Authors: Xavier Santos And Gustavo A. Llorente

Abstract: The Ebro Delta is a wetland area partially covered by rice fields.The viperine snake Natrix maura, is a common colubrid snake in this ecosystem. Males delayed feeding activity by one month, and foraged for a shorter time, compared to females. Diet consisted mainly of fish and frogs, although size-related and sexual differences were found: immature snakes had a more diverse diet than adults, and adult females ate more frogs than adult males. Males captured larger numbers of smaller fish than females. Like other water snakes, large viperine snakes avoid small prey. The biomass ingested is higher in large females, providing supplementary resources for reproduction. These dietary differences may be related to the ecological needs of each category of snakes and reflect the influence of the rice cycle on diet dynamics.

Authors: Franco Andreone , Frank Glaw , Miguel Vences And Denis Vallan

Abstract: In the course ofa herpetological survey in southern Malagasy rainforest, a new species of the endemic genus Mantidactylus was discovered and is here described as M. brunae n. sp. This frog is similar to M. peraccae for which a redescription, new locality records, and natural history notes are provided. The examined M. peraccae specimens are slightly warty dorsally, with small, dark protruding dots surrounding brown rounded patches on the light brown dorsum. Mantidactylus peraccae has a wide distribution in eastern Madagascar, occurring at elevations between 900 and 1 800 m. M. brunae n. sp. inhabits the low-altitude rainforest of Andohahela and differs from M. peraccae in its slender form and smoother skin. In contrast to M. peraccae (which is arboreal), M. brunae n. sp. was found on the ground in crevices along rocky forest brooks. Its acoustic repertoire consists of a rapid trill-like series of 3-4 cl ick notes with a frequency ranging from about  1.4 to 6.7 kHz, whereas M. peraccae emits metallic sounds, single or in series, from elevated positions. Morphological and bioacoustic differences between populations attributed to M. peraccae indicate that they may constitute more than one species, but available data are insufficient to corroborate taxonomic conclusions. A redescription of M. elegans, phenetically similar to M. brunae n. sp. and M. peraccae, is provided based on specimens from Andringitra, together with a diagnostic key to the currently known species of the subgenus Spinomantis.

Authors: Miriam Wollberg , Elazar Kochva And Garth Underwood

Abstract: Structures around the corner of the mouth of atractaspid snakes are examined in serial sections. In addition one Madagascan and two African species of Geodipsas are reported. For Atractaspis corpulenta presence of a serous superior rictal gland is confirmed and the discovery of a hitherto unnoticed serous inferior rictal gland is reported. Inferior rictal glands are also reported for species of Aparallactus, Chilorhinophis, Geodipsas, Poecilopholis and Polemon. Neither superior nor inferior rictal glands are found in Amblyodipsas, Hypoptophis, Macrelaps or Xenocalamus. African species of "Geodipsas", now placed in the genus Buhoma, agree with aparallactines and differ from the Madagascan type species, G. infralineata, in the configuration of the rictal glands.

Authors: Louise Bardsley, Sean Smith And Trevor J . C. Beebee

Abstract: We have characterized two molecular techniques, protein typing and RAPD analysis, for the identification of two species of European Bufo larvae (Bufo bufo and B. calamita). These tadpoles are very difficult to distinguish on morphological grounds. Protein typing was improved by the use of a sensitive (silver-based) staining method, and replacement of low temperatures with ethanol submergence for tissue storage. Both techniques reliably resolved the two species and required very small amounts (<2 mg) of tissue, which could be obtained easily and without sacrificing the animals.

Authors: Donald G. Broadley

Abstract: The genus Atheris Cope [sensu stricto, after assignment of superciliaris (Peters) and hindii (Boulenger) to monotypic genera (Broadley, 1 996)] is reviewed in order to determine the affinities of a distinctive new species, Atheris acuminata, described from a single specimen collected in western Uganda. A key is provided to the ten species recognized, and A. anisolepis Mocquard and A. rungweensis Bogert are recognized as full species