Gambelia copeii

Number of Pages: 8Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Elgaria panamintina

Number of Pages: 4Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Chionactis occipitalis

Number of Pages: 12Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Reproduction in the Great Basin Collared Lizard, Crotaphytus bicinctores (Squamata: Crotaphytidae)

The reproductive cycle of the Great Basin Collared lizard, Crotaphytus bicinctores was studied by a histological examination of museum specimens. Mean clutch size (n = 13) was 3.46 ± 1.1 SD, range: 2-6. Histological evidence indicates that two clutches may be produced in the same year. The reproductive season includes spring and early summer. There was a significant positive correlation between female body size (SVL) and clutch size (P = 0.03). The smallest reproductively active male and female C. bicinctores measured 81 mm and 78 mm SVL, respectively

Chionactis palarostris

Number of Pages: 5Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Shrike predation on the lizard Mesalina adramitana in Qatar; a review of reported reptile and amphibian prey

We report, for the first time, evidence of predation by a shrike (Lanius sp.) on the lizard Mesalina adramitana. This is the first record of predation by shrikes on lizards in Qatar. Whilst we did not directly observe the event, the presence of shrikes in the area and the method of impalement indicate shrikes as the predator. The lizard was found freshly impaled on a palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera), at 150 cm above ground. Bird species of the genus Lanius are well-known predators of lizards, and in arid environments reptiles are likely common prey for these birds. We provide a review of literature concerning predatory events by shrikes on reptiles and amphibians. We suggest inspection of shrubs for animals impaled by shrikes can improve biodiversity inventories, complementing other commonly used methods

In-Orbit Performance of the GRACE Follow-on Laser Ranging Interferometer

The Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI) instrument on the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) Follow-On mission has provided the first laser interferometric range measurements between remote spacecraft, separated by approximately 220 km. Autonomous controls that lock the laser frequency to a cavity reference and establish the 5 degrees of freedom two-way laser link between remote spacecraft succeeded on the first attempt. Active beam pointing based on differential wave front sensing compensates spacecraft attitude fluctuations. The LRI has operated continuously without breaks in phase tracking for more than 50 days, and has shown biased range measurements similar to the primary ranging instrument based on microwaves, but with much less noise at a level of 1 nm/Hz at Fourier frequencies above 100 mHz. © 2019 authors. Published by the American Physical Society