard Frog as an “Introduced Species” and is proposing a change to amphibian legislation to revise their status to non-native. page 152 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Southern Leopard Frog, Rana sphenocephala Description: The Southern Leopard Frog, Rana sphenocephala (Plate 7), achieves an adult SVL of 5.1 to 12.7 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998). The dorsal coloration is brown or green with dark spots. The spots are roundish with light borders and conspicuous light colored dorsolateral ridges are present (White and White, 2002). The color of the venter is white and dark banding is present on the hind legs. Distinguishing char¬ acteristics of R. sphenocephala are the light line on upper jaw and light spot on the center of the tympanum (Behler and King, 1979). The snout is usually more pointed than that of the Northern Leopard Frog. Southern Leopard Frogs exhibit sexual di¬ morphism: males have external paired vocal sacs (Martof et al., 1980), and are smaller in size than females (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Habitat: Rana sphenocephala prefer shallow fresh water habitats such as marshes, ponds, swamps, and ditches (Conant and Collins, 1998). They sometimes enter into brackish water marshes. Southern Leopard Frogs may ventures great distances away from water (Martof et al., 1980) into vegetated fields (Schwartz and Golden, 2002). Distributional Range: The Southern Leopard Frog can be found from extreme Southern New York south through Florida (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range extends west to Central Texas and North to Central Illinois in the Mississippi River Drainage. Historically, the Southern Leopard Frog was considered a Coastal Plains species in Maryland (Figure 12) (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004). In April of 2002, a chorus of an estimated 10 Southern Leopard Frog were heard calling off Putman Road in Frederick County. The next year, 2003, a specimen of R . sphenocephala was captured crossing the road and photographed at the same location (Hildebrand, 2003). Additionally, in April of 2004, 1 caught three Southern Leopard Frog tadpoles as well as two adults in a storm water management pond off Devilbiss Bridge Road in Frederick County Maryland. This location is about five km (3 mi) SE of the previous documented site. The Southern Leopard Frog appears to be well established in this area of Maryland’s Piedmont. The NAAMP surveys detected R. sphenocephala in most of the Coastal Plain counties. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 153 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Voice: The breeding call of the Southern Leopard Frog is a series of clucks repeated several times (White and White, 2002). A raspy snarl may follow. The call resembles the noise made by an old car trying to start. The call has a pulse rate of less than 1 3/ s (Conant and Collins, 1998). The male Southern Leopard Frog emits the breeding call while floating in the water (Hulse et al., 2001). Breeding: The Southern Leopard Frog breeds from February through June in Mary- land (Figure 1 3). Permanent, vernal and even slightly brackish water is used for breed¬ ing (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Oval egg masses, measuring 12.5 to 15.0 cm across (Wright and Wright, 1995), are attached to submerged plants (Martof et al., 1980). The egg masses contain several hundred to 2,000 eggs (Martof et al., 1980; Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Development: Rana sphenocephala eggs measure about 0.16 cm in diameter. The eggs hatch in 7 to 14 days (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Newly hatched tadpoles measure 2.0 to 2.5 cm (Martof et al., 1980). The tadpole attains a length of 6.5 to 8.5 cm (Martof et al., 1980; White and White, 2002), and transformation into juvenile frogs occurs in 60 to 90 days (White and White, 2002). New juvenile frogs measure 2.0 to 2.5 cm SVL and have a metallic appearance (White and White, 2002; Wright and Wright, 1995). The Southern Leopard Frog’s age of maturity is 24 to 36 months. Status: The Southern Leopard Frog is common over its entire distributional range and their populations are probably secure (Young et al., 2004). It is also con¬ sidered common on the Coastal Plain of Maryland (White and White, 2002). Remarks: The amount and size of spots on the dorsum of the Southern Leop¬ ard Frog is highly variable. One specimen may have numerous large spots, while another specimen from the same location may have only a few small spots. Occa¬ sionally specimens lacking spots are reported (Conant and Collins, 1998), though I have not seen one from Maryland. page 154 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Family Bufonidae The Bufonidae, toads, are a family of stout, plump anurans with short legs and bumpy skin. Toads posses parotoid glands located behind each eye. These glands secrete toxins that may poison predators that attempt to consume the toad. Maryland has two representatives of this family. American Toad, Bufo americanus Description: Bufo americanus , the American Toad (Plate 8) attains an adult size of 5. 1 to 1 1 .2 cm SVL (White and White, 2002). The dorsal body coloration is brown to gray, to olive, to brick red, to gold. I have even seen some that are bright red in coloration. The skin texture is rough and warty. Brown and black spots are present with one to two yellow, orange, red, or brown warts per spot. A light mid-dorsal stripe may be present (Behler and King, 1979). The chest and abdomen typically are white with dark spots mostly on the chest. The tibias have enlarged warts, and the parotoid gland is separate from eye ridge or connected by a spur (Conant and Collins, 1998). Males have dark throats during the breeding season and are smaller compared to females (White and White, 2002). Habitat: American Toads are common in back yards as well as backwoods wilder¬ ness areas (Conant and Collins, 1998). They can be found in agricultural fields, gar¬ dens, meadows, and forests. Occasionally they may enter brackish water habitats (Hulse et al., 2001). On rainy, warm nights in spring toads may be encountered cross¬ ing roads near breeding ponds. During the day the toad seeks shelter in moist refugia such as logs or garden mulch. After breeding, the toads disperse into the surrounding habitat, venturing away from the water. American Toads consume large numbers of insects (Behler and King, 1979) and feed largely at night (Oliver, 1955). Distributional Range: The American Toad can be found from Southern Canada south to Central Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and adjoining Louisiana (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range extends west to Kansas, and the Dakotas. The American Toad is absent from southern New Jersey and the central Delmarva. Bufo americanus is located state wide in Maryland except for the central Eastern Shore (Figure 14) (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002; personal observation NAAMP 1 999 - 2004). In 2003, volun¬ teers with NAAMP heard American Toads calling in Queen Annes, Caroline, and Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 155 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Dorchester Counties in Maryland. In 2004, American Toads were heard by NAAMP volunteers in Dorchester and Kent Counties. American Toads have not previously been documented to inhabit these counties. Voice: The breeding call of B. americanus is long, high pitched, musical trill lasting from 6-30 s (Conant and Collins, 1998). The duration of the call makes it difficult to tell the number of toads vocalizing. Males have a single vocal sac (White and White, 2002). Breeding: American Toads breed in Maryland from March through July fol¬ lowing warm rains (Figure 1 5). Males calls from shallow water to attract mates (White and White, 2002). Long double stranded egg masses are laid in shallow temporary wetlands or the margins of permanent ponds. Roadside ditches, mud puddles, and flooded fields are ideal breeding spots. The double egg stands may contain 4,000 to 8,000 eggs. Development: An American Toad egg measures 0 . 1 0 to 0 . 1 4 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). Hatching occurs at 2 to 12 days depending on temperature (Hulse et al., 2001; Wright and Wright, 1995). The black tadpoles grow to 3.0 cm in length before changing into juvenile toads (Hulse et al., 2001). Transformation takes 28 to 65 days (White and White, 2002; Wright and Wright, 1995) and newly metamor¬ phosed toads measure 0.7 to 1 .2 cm in length (Martof et al., 1980). Male and Female American Toads can breed after their first year. Status: The American Toad is secure in Maryland and throughout its entire range (Young et al., 2004). Being habitat generalist (Hulse et al., 2001), American Toads may be one of the most commonly encountered anuran species. Remarks: On warm, moist, spring evenings in Maryland, American Toads migrate to breeding ponds or move about searching for food. Inevitably this leads to the toads crossing roads, especially if the roads go near wetlands. Driving such roads the next morning the carnage of the previous night is readily evident. page 156 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 Fowler’s Toad, Bufo fowleri Description: December 2005 Fowler’s Toad, Bufo fowleri (Plate 9), attains a SVL of 5. 1 to 9.7 cm (White and White, 2002). This species is also referred to as B. woodhousii fowleri (Conant and Collins, 1998), but the NAAMP follows the B. fowleri nomenclature. The dorsal color varies from brown to gray and sometimes greenish or brick red and the skin is rough in texture. A narrow light, mid-dorsal stripe is usually present. The dark spots on the back contain three or more warts. The belly and chest are virtually unspotted and no enlarged warts occur on the tibias. Unlike B. americanus , the parotoid gland touches the eye ridges in B. fowleri. During the breeding season males have dark throats (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Female Fowler’s Toads are larger than males (White and White, 2002). Habitat: Fowler’s Toad occurs mainly in sandy areas near shores of lakes, beach dunes, woodlands, fields, and in river valleys (Conant and Collins, 1998). They are common around gardens and outdoor lighting where they feed on insects. Fowler’s Toads may venture into brackish water marshes (Mitchell and Anderson, 1 994; White and White, 2002). Distributional Range: Fowler’s Toad ranges from Central New England and the Great Lake’s re¬ gion south to the panhandle of Florida (Conant and Collins, 1998). The distribution continues west to Eastern Texas and Okalahoma. Fowler’s Toads are distributed throughout Maryland, except for Garrett County (Figure 16) (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004). They are most numerous on the Coastal Plain and decline in numbers heading west into the Piedmont and Ridge & Valley Physi¬ ographic provinces. Voice: The breeding call of the Fowler’s Toad is a nasal bleat lasting 1-4 s (Conant and Collins, 1998). The sound is likened to an extended sheep-like bleat, “w-a-a-h”. The call is harsh and not musical like B. americanus. Males call from the shallow edges of breeding pools. Males have a single vocal sac (White and White, 2002). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 157 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Breeding: The published breeding period for B.fowleri in Maryland runs from April through August (Figure 17). The NAAMP surveys have detected breeding cho¬ rus on Maryland’s Coastal Plain and Piedmont as early as March. Axillary amplexus is used in breeding (Davis and Menze, 2002). Double stranded egg masses, contain¬ ing up to 8,000 eggs, are laid in shallow fresh water attached to aquatic vegetation (Green and Pauley, 1987; Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Both the male and female Fowler’s Toad take more than 1 year to attain sexual maturity. Development: A Fowler’s Toad egg is 0.10 to 0.14 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). The eggs hatch after 2 to 7 days (Martof et ah, 1980), and the black tadpoles attain a length of 2.7 cm before transformation at about 2 1 to 60 days (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994; White and White, 2002; Wright and Wright, 1995). A newly metamorphosed toad measures 0.75 to 1.5 cm (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994; Wright and Wright, 1995). Status: Bufo fowleri is common on Maryland’s Coastal Plain and less abundant to the west (White and White, 2002). Being a habitat generalist and adapting to human development, they are secure throughout their entire distribution (Young et ah, 2004). Remarks: Fowler’s Toads can hybridize with American Toads (Hulse et al., 2001). In some areas of Maryland both species occur together with no apparent hybridization. In other areas, such as Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Anne Arundel County, numer¬ ous toads exhibit characteristics of both species (Smithberger and Swarth, 1993; per¬ sonal observations). Family Hvlidae Hylidae (treefrogs) are the most diverse family of anurans in Maryland with eight species. Most hylids are adapted to exploit an arboreal niche and toes have sticky pads that assist in climbing. The genus Acris is a terrestrial member Hylidae and its members do not have specialized toes. page 158 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Northern Cricket Frog, Acris crepitans Description: The Northern Cricket Frog, Acris crepitans (Plate 10), is a small, warty, non-climbing treefrog. Acris crepitans is Maryland’s smallest anuran achieving a SVL of 1.6 to 3.8 cm (Behler and King, 1979; Conant and Collins, 1998). Its dorsal color is variable and may be black, yellow, orange, or red on a base of green or brown and the venter is white to yellow. A dark triangular spot between the eyes and dark stripes on the back of the thighs are always visible. The skin is rough and warty. The hind legs when repressed towards the head do not reach the snout. The hind feet are greatly webbed. Male Northern Cricket Frogs are slightly smaller than females (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999; Hulse et al., 2001) and have a dark yellow vocal sac (Green and Pauley, 1987). Habitat: Acris crepitans is never far from water that has abundant shoreline and emer¬ gent vegetation that can be used for cover (Conant and Collins, 1998). Wetlands such as Delmarva Bays, ponds, ditches, swamps, or slow moving streams are preferred (Green and Pauley, 1987; White and White, 2002). They may also be located in brack¬ ish water marshes (White and White, 2002). Distributional Range: The Northern Cricket Frog can be found from Southern New York south to the Gulf Coast of Florida (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range extends west to Eastern Texas. Acris crepitans inhabit all of Maryland, with exception of Garrett County in the Allegheny Plateau (Figure 18) (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004). Voice: The breeding call of the male Northern Cricket Frog is a clicking noise like that of a cricket or the sound made when hitting two marbles together, “gick, gick, gick, gick, etc.” (Conant and Collins, 1 998). The call is slow but speeds as it continues for twenty to thirty beats. Acris crepitans frequently are heard calling during the day. Breeding: The Northern Cricket Frog breeds from March through July in Maryland (Figure 19). Males call from the edge of water sources such as ponds, ditches, and swamps. Small clutches of eggs or single eggs are attached to submerged vegetation Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 159 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 or strewn about the bottom of the pond (Green and Pauley, 1987). Females lay as many as 250 eggs (White and White, 2002). Development: The egg of A. crepitans measures 0.23 to 0.5 cm in diameter (Hulse et ah, 2001 ; Wright and Wright, 1995). Eggs hatch in about seven days and transformation from tadpole to froglet takes 40 to 90 days (Hulse et al., 2001). The tadpole, with its characteristic black tipped tail, attains a length of 3.0 to 5.0 cm (White and White, 2002; Wright and Wright, 1995). A newly transformed frog measures 1.0 to 1.5 cm (Hulse et ah, 2001; Wright and Wright, 1995). Both sexes attain sexual maturation in one year (Hulse et al., 2001). Status: The Northern Cricket Frog is common over their entire range (Young et al., 2004). In Maryland, they are a common species on the Coastal Plain (White and White, 2002). Because of their habitat preferences they may have locally dense popu¬ lations, such as in the Piedmont at Lilypons and the Lewistown areas in Frederick County (personal observations), and be missing from adjoining areas. Remarks: The diminutive Northern Cricket Frog jumps into the water upon approach. Look carefully to the water since the frog usually surfaces almost immediately in close proximity to the area where it entered. Spring Peeper, Pseudacris crucifer Description: The Spring Peeper, Pseudacris crucifer (Plate 1 1), is a small anuran with a SVL of 1.9 to 3.8 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998; White and White, 2002). Their dorsal ground color is brown, tan, pinkish, gray, or olive. A distinctive dark cross is usually present on the back. In some specimens the cross marking may be missing or broken. The venter coloration is yellowish white. Female Spring Peepers are larger than males and males have a dark vocal sac under their chin during the breeding season (Green and Pauley, 1987). Habitat: Spring Peepers occur in woodlands near small temporary wetlands or swamps (Conant and Collins, 1998). They are also found in flooded fields or fields adjacent page 160 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 to wetlands. After the breeding season the frogs disperse into the upland habitat sur¬ rounding the wetlands. Distributional Range: The Spring Peeper has a broad distributional range reaching north into Canada south to Florida and west to Eastern Texas (Conant and Collins, 1 998). They inhabit every county in Maryland (Figure 20) (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999-2004). Voice: The breeding call of P. crucifer is a single high “peep” repeated at approxi¬ mately 1 s intervals (Conant and Collins, 1998). The call rate is highly variable and is influenced by many environmental factors. In the laboratory at 1 8°C call rates of 46 to 104 calls per minute have been documented (Forester and Czamowsky, 1985; Forester et ah, 1989). Large choruses of Spring Peepers sounds like sleigh bells in the distance. They also make an aggressive call that is a trill similar to and often mis¬ taken for a chorus frog call. Males have a single vocal sac (White and White, 2002). Breeding: Spring Peepers are one of the earliest anurans to call in Maryland. Their breeding season begins in February and runs through July (Figure 21). About 200 to 1,200 eggs are laid (Hulse et al., 2001) individually attached to aquatic vegetation or scattered about the bottom of the breeding pond (Green and Pauley, 1987). Development: Pseudacris crucifer eggs measure 0.103 to 0.148 cm in diameter (Hulse et al., 2001) and the eggs take 6 to 14 days to hatch (Hulse et al., 2001; White and White, 2002). The tadpole will reach a maximum length of 3.5 cm (White and White, 2002). The tadpole phase of the Spring Peeper lasts 60 to 120 days (Martof et al., 1980; White and White, 2002), and a newly transformed froglet measures 0.9 to 1.4 cm (Wright and Wright, 1995). Lykens and Forester (1987) estimated that the first reproduction in Spring Peepers occurs in the second year after metamorphosis. Status: Pseudacris crucifer is a common frog over its entire range (Young et al., 2004). In Maryland, it is considered common by the State DNR. It is the most com¬ monly occurring anuran detected by the NAAMP surveys from 1999 through 2003. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 161 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Remarks: The Spring Peeper does not just “peep” in the spring. You can hear them year round in Maryland if the conditions are right. Even in the middle of the winter, if we have an unusually warm moist spell, the Peepers will come out and sing. Mountain Chorus Frog, Pseudacris brachyphona Description: The Mountain Chorus Frog, Pseudacris brachyphona , is small anuran with an average adult SVL of 2.5 to 3.8 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998; Green and Pauley, 1987) (Plate 12). Female are slightly larger than males. The dorsal ground color progresses from brown to gray to olive green with indistinct dark making forming reversed “parentheses”. A dark triangle is usually present between the eyes and a white line highlights the upper lip. The venter is white, with yellow coloration ap¬ pearing on the concealed surfaces of the hind legs and groin. Males have dark throats during the breeding season. Habitat: The Mountain Chorus Frog inhabits woodland slopes and hilltops and is often found great distances from water (Conant and Collins, 1998; Green and Pauley, 1987). Breeding sites include seepages, woodland springs, streamside pools, or road¬ side ditches. Selection has favored eggs and tadpoles that develop quickly in these ephemeral wetlands. Distributional Range: The range of the Mountain Chorus Frog includes much of the Appalachian highlands from Pennsylvania south through western Maryland, West Virginia, and extreme southwestern Virginia. The range extends west into Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Disjunct populations occur in north and central Alabama and adjacent areas of Tennessee and Mississippi, a second population occurs in a small area of northern Georgia and the adjoining section of southeast Tennessee and southwest North Carolina (Conant and Collins, 1998; Green and Pauley, 1987). Historically, the Maryland range of P. brachyphona was much of Garrett County and just entering into western Allegheny County (Figure 22) (Harris, 1975). This species is marginal and was not detected in Maryland by NAAMP surveys. page 1 62 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Voice: The mating call of Pseudacris brachyphona is a harsh raspy “reek” resem¬ bling the noise made when drawing a fingernail across the teeth of a plastic comb. Breeding: Pseudacris brachyphona females lay approximately 100 to 1,500 eggs over several hours in small clusters attached to vegetation beneath the surface of the water (Forester et ah, 2003; Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et ah, 2001). Breeding occurs from April to May in shallow wetlands near forest margins (Figure 23). Development: The eggs are about 0. 1 5 cm in diameter (Hulse et ah, 200 1 ). Hatching occurs in three to ten days and the new tadpoles are 0.45 to 0.5 cm in length (Davis and Menze, 2002; Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et ah, 2001). The tadpoles of the Moun¬ tain Chorus frog attain a length of 3.0 cm. Transformation occurs at about 40 to 65 days (Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et ah, 2001). Froglets measure about 0.8 to 1.3 cm (Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et ah, 2001). Sexual maturity is achieved at one year for both males and females (Hulse et ah, 2001). Status: Pseudacris brachyphona is listed as threatened in Maryland by the Wildlife and Heritage Division of the Department of Natural Resources (Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division, 2001; Vial and Saylor, 1993). Maryland is at the periphery of this species range. Only a few or possibly none of the historic populations of this species still exists in Maryland (Forester et ah, 2003). The Mountain Chorus Frog is considered secure over its most of its range (Young et ah, 2004), although it may be in decline in Virginia (Mitchell and Reay, 1999), “Of Special Concern” in North Carolina (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 2004), and no specimens have been reported in Pennsylvania for more than 20 years (Hulse et ah, 2001). Remarks: The Mountain Chorus Frog was last reported in Maryland in a roadside ditch in 1997 near New Germany State Park in Garrett County (Forester et ah, 2003). I have visited the site many times from 1 999 to 2004 during the frog’s breeding sea¬ son. I have not heard a single Mountain Chorus Frog call, though numerous Spring Peepers were heard. However, Forester heard 2 to 3 males at this site in 2003 (per¬ sonal communication). Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 63 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Southeastern Chorus Frog, Pseudacris feriarum Description: The Southeastern Chorus Frog, Pseudacris feriarum (Plate 13), measures 1.9 to 3.8 cm snout to vent (White and White, 2002). The dorsal ground color is brown to gray with three dark stripes on back (Conant and Collins, 1998). The stripes sometimes may be broken or lacking altogether. A light line runs along the upper lip, and a dark stripe extends from the snout to groin passing through the eye. A dark, sometimes faint, triangle is located between the eyes. The venter is cream colored with a few dark spots. Male Southeastern Chorus Frogs have pigmented vocal sacs during the breeding season, and are a little smaller than females (Hulse et al., 2001 ; Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Habitat: Pseudacris feriarum dwells in grassy swales, moist woodlands, swamps, ponds, bogs, and marshes (Green and Pauley, 1987). The inhabited wetlands are usu¬ ally ephemeral (White and White, 2002). They may also be found in agricultural and suburban areas that are not overly polluted (Behler and King, 1979). Seeking shelter in water when potential predators approach, they are often heard but seldom seen. Outside the breeding season, Southeastern Chorus Frogs may venture great distances away from water (White and White, 2002). Distributional Range: The Southeast Chorus Frog can be found from Northern New Jersey south to the Gulf Coast (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range extends west to Eastern Texas and North to Indiana. In Maryland, the historic range for the Southeastern Chorus Frog is state wide except for the Allegheny Plateau where the Mountain Chorus Frog replaces it (Figure 24) (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004). Voice: The Southeastern Chorus Frog’s breeding call is similar to running finger¬ nail along a plastic comb (Conant and Collins, 1998). The call can be described as “creek” or “prreep” lasting about 2 s and repeated several times. The males call from floating detritus or vegetation. Males have a single vocal sac (White and White, 2002). The call of P. feriarum sounds similar to the agonistic call of P crucifer. Breeding: The Southeastern Chorus Frog breeds from February through June in Mary- page 1 64 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 land (Figure 25). Females lay 500 to 1,500 eggs in small separate clumps attached to aquatic vegetation (Hulse et al., 2001). Each clump contains 10 to 245 eggs. Development: The eggs of P feriarum measure 0.09 to 0.11 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). The eggs hatch in 3 to 13 days (Green and Pauley, 1987; Hulse et al., 2001). The tadpoles attain a maximum length of 2.5 to 3.3 cm (Wright and Wright, 1995) and transform into juvenile frogs at 35 to 90 days (Hulse et al., 2001; Martof et al, 1 980). The newly metamorphosed frogs measure 0.8 to 1 .3 cm in length (Martof et al., 1980; Wright and Wright, 1995). The age of maturation is one year for both sexes (Hulse et al., 2001). Status: The Southeastern Chorus Frog is considered secure over its entire range (Young et al. 2004). The Maryland DNR list P. feriarum as common in the state. The NAAMP surveys have not detected this anuran in much of its historic range, espe¬ cially in the Coastal Plain west of the Chesapeake Bay and the Piedmont. Remarks: The Southeastern Chorus Frog is comprised of two subspecies, the Upland Chorus Frog, Pseudacris feriarum feriarum and the New Jersey Chorus Frog, P. feriarum kalmi (Harper, 1955). Hedges (1986) suggested that the New Jersey Chorus Frog warrant recognition as a full species. The New Jersey Chorus Frog is found to the east of the Chesapeake Bay and the Upland Chorus Frog to the west with the division of the subspecies occurring at the Susquehanna River. The western subspe¬ cies, the Upland Chorus Frog, appears to be quite uncommon in Maryland based on the NAAMP survey (personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004) and similar studies done by the Maryland DNR (Foley and Smith, 1996). Gray Treefrog Complex Cope’s Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis and Common Gray Treefrog Hyla versicolor Description: The Cope’s Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis (Plate 14), and the Common Gray Treefrog, Hyla versicolor (Plate 15) are a composite of cryptic species that have the same external appearance (Conant and Collins, 1998). The only way to accurately distinguish the species is by looking at their chromosomes, analyzing their calls, or measuring the nucleus of their erythrocytes. Hyla chrysoscelis is diploid Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 65 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 (has two copies of each chromosome) and H. versicolor is tetraploid (has four copies of each chromosome). The two species seldom interbreed and are reproductively isolated (Hulse, 2001). Although natural hybridization between the two species does rarely occurs resulting in triploid Gray Treefrogs (Gerhardt et al., 1994). The Gray Treefrogs reach a SVL of 3.2 to 6.2 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998; Martof et al., 1980). Their ground color is gray to brown to green with dark mottling. The colora¬ tion may change due to temperature and activity. A white spot is located below each eye. The concealed surfaces of the hind legs are bright orange or golden yellow, mottled with black. The ventral surface is white. Breeding males have dark throats (White and White, 2002) and are slightly smaller than females. Habitat: The decidedly arboreal Gray Treefrogs inhabit the woodlands surrounding vernal wetlands (White and White, 2002). They are often encountered on warm spring and early summer nights crossing roads migrating to breeding ponds. Preferred breed¬ ing sites are typically predator free (Resetarits and Wilbur, 1991). Being highly arbo¬ real, the only time that they are found on the ground is during the breeding season. Distributional Range: The range of H. chrysoscelis is partially sympatric with the H. versicolor. Their combine ranges covers the Eastern half of the United States extending from Florida into Southern Canada and west to Central Texas (Conant and Collins, 1998) including all of Maryland (Figure 26) (Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP 1999 - 2004). In Maryland H. chrysoscelis is more common on the lower Coastal Plain, making intrusions into the range of H. versicolor in the Eastern Piedmont. Hyla versicolor is allopatric west of Frederick, Maryland (Forester, personal communica¬ tion) The Common Gray Treefrog’s range in Maryland is almost statewide with the possible exception of sections of the lower Coastal Plain. There are areas in Maryland where both species occur at the same location such as Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (personal observation) or near Millersville (Noble and Hassler, 1936). Voice: The breeding call of H. chrysoscelis is a fast high-pitched trill. Trill rates of more than 36/s are identified as Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Zweifel, 1970). The call is harsher and less musical than that of H. versicolor. The breeding call of H. versicolor is a relatively slower musical trill at about 25/s (Martof et al., 1980). The call rate of hybrids is intermediate to the parental species (Gerhardt et al., 1994). Lower tem¬ perature causes the H. chrysoscelis call to slow and drop in pitch. The call may then sound like that of H. versicolor making positive identification difficult unless both page 1 66 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 species are calling at the same location and time. Both species call from low vegeta¬ tion or from the ground (Davis and Menze, 2002). Breeding: The Common Gray Treefrog, H. versicolor and Cope’s Gray Treefrog, H. chrysoscelis begin breeding in Maryland in March when the males migrate to breed¬ ing sites. Males continue to call throughout the summer (Figure 27). Female Gray Treefrogs lay small groups of eggs, typically 10 to 40 but often many hundreds, in a thin film at the waters surface (Martof et al. 1980) or attached to aquatic vegetation (Wright and Wright 1995). The total number of eggs laid per female is up to 2,000 (White and White 2002). Development: The eggs of the Gray Treefrogs, measuring about 0.12 cm, hatch in about two to five days (White and White, 2002). The tadpole stage lasts 45 to 65 days (Wright and Wright, 1995), and tadpoles attain a length of approximately 5.0 cm prior to metamorphous (Hulse et al., 2001). Gray Treefrog tadpoles typically are gold colored (Dickerson, 1969) with reddish tails (Green and Pauley, 1987). Newly trans¬ formed frogs measure 1.3 to 2.0 cm (Martof et al., 1980) and are green to gray in coloration with the diagnostic white spot under the eye (personal observation). Status: The two species of Gray Treefrog, H. versicolor and H. chrysoscelis , are secure over their entire distributional ranges (Young et al., 2004). In Maryland, both species appear to be quite common as indicated by the NAAMP surveys. Remarks: Genetic research on the Gray Treefrog complex suggests that the tetraploid H. versicolor evolved from the diploid H. chrysoscelis. A mutation oc¬ curred that doubled the number of chromosomes resulting in the new species. Sur¬ prisingly this mutation may have occurred independently at several different times in different parts of the Cope’s Gray Treefrog’s range (Ptacek et al., 1994). Green Treefrog, Hyla cinerea Description: The Green Treefrog, Hyla cinerea (Plate 16), measures 3.2 to 6.4 cm SVL (Conant and Collins, 1998). The dorsal ground color is typically bright green but Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 167 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 may be yellow to gray or dull green. Some specimens may have small golden spots on their backs. The coloration changes with activity and temperature. A white to yellow stripe runs along the mouth, down the sides, and may reach groin. In some populations, the stripe is not present. The belly is white with the underside of the legs white to yellow. The skin is relatively smooth. There is no apparent sexual dimor¬ phism except for the male’s vocal sac (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994). Habitat: Hyla cinerea inhabits swamps, tidal marshes, boarders of lakes, streams, and rivers that are typically heavily vegetated with reeds and cattails. The Green Treefrog is quite common in man-made impoundments such as those found at Black- water Wildlife Refuge (personal observation). Unlike most anurans, Green Treefrogs readily enter into brackish water (Conant and Collins, 1998). Hyla cinerea are often seen on houses near lights feeding on insects (Conant and Collins, 1998). Distributional Range: The Green Treefrog distribution extends south from the Coastal plains of Delaware and Maryland to Florida and west to Central Texas (Conant and Collins, 1998). The species extend north into Southern Illinois. In Maryland, H. cinerea in¬ habit the Coastal Plain surrounding the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River (Fig¬ ure 28) (Harris 1975; Reed 1956b, 1960; personal observation NAAMP 1999 - 2004). The NAAMP surveys reported this species in 2 previously undocumented Maryland counties, Caroline and Howard. The Howard County report is questionable because it was associated with atypical habitat. Voice: The breeding call of the Green Treefrog is a nasal quack repeated up to 75 times a minute “queenk-queenk-queenk’ ’ (Conant and Collins, 1998). The call may be mistaken for a flock of ducks. Breeding: In Maryland, the Green Treefrog breeds from March through July (Figure 29). Males call from emergent vegetation, such as cattails, reeds, trees, and grasses, to attract females. Females lay approximately 200 to 2,000 eggs (Mitchell and Ander¬ son, 1994) in small clumps, which may be free floating or attached to vegetation (White and White, 2002). page 168 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Development: Hyla cinerea eggs measure 0.08 to 0. 16 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1 995). The eggs hatch seven days after oviposition, and the tadpole develops quickly, metamorphosing in 4 to 9 weeks (Mitchell and Anderson, 1994; White and White, 2002). The tadpole is green and measures up to 4.0 cm in length (Wright and Wright, 1995). Recently transformed frogs measure 1.2 to 1.7 cm (Martof et ah, 1980). Status: The Green Treefrog is common over its entire distribution including its range in Maryland (White and White, 2002; Young et ah, 2004). In some areas of the Maryland’s Coastal Plain chorus of Green Treefrogs are so large that their calls may drown out all other species of anurans (personal observation). Remarks: The Green Treefrog can be an unwanted hitchhiker on tropical plants com¬ ing from the Southern United States. The frog’s coloration and habit of sleeping motionless on the stems and leaves of plants makes it very difficult to see them. I know of a Maryland florist who received such a surprise when receiving a shipment from the South. Barking Treefrog, Hyla gratiosa Description: Hyla gratiosa , the Barking Treefrog (Plate 17), is Maryland’s largest native treefrog. They reach a SVL of 5.1 to 7.0 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998). The large stout body morphs from dark brown to bright green to pale gray and yellow. Numer¬ ous dark spots occur on the back and are evident in all color variations. The skin is rather rough unlike that of the Green Treefrog. A light colored stripe may be present along the sides. The venter is white to yellowish. Male Barking Treefrogs have green or yellow throats during the breeding season (Behler and King, 1979), and are smaller than females (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999). Habitat: In Maryland, the primary habitats of H. gratiosa are Delmarva Bays. These wetlands are typically characterized as woodland, vernal ponds (White and White, 2002). Barking Treefrogs are high climbers during warm moist weather, venturing to the tree tops. For the duration of cold or dry conditions they burro wer underground or seek shelter in moist microhabitats. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 69 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Distributional Range: The range of the Barking Treefrog is disjunct. The main portion of the distri¬ bution can be found from coastal North Carolina, south to Florida and west into Louisiana. The range extends from Alabama and reaches north into Tennessee. Iso¬ lated populations occur in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, Eastern Virginia, Dela¬ ware and adjoining Maryland. A population occurred in extreme Southern New Jer¬ sey but is now possibly extinct (Conant and Collins, 1998). In 1982, a Barking Treefrog was found in Caroline County Maryland (Ander¬ son and Dowling, 1982). Subsequently, additional populations have been located in nearby regions of Maryland and Delaware (White and White, 2002). Hyla gratiosa are found in isolated colonies in Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline Counties, Mary¬ land (Arndt and White, 1998; White and White, 2002) (Figure 30). No Barking Treefrogs have been identified during NAAMP surveys. Only one NAAMP survey stop is in the Maryland distributional range for the species and the local habitat at this stop is not typical of the species. Voice: The call of H. gratiosa is a dog-like bark repeated at one to two second intervals, “doonk” or “toonk” (Conant and Collins, 1998). Their common name, Bark¬ ing Treefrog, is in reference to this call. Males have a single vocal sac and males call while floating on the surface of the water (White and White, 2002). Breeding: The Barking Treefrog breeds in Maryland from April through July (Figure 31). The male calls from the water to attract a female. The female deposits 500 to 2,000 eggs in clusters or singly attached to submerged vegetation (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999; Martofet al., 1980). Development: The egg of the Barking Treefrog is 0.10 to 0.18 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). Hatching occurs in a few days. The dark brown tadpoles attain a length up to 7.0 cm and transform into froglets in about six to nine weeks (White and White, 2002). Froglets measure 1 .4 to 2.0 cm from snout to vent (Martof et al., 1 980). Status: The Barking Treefrog is common over much of its range (Young et al., 2004). The scattered Maryland and Delaware populations and the presumed extirpated New page 1 70 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Jersey population may now be what remain of a historically larger range. Since the Maryland Barking Treefrogs are now at the periphery of the range and the species requires a specialized habitat the Maryland Department of Natural Resources catego¬ rizes them as “State Endangered” (Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division, 2001; Vial and Saylor, 1993). Remarks: Barking Treefrogs inhabit Delmarva Bays. Delmarva Bays are small circular wetlands found in the fields and forest of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Many rare spe¬ cies, such as Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum ) (White and White, 2002), Hirst’s Panicgrass ( Panicum hirstii) and Awned Meadow Beauty Grass ( Rhexia aristosa ), in¬ habit these vernal wetlands (Sipple and Klockner, 1 984). Legend has it, that the Delmarva Bays formed by stranded whales thrashing about or from the impact of meteorites. The origin of Delmarva Bays more likely resulted from the effects of erosion. Family Microhylidae Members of the family Microhylidae include a group of odd appearing anu- ran. Their bodies are plump and their head narrow giving them an arrowhead body shape. The common name for this family is the Narrow-Mouthed toads. One repre¬ sentative species is endemic to Maryland. Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad, Gastrophryne carolinensis Description: The Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad, Gastrophryne carolinensis (Plate 18), reaches a SVL of 2.2 to 3.8 cm (Conant and Collins, 1998). The dorsal ground color varies from gray, brown, to reddish. A broad light stripe may be present on the sides. The belly is gray and mottled. The head and neck are small with a disproportionately large body. A diagnostic fold of skin crosses the neck just behind the eyes. Male G. carolinensis have dark throats during the breeding season (Martof et al., 1980) and are smaller than the females (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999). Habitat: Gastrophryne carolinensis are found on the margins of bodies of water with numerous moist places used for shelter (Conant and Collins, 1998). The soil is often sandy and inhabited by ants or termites, their preferred food. The habitat must be moist and have ample ground cover (Committee on Rare and Endangered Amphibians Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 171 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 and Reptiles of Maryland, Maryland Herpetological Society, 1973). Eastern Narrow- Mouthed Toads spend most of the time burrowing or under cover objects (Martof et ah, 1 980), only coming out on warm rainy or humid nights (Wright and Wright, 1 995). Distributional Range: The range of the Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad extends from extreme South¬ ern Maryland on the Coastal Plain south to Florida and west to central Texas (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range stretches north into Central Missouri. In Maryland very few records exist to establish the range of this secretive species. Eastern Nar¬ row-Mouthed Toads were first reported in Maryland in 1936 from the Cove Point area of Calvert County (Noble and Hassler, 1936). Subsequently additional popula¬ tions were located in St. Mary’s County, Dorchester County, Somerset County, Worces¬ ter, and most recently in 2003 from Charles County by Mathew Evans, a seasonal employee of the Maryland DNR (Czamowsky, 1975; Grogan, 1994; Harris, 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004) (Figure 32). Voice: The breeding call of the Eastern-Narrow- Mouthed Toad is sheep-like bleat lasting from 0.5 - 4 s (Conant and Collins, 1998). Males have a single vocal sac and call from the water’s edge, often floating on vegetation (White and White, 2002). Breeding: Historically the Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad has bred in Maryland from May through June (Figure 33). Breeding has not been documented in Maryland since 1975 when two juvenile specimens were found in Worcester County (Czamowsky, 1975). A single volunteer of NAAMP reported hearing the breeding call of the East¬ ern Narrow-Mouth Toad in 200 1 . Repeated observations in the subsequent years has not occurred. Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad breeding occurs on warm, rainy nights. They are considered “explosive breeders” (White and White, 2002). Breeding occurs for the entire localized population at the same breeding site over a relatively short pe¬ riod. Floating strands of eggs are laid creating a thin film on the water’s surface (White and White, 2002). A female lies from 150 to 1100 eggs, averaging about 510 eggs (Committee on Rare and Endangered Amphibians and Reptiles of Maryland, Maryland Herpetological Society, 1973). Development: Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad eggs are approximately 0.10 to 0.12 cm in page 1 72 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). The eggs hatch in one to three days (Committee on Rare and Endangered Amphibians and Reptiles of Maryland, Maryland Herpeto- logical Society, 1973). The tadpoles are relatively small at about 3.0 cm and are dor- soventrally flattened (White and White, 2002). The oral disc found on all other Mary¬ land anurans is replaced by the diagnostic labial flaps with median notch (Conant and Collins, 1998). The tadpole stage lasts from 20 to 70 days (Wright and Wright, 1995). Newly metamorphosed toads measure 0.85 to 1 .2 cm SVL (Martof et al., 1980). Status: The Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad is common over most of its range (Young et al., 2004). Within Maryland, their historic habitats in Calvert and St. Mary’s Coun¬ ties have been destroyed by development and they are listed as “State Endangered” (Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division, 2001 ; Vial and Saylor, 1993). The Mary¬ land populations of G. carolinensis are peripheral and disjunctive from the main population to the south. Remarks: I have searched for the Eastern Narrow- Mouthed Toad in Maryland on many occasions with no luck. In 1999 and 2000, 1 explored the Cove Point area in Calvert County where this anuran was first documented in the state. Although the area is now heavily developed there are still a few locations that have the potential to support populations. I also have searched the area to the east of Salisbury Maryland in Worces¬ ter County where the Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad was reported in the state. This area is heavily involved in the forestry industry with many sections clear-cut or showing evidence of tree farming. If this species still exists in on the Southern Delmarva it most likely has been pushed to the few remaining undisturbed fragments of forests near wetlands. Family Pelobatidae The Pelobatidae (spadefoot toads) are a family of fossorial anurans charac¬ terized by the tubercles on their hind feet that facilitate digging. The pupils of spadefoots’ eyes are vertical distinguishing them from all other Maryland anuran. A single species is indigenous to Maryland. Eastern Spadefoot Toads, Scaphiopus holhrookii Description: Adult Eastern Spadefoot Toads, Scaphiopus holhrookii (Plate 19), measure 4.4 to 7.3 cm SVL (Conant and Collins, 1998). The dorsal ground color is brown and Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 173 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 a yellowish hourglass shaped marking may be present on the back. The belly is white to gray. Eastern Spadefoot Toads possess a pair of parotoid glands. Unlike the parotoid gland of Maryland Bufo, these venom glands are small, round, and unobtrusive (Green and Pauley, 1987). Scaphiopus skin is also considerable less warty than that of Bufo, having only small tubercles (Martof et ah, 1980; Schwartz and Golden, 2002). The pupils of their large eyes are yellow. Female S. holbrookii may be larger than males (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999). Habitat: Eastern Spadefoot Toads prefer sandy, loose soils that allow easy burrowing (Conant and Collins, 1998). They inhabit wooded areas as well as open fields and meadows. Spending much of the time underground, little is known about their natu¬ ral history (Hulse et ah, 2001). Most terrestrial activity occurs after warm rains or on humid summer nights (White and White, 2003). Distributional Range: The Eastern Spadefoot Toad’s range extends from Southern Massachusetts south in the Coastal Plain to Florida (Conant and Collins, 1998). The range extends west into Eastern Louisiana, Eastern Arkansas, and Southeastern Missouri. Popula¬ tions occur in much of Tennessee and extend into Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. Iso¬ lated colonies occur in the Virginias. The Eastern Spadefoot Toads are found prima¬ rily in Maryland’s Coastal Plain (Figure 34) (Harris, 1975; Mansueti, 1947; Reed, 1956a; Stine et ah, 1956; personal observation NAAMP, 1999 - 2004). A population occurs in Frederick County in the Piedmont (Harris 1975; personal observation NAAMP, 1 999 - 2004). The NAAMP surveys reported this species in Howard County, however this report is questionable because it was associated with atypical habitat. Voice: The advertisement call of male S. holbrookii is an explosive grunt that is somewhat like the sound of a young crow (Conant and Collins, 1998), and is re¬ peated about every 2 s (Martof et al., 1 980). Males have a single vocal sac (White and White, 2002,) and call while floating in the breeding ponds (Hulse et al., 2001). Large chorus of breeding males may be heard for 0.8 km (0.5 mi) (Behler and King, 1979), or for over 1.6 km (1 mi) (Green and Pauley, 1987). Breeding: Eastern Spadefoot Toads are “explosive breeders”. Breeding occurs in Mary¬ land from March through September (Figure 35) on warm moist nights typically page 174 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 after heavy rains and low barometric pressure (White and White, 2002). If condi¬ tions are unfavorable in a given year, reproduction may be forgone for that year (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999). The breeding period is not set from year to year as in other anuran species and may occur at any time when the conditions are favorable (Davis and Menze, 2002). On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Eastern Spadefoots use poorly drained agricultural fields, man-made depression, and ephemeral pools for breeding sites (White and White, 2002; personal observations). The female deposits about 150 eggs in long strands wrapped among submergered plants or twigs (Green and Pauley, 1 987). The strands are about 2.5 to 5 cm wide and 30 cm long (Davis and Menze, 2002). Development: The egg of S. holbrookii measures 0.14 to 0.20 cm in diameter (Wright and Wright, 1995). Eggs hatch in as little as 24 hours but may take as long as seven days (Hulse et al., 2001). The Eastern Spadefoot Toad’s bronze colored tadpoles attain a length of 2.8 cm and transformation into toadlets occurs from 14 to 63 days (Green and Pauley, 1987; Wright and Wright, 1995). The new toadlets measure only about 0.85 to 1.20 cm in length (Wright and Wright, 1995), but size at metamorphosis is dependent on the length of the larval period. Status: The Eastern Spadefoot Toads are considered common over their entire range (Young et al., 2004) including Maryland. Scaphiopus holbrookii fossorial nature and unpredictable reproductive events makes it difficult to accurately determine the sta¬ tus in Maryland. Much of the toad’s historic range has been developed. Fewer sightings and limited breeding activity has been reported on the Coastal Plain west of the Chesa¬ peake Bay compared to the less developed Coastal Plain to the east of the Bay (Foley and Smith, 1997). Remarks: Care should be taken when handling Eastern Spadefoot Toads. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the skin secretion that the toads produce. Skin irritation, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes are symptomatic of the reaction. As with all amphibians, the hands should be washed immediately after handling Eastern Spadefoot Toads. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 175 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Figure 1 : American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana ) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul | Aug Sep Published 1 ! m 1 5 Maryland NAAMP 2 i i 1 1 Coastal Plain NAAMP i m 1 ^ Piedmont NAAMP i ; m m Mmm Ridge & Valley NAAMP nil i i i Allegheny Plateau NAAMP mu ' (Harris, 1975; Schwartz and Golden, 2002; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP - Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1 999 to 2004 Figure 2: American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Maryland calling calendar. Figure 3: Green Frog ( Rana clamitans) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 5 Z" *< ' Maryland NAAMP 2 Coastal Plain NAAMP 1 11 KM Piedmont NAAMP ft I 1 Hi iHlSl! Ridge & Valley NAAMP i MgMg Allegheny Plateau NAAMP ft «| i|ill ' (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 4: Green Frog ( Rana clamitans ) Maryland calling calendar. page 176 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 H! Published and NAAMP Distribution PH Published Distribution Only Figure 5: Pickerel Frog (. Rana palustris) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 _ _ Maryland NAAMP 2 ■ttjfi Coastal Plain NAAMP Wm Piedmont NAAMP mmam mm M m vmmm WM Ridge & Valley NAAMP if wm imm ' (Harris, 1975 ; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 6: Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris) Maryland calling calendar. Figure 7: Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica ) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep ruolisned Maryland NAAMP 2 Ml Coastal Plain NAAMP iHl s 111 Piedmont NAAMP MMB I Ridge & Valley NAAMP i wM Allegheny Plateau NAAMP INN 1 (Harris, 1975 / Mansueti, 1940; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 8: Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Maryland calling calendar. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 177 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Figure 9: Carpenter Frog (Rana virgatipes) distributional map (? = possible report). Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 Maryland NAAMP 2 1 : U 1 Coastal Plain NAAMP i im 1 1 ( Harris , 1975 ; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 10: Carpenter Frog (Rana virgatipes) Maryland calling calendar. Figure 1 1 : Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) distributional map. page 178 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Figure 12: Southern Leopard Frog (Rana sphenocephala) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 m a Maryland NAAMP 2 1 Coastal Plain NAAMP 1 1 (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 13: Southern Leopard Frog ( Rana sphenocephala) Maryland calling calendar. Figure 14: American Toad (Bufo americanus) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 ijgSipgili . ',IL; ' . J Maryland NAAMP 2 man Coastal Plain NAAMP mm Piedmont NAAMP m 1 Ridge & Valley NAAMP ■ MU iii Allegheny Plateau NAAMP IZMZ mm 1 (Harris, 1 975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 15: American Toad (Bufo americanus ) Maryland calling calendar. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 79 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 llllil Maryland NAAMP 2 1 ' : Coastal Plain NAAMP $ lllliipilil Piedmont NAAMP Ridge & Valley NAAMP I 1 1 Ta 1 (Harris, 1975; White and White , 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 17: Fowler’s Toad (Bufo fowleri) Maryland calling calendar. 11 Published and NAAMP Distribution EH Published Distribution Only O Species Not Present Figure 18: Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 1 1 hi wqmpm ' h$ Maryland NAAMP 2 ?£ Coastal Plain NAAMP Hi i Piedmont NAAMP ipp | i Alii I wmkh Ridge & Valiev NAAMP T 1 i 7 (Conant and Collins, 1998; Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 19: Northern Cricket Frog ( Acris crepitans) Maryland calling calen¬ dar. page 1 80 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 Maryland NAAMP 2 Coastal Plain NAAMP lfalPipilPll®S§ii ill Piedmont NAAMP Ridge & Valley NAAMP 1 iWtWi I Allegheny Plateau NAAMP 1 in i ■ 1 (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 21: Spring Peeper ( Pseudacris crucifer) Maryland calling calendar. Figure 22: Mountain Chorus Frog (Pseudacris brachyphona) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 1 (Forester et al, 2003; Harris, 1975) Figure 23: Mountain Chorus Frog (Pseudacris brachyphona) Maryland call¬ ing calendar. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 181 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Figure 24: Southeastern Chorus Frog ( Pseudacris feriarum ) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep ruDlisned Maryland NAAMP 2 .. . Coastal Plain NAAMP HaiiiiSii ■R 1 f Piedmont NAAMP m il 1 (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 25: Southeastern Chorus Frog ( Pseudacris feriarum ) Maryland call¬ ing calendar. Figure 26: Gray Treefrog Complex; Cope’s Gray Treefrog ( Hyla chrysoscelis) and Common Gray Treefrog ( Hyla versicolor) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun I Jul Aug Sep Published (H. versicolor) 1 i If 1 1 ' i pi Published (H. chrysoscelis) 1 ’ ' % * Maryland NAAMP 2 III Coastal Plain NAAMP i Piedmont NAAMP ill! IgAliii HiM Ridge & Valley NAAMP HI mmnilill 111111111 imiiJ Allegheny Plateau NAAMP 1 (Better and King, 1979; Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 27: Gray Treefrog Complex; Common Gray Treefrog (Hyla versi¬ color) and Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Maryland calling calendar. page 1 82 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Figure 28: Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) distributional map (? = possible report). HI NAAMP Distribution Only H! Published and NAAMP Distribution 0 Published Distribution Only □ Species Not Present Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 7 Maryland NAAMP 2 i mhm Mi m Coastal Plain NAAMP i spa m spill n 7 (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1 999 to 2004 Figure 29: Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea ) Maryland calling calendar. Figure 30: Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa) distributional map. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 7 7 (White and White, 2002) Figure 31: Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa ) Maryland calling calendar. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 83 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Figure 32: Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad ( Gastrophryne carolinensis ) dis¬ tributional map (? = possible report). Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published 1 Maryland NAAMP 2 I Coastal Plain NAAMP 1 7 (Harris, 1975 ; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 33: Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad ( Gastrophryne carolinensis) Mary¬ land calling calendar. Figure 34: Eastern Spadefoot Toad {Scaphiopus holbrookii ) distributional map (? = possible report). Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Published ' pmmm Maryland NAAMP 2 i i Wd i Coastal Plain NAAMP i i n i Piedmont NAAMP 1 (Harris, 1975; White and White, 2002) 2 NAAMP = Data collected by primary and secondary volunteer observers from 1999 to 2004 Figure 35: Eastern Spadefoot Toad ( Scaphiopus holbrookii) Maryland call¬ ing calendar. page 1 84 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 1 : American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), specimen from Frederick County, Maryland. Plate 2: Green Frog ( Rana clamitans), specimen from Frederick County, Maryland. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 85 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 3: Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris ), specimen from Frederick County, Maryland. Plate 4: Wood Frog ( Rana sylvatica), specimens in amplexus from Talbot County, Maryland. page 186 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 5: Carpenter Frog ( Rana virgatipes), specimen from Gates County, North Carolina. Plate 6: Northern Leopard Frog {Rana pipiens), captive specimen from un¬ known location. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 187 page 188 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 8: American Toad ( Bufo americanus ), specimens in amplexus from Frederick County, Maryland. Plate 7: Southern Leopard Frog ( Rana sphenocephala ), specimen from Frederick County, Maryland. Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 9: Fowler’s Toad ( Bufo fowleri), specimen from Worcester County, Maryland. Plate 10: Northern Cricket Frog ( Acris crepitans), specimen from Frederick County, Maryland. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 89 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 11: Spring Peeper ( Pseudacris crucifer ), specimen from Frederick County, Maryland. Plate 12: Mountain Chorus Frog ( Pseudacris br achy phono), specimen from Wetzel County, West Virginia. page 190 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 13: Southeastern Chorus Frog ( Pseudacris feriarum), specimen from Talbot County, Maryland. Plate 14: Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis), specimen from Calvert County, Maryland. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 191 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 15: Common Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor), specimen from Frederick County, Maryland. Plate 16: Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea), specimens from Calvert County, Maryland. page 1 92 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 93 Plate 17: Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa), specimen from Bay County, Florida. Plate 18: Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis), speci¬ men from Rowan County, North Carolina. Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Plate 19: Eastern Spadefoot Toad ( Scaphiopus holbrookii ), specimen from Caroline County, Maryland. Literature Cited Anderson, K. and H.G. Dowling. 1 982. Geographic Distribution: Hyla gratiosa (Barking Treefrog). Her- petological Review 13(4): 130. Arndt, Rudolf G. and James F. White. 1988. Hyla gratiosa. Herpetological Review 19(1): 16. Bartlett, R. D. and Patricia P. Bartlett. 1999. A Field Guide to Florida Reptiles and Amphibians. Houston, Texas: Gulf Publishing Company. Bee, Mark A. and A. Christopher Bowling. 2002. Socially Mediated Pitch Alteration by Teritorial Male Bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana. Journal of Herpetology. 36(1): 140-143. Behler, John L. and F. Wayne King. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. page 1 94 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Committee on Rare and Endangered Amphibians and Reptiles of Maryland, Mary¬ land Herpetological Society. 1973. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society 9(3): 42-100. Conant, Roger. 1947. The Carpenter Frog in Maryland. Maryland Journal of Natural History 17(4): 72-73. Conant, Roger and Joseph T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians Eastern and Central North America. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Co. Costanzo, Jon R, Jason T. Irwin, and Richard E. Lee, Jr. 1997. Freezing Impairment of Male Reproductive Behavior of the Freeze-Tolerant Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica. Physiological Zool¬ ogy 70(2): 158-166. Crother, Brian I. 2001. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Rep¬ tiles of North America North of Mexico, With Comments Re¬ garding Confidence in Our Understandings. Society for the study of Amphibians and Reptiles Herpetological Circular No. 29. Czamowsky, R. 1975. A New County Record for Gastrophryne carolinensis in Mary- land. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetogical Society 1 1 : 185-186. Davis, Jeffery G. and Scott A. Menze. 2002. In Ohio’s Backyard: Frogs and Toads. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio Bio¬ logical Survey. Dickerson, Mary C. 1969. The Frog Book, North American Toads and Frogs. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. Foley, Dan H. and Scott A. Smith. 1 996. Herpetofaunal Inventory Methods. Maryland Department of Natu¬ ral Resources, p 53. Forester, D. C. and R. Czamowsky. 1985. Sexual Selection in the Spring Peeper, Hyla crucifer . Behaviour 92: 113-128. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 95 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Forester, Don C., Shawn Knoedler, and Randell Sanders. 2003 . Life History and Status of the Mountain Chorus Frog ( Pseudacris brachyphona) In Maryland. The Maryland Naturalist 46(1): 1- 15. Forester, Don C. and David V. Lykens. 1 988. The Ability of Woodfrog Eggs to Withstand Prolonged Terrestrial Stranding: an Empirical Study. Canadian Journal of Zoology 22:1733-1735. Forester, Don C., Lykens, D. V., and W. K. Harrison. 1989. The significance of Persistent Vocalization by Spring Peeper: Pseudacris crucifer (Anura: Hylidae). Behaviour 108(3): 197-208. Fowler, Henry W. 1925. Records of Amphibians and Reptiles For Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Copeia 1925 (145): 57-64. Gerhardt, H. Carl, Margaret B. Ptacek, Louise Barnett, and Kenneth G. Torke. 1 994. Hybridization in the Diploid-Tetraploid Treeffogs. Copeia 1 994( 1 ): 51-59. Given, Mac F. 1999. Distribution Records of Rana virgatipes and Associated Anuran Species Along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Herpetological Review 30(3): 144-146. Green, N. Bayard and Thomas K. Pauley. 1987. Amphibians and Reptiles in West Virginia. Pittsburgh, Pennsyl¬ vania: University of Pittsburgh Press. Grogan, W. L., Jr. 1994. New Herpetological Distributional Records From Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society 30: 27-32. Harper, Francis. 1 955. A New Chorus Frog {Pseudacris) from the Eastern United States. Natural History Miscellanea 150: 1-6. page 196 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Harris, Herbert S. 1975. Distributional Survey (Amphibia/Reptilia) : Maryland and the Dis¬ trict of Columbia. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Soci¬ ety. 11:73-167. Hedges, S. Blair. 1 986. An Electrophoretic Analysis of Holartic Hylid Frog Evolution. Systematic Zoology. 35(1): 1-21. Helgen, Judy, Robert G. McKinnell, and Mark C, Gemes. 1998. Investigation of Malformed Northern Leopard Frogs in Minne¬ sota. In: Lannoo, Michael J., editor. Status and Conservation of Midwestern Amphibians. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, p 288-297. Hildebrand, Wayne G. 2003. New Distributional Record for the Southern Leopard Frog in Frederick County, Maryland. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpeto¬ logical Society 39(2): 62-63. Hulse, Arthur C., C. J. McCoy, and Ellen J. Censky. 2001. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press. Johnson, Tom R. 2000. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri. Jefferson City, Mis¬ souri: Missouri Department of Conservation. Lykens, D. V. and D. C. Forester. 1 987. Age Structure in the Spring Peeper: Do Males Advertise Longev¬ ity? Herpetologica 43(2): 216-223. Mansueti, Romeo. 1 940. The Wood Frog in Maryland. The Natural History Society of Mary¬ land Bulletin Number 10. Baltimore, Maryland: The Natural His¬ tory Society of Maryland, p 88-96. Mansueti, Romeo. 1941. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Amphibians and Reptiles Found in and Around Baltimore City, Maryland, Within a Radius of Twenty Miles. Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Maryland No. 7. Baltimore, Maryland: The Natural History Soci¬ ety of Maryland, p 53. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 97 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Mansueti, Romeo. 1947. The Spadefoot Toad in Maryland. Maryland Journal of Natural History 17(1)7-14. Martof, Bernard S., William M. Palmer, Joseph R. Bailey, and Julian R. Harrison III. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: The University of North Carolina Press. Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division. 2001. Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals of Maryland. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Mary¬ land. Mitchell, Joseph C. and John M. Anderson. 1 994. Amphibians of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands. Martinsville, Virginia: Virginia Museum of Natural History Special Publica¬ tion Number 2. p 120. Mitchell Joseph C. and Karen Kelly Reay. 1999. Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Virginia. Virginia Depart¬ ment of Game and Inland Fisheries. Richmond, Virginia. Noble, G.K. and W.G. Hassler. 1936. Three Salientia of Geographic Interest from Southern Maryland. Copeia 1936(1): 63-64. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2004. North Carolina’s State and Federally Listed Wildlife Species. NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, North Carolina. Oliver, James A. 1955. The Natural History of North American Amphibians and Rep¬ tiles. Princeton, New Jersey: Van Norstrand. Pace, Ann E. 1974. Systematic and Biological Studies of the Leopard Frogs ( Rana pipiens Complex) of the United States. Miscellaneous Publica¬ tions Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan. No. 148. p 140. Petranka, James W. and Daphne A. G. Thomas. 1995. Explosive Breeding Reduces Egg and Tadpole Cannibalism in page 198 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 the Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica. Animal Behaviour 50: 731-739. Ptacek, Margaret B., H. Carl Gerhardt, and Richard D. Sage. 1994. Speciation by Polyploidy in Treefrogs: Multiple Origins of the Tetraploid, Hyla versicolor. Evolution 43(30): 898-908. Reed, Clyde F. 1956a. The Spadefoot Toad in Maryland. Herpetologica 12: 294-295. Reed, Clyde F. 1956b. Hyla cinerea in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, with notes on the Taxonomic Status of Hyla cinerea evittata. Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences 46(10): 328-332. Reed, Clyde F. 1957. Rana virgatipes in Southern Maryland, With Notes Upon Its Range From New Jersey to Georgia. Herpetologica 13:137-138. Reed, Clyde F. 1958. The Carpenter Frog in Worcester Co. Maryland. Herpetologica 13:276. Reed, Clyde F. 1960. New Records for Hyla cinerea in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina. Herpetologica 16: 119-120. Resetarits, W. J. Jr. and H. M. Wilbur. 1991. Calling site choice by Hyla chrysoscelis : effects of predators, com¬ petitors, and oviposition sites. Ecology 72(3):778-786. Schreiber, Joseph F. 1952. Ecology of A Bare Hills Cave. Maryland Naturalist 22 (1-2): 9- 18. Schwartz, Vickie and David M. Golden. 2002. Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of New Jersey. Westfield, New Jersey: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Sipple William. 1976. The Carpenter Frog (Rana virgatipes) in Caroline County, Mary¬ land. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society 12(4): 129- 130. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 1 99 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Sipple, William S. and Wayne A. Klockner. 1 984. Uncommon Wetlands in the Coastal Plain of Maryland. In: Norden, Arnold W., Donald C. Forester, and George H. Fenwick, editors. Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals of Maryland. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, p 57-74. Smithberger, Shannon I. and Christopher W. Swarth. 1 993 . Reptiles and Amphibians of the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. The Maryland Naturalist 37 (3-4): 28-46. Stebbins, Robert C. and Nathan W. Cohen. 1995. A Natural History of Amphibians. Princeton, New Jersey: Princetown University Press. Stine, Charles J., Robert S. Simmons, and James A. Fowler. 1956. New Records for the Eastern Spadefoot Toad in Maryland. Herpetologica. 12:295-296. Vial, J.L., and L. Saylor. 1993. The Status of Amphibian Populations: A Compilation and Analy¬ sis. IUCN/SSC Declining Amphibian Population Task Force Docu¬ ment No. 1. Gland, Switzerland: World Conservation Union. Weir, L.A. and M.J. Mossman. 2005. North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP). In: Lannoo, M.J. (Ed.), Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Sta¬ tus of Unites States Species. Berkeley, California, USA: Univer¬ sity of California Press, p 307-313. Wells, K.D. 1977a. The courtship of frogs. In: Taylor, D.H. and Guttman, S.I. (eds) The Reproductive Biology of Amphibians. New York: Plenum Press. Wells, K.D. 1977b. Territoriality and male mating success in the green frog (Rana clamitans ). Ecol. 58:750-762. White, James F. Jr. and Amy Wendt White. 2002. Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva. Centreville, Maryland: Tidewater Publishers. page 200 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 Wright, Albert Hazen and Anna Allen Wright. 1995. Handbook of Frogs and Toads of The United States and Canada. Ithaca, New York: Comstock Publishing Associates. Young, B. E., S. N. Stuart, I. S. Chanson. 2004. Disappearing Jewels: The Status of New World Amphibians. Ar¬ lington, Virginia: NatureServe. Zug, George R., Laurie J. Vitt, and Janalee P. Caldwell. 2001. Herpetology : An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Rep¬ tiles. USA San Diego, California, Academic Press, p 4. Zweifel, R. G. 1970. Distribution and Mating call of the Treeffog, Hyla chrysoscelis , at the Northeastern Edge of its Range. Chesapeake Science 11(2): 94-97. Maryland Calling Amphibian Coordinator, North American Amphibian Monitoring Program , 11825 Warner Road; Keymar, Maryland 21757, wayneh@netstorm.net and Hood College, 401 Rosemont Avenue; Frederick, Maryland 21701. Received: 20 July 2004 Accepted: 17 December 2004 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society page 201 Volume 41 Number 4 December 2005 News and Notes Reptile and Amphibian Rescue 410-580-0250 We will take as many unwanted pet reptiles and amphibians as space allows. Leave a message with your name and number to give up an animal for adoption; or to volunteer to help with our efforts. OUR CURRENT NEEDS: • Outdoor Shed • Power & Hand Tools • Piece of Property with a Building • Bleach • Copy Paper • Envelopes • Pillow Cases /Snake Bags • Paper Towels www.reptileinfo.com page 202 Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society Society Publication Back issues of the Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, where available, may be obtained by writing the Executive Editor. A list of available issues will be sent upon request. Individual numbers in stock are $5.00 each, unless otherwise noted. The Society also publishes a Newsletter on a somewhat irregular basis. These are distributed to the membership free of charge. Also published are Maryland Herpetofauna Leaflets and these are available at $. 25/page. Information for Authors All correspondence should be addressed to the Executive Editor. Manu¬ scripts being submitted for publication should be typewritten (double spaced) on good quality 8 1/2 by 1 1 inch paper with adequate margins. 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