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Article Reference Vertebral morphology and intracolumnar variation of the iconic African viperid snake Atheris (Serpentes, Viperidae)
We here provide a detailed description of the vertebral morphology of the African arboreal viperid snakes of the genus Atheris. Vertebrae of three different species of the genus, i.e., Atheris desaixi, Atheris hispida, and Atheris katangensis, were investigated via the aid of μCT (micro‐computed tomography) scanning. We describe several vertebrae from different regions of the vertebral column for all three species, starting from the atlas‐axis complex to the caudal tip, in order to demonstrate important differences regarding the intracolumnar variation. Comparison of these three species shows an overall similar general morphology of the trunk vertebrae among the Atheris species. We extensively compare Atheris with other known viperids. As the sole arboreal genus of Viperinae the prehensile nature of the tail of Atheris is reflected in its caudal vertebral morphology, which is characterized by a high number of caudal vertebrae but also robust and anteroventrally oriented pleurapophyses as a skeletal adaptation, linked with the myology of the tail, to an arboreal lifestyle. We anticipate that the extensive figuring of these viperid specimens will also aid identifications in paleontology.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Article Reference Biofluorescence in Morelia, Malayopython and Python: first reports for the Pythonidae
Ultraviolet (UV) induced biofluorescence in snakes has been underexplored compared to lizards. This study reports for the first time UV fluorescence in several Pythonidae species, including Morelia viridis, Malayopython reticulatus, and Python regius. Specimens were examined under both white and UV light, revealing that UV fluorescence in these snakes is likely skin-based, induced by chemical compounds rather than bone-based as seen in other reptiles. Notably, Morelia viridis and M. azurea exhibited a golden mustard yellow fluorescence, while Malayopython reticulatus displayed a complex pattern with intense yellow fluorescence. The study also found that UV fluorescence is absent in ethanol-preserved specimens, suggesting the degradation of fluorescent compounds during preservation. These findings contribute to the understanding of UV fluorescence in snakes and highlight the need for further research on its functional significance and the specific molecules involved.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Article Reference Biofluorescence of the Crocodile Skinks, genus Tribolonotus: first report in Scincidae
Biofluorescence, the phenomenon where organisms absorb short wavelengths of light and re-emit longer wavelengths, has been documented in various reptile and amphibian groups. This study reports the first observation of UV-induced biofluorescence in the genus Tribolonotus (crocodile skinks), marking the first such report for the family Scincidae. Specimens of Tribolonotus novaeguineae, T. brongersmai, and T. gracilis were examined under UV light, revealing distinct fluorescence patterns. The fluorescence is primarily bone-induced, linked to the presence of osteoderms, although some skin-based fluorescence was also observed, particularly around the eyes. The study suggests potential ecological roles for this fluorescence, such as intraspecific signaling or predator-prey interactions, and highlights the need for further research to understand the functional significance of biofluorescence in these skinks.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Article Reference Ostracod across the Frasnian/ Famennian boundary in the Hony railway section (Southern border of the Dinant Synclinorium, Belgium) - Geochemical consequences.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2018
Article Reference Osteology and relationships of Libanopycnodus wenzi gen.et sp. nov. and Sigmapycnodus giganteus gen. et sp. nov. (Pycnodontiformes) from the Late Cretaceous of Lebanon.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2018
Article Reference Osteology and relationships of Furloichthys bonarellii gen. and sp. nov. (Teleostei, Ichthyodectidae) from the Upper Cretaceous deposits of the Furlo River (the Marche, central Italy).
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2018
Article Reference The Mesozoic fish genus Pholidophorus (Teleostei, Pholidophoriformes), with an osteological study of the type-species Pholidophorus latiusculus. Comments on some problems concerning the “pholidophoriform” fishes
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2018
Article Reference Osteology and phylogenetic relationships of Haqelpycnodus picteti gen. and sp. nov., a new pycnodont fish genus (Pycnodontidae) from the marine Late Cretaceous tropical sea of Lebanon
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2018
Article Reference Les poissons crétacés de Nardo. 40°. Nardoglossus sanctibernardini gen. et sp. nov. (Teleostei, Gonorynchiformes, Gonorynchoidei)
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2018
Article Reference Osteology and relationships of Italoalbula pietrarojae gen. and sp. nov. (Teleostei, Albuliformes) from the marine Lower Cretaceous of Pietraroja (Campania, southern Italy)
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2018