The Herpetological Bulletin
The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural aspects.
pdf 06. Bite, hold and vibrate: Courtship behaviour in the Brazilian glass lizard Ophiodes fragilis
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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb175.2831
AUTHORS: SILVIA REGINA TRAVAGLIA-CARDOSO, VANESSA RITCHEL, PAMELA S. SANTOS & ERIKA HINGST-ZAHER
ABSTRACT: This is the first report of courtship behaviour in the Brazilian glass lizard Ophiodes fragilis, a poorly known viviparous anguid lizard with vestigial hindlimbs. Four courtship interactions were observed in a naturalistic captive enclosure. The courtship sequence involves male pursuit, body positioning over the female, head rubbing along the female’s body, biting of the female’s nuchal region, and vibration of vestigial hindlimbs against the female’s body. Of particular interest is the apparent use of vestigial hindlimbs for sexual stimulation and the vigorous biting of the female’s neck during courtship. These observations contribute to our understanding of reproductive strategies in limbless and limb-reduced squamates. They also highlight the importance of observations of reptiles maintained in captivity to improve our knowledge of their natural history.
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