The complete mitochondrial genome of the Asian pitviper Gloydius changdaoensis (Squamata, Viperidae)

Asian pitviper Gloydius changdaoensis is a coastal species, distributed in Shandong province, China. In this study, we successfully sequenced the mitochondrial genome of one individual of G. changdaoensis. The complete mitochondrial genome is circular molecular with 17,224 bp, containing an origin of light-strand replication (OL), two non-coding control regions (CRs), and 37 classical genes of vertebrate, which contain 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree using the complete mitochondrial genomes of all viper species available showed a consistent result with previous studies

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic status of a recently described species of Mountain Dragon, Diploderma vela (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae), from the upper Lantsang valley in west China

The mountain dragon, Diploderma vela, is an endemic and protected valley lizard that inhabits the upper Lantsang Valley in West China. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of a male individuals of D. vela using next-generation sequencing methodologies. The complete mitogenome is 16,432 bp in length and contains one noncoding control regions, 13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNA and two ribosomal RNA genes. The mitogenome content and structure of D. vela was consistent with the previously published representatives of the family. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using the complete mitochondrial genomes of Agamidae fully resolved D. vela in the Draconinae, a result consistent with previous investigations. This study provides bioinformatic data for better understanding the evolution and the phylogenetic history of the mountain dragon

Sex- and performance-based escape behaviour in an Asian agamid lizard, Phrynocephalus vlangalii

In lizards, males are predicted to sprint faster and run for longer than females by virtue of higher testosterone levels and differences in morphology. Consequently, escape behaviour is also predicted to be associated with sex and locomotor performance, yet these links have rarely been explored. Here, we tested whether escape behaviour is associated with locomotor performance in the toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus vlangalii, and whether it is sex-dependent. This species is also characterized by elaborate tail displays, which we examined as a potential pursuit-deterrent signal. Tail waves were performed by a very small proportion (2/58, 3%) of individuals during predatory trials, suggesting that tail signalling functions exclusively in a social context. To understand the relationships between sex, escape behaviour and performance, we first measured escape behaviour (flight initiation distance, flight distance - measured differently compared to previous studies of lizard escape behaviour, and refuge use) in the field before measuring maximal sprint speed and endurance on the same individuals in the laboratory. Flight initiation distance did not differ between the sexes and was unrelated to performance capacity (maximal endurance and sprint speed) but was positively related to body size with larger individuals fleeing earlier. Males fled farther than females, but flight distance was also unrelated to either endurance or sprint speed. Interestingly, faster females were less likely to enter a refuge than slower females, whereas sprint speed and the probability of taking refuge were unrelated for males. Our results suggest that when males and females are not obviously sexually dimorphic, they are more likely to overlap in escape tactics.8 page(s

A new ovoviviparous rat snake species of the genus Elaphe (Squamata: Colubridae) from western Sichuan, China

The genus Elaphe is a highly diverse snake group with wide distribution in Eurasia. Here, based on morphological comparisons and molecular data, we describe a new species of this genus from western Sichuan, China. Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood analyses of two mitochondrial DNA fragments (CO1 and 12S) showed that the new taxon differs from its congeners (CO1-based p-distance ≥ 4.1%). Morphologically and ecologically, the new species can be diagnosed from other species by a combination of the following characters: 1) medium body size, 2) midbody dorsal scales in 23 rows generally, not keeled; 3) ventrals 169–180 and subcaudal pairs 56–63; 4) first preocular docked with frontal; 5) internasal scales approximately trapezoidal; 6) length of gap between internasals more than 3/5 that between prefrontal; 7) length of tip of snout to frontal slightly larger than length of frontal; 8) ovoviviparous. Currently, the new species is known only from the Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces in China. This new species brings the total number of species in the genus Elaphe to 18

Gene expression variations in high-altitude adaptation: a case study of the Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans)

Abstract Background Genome-wide investigation of molecular mechanisms for high-altitude adaptation has attracted great attention in the last few years. In order to understand the contribution of gene expression level variations to high-altitude adaptation in Asiatic toads (Bufo gargarizans), we implemented a reciprocal transplant experiment between low- and high-altitude sites and sequenced 12 transcriptomes from brain, heart, and liver tissues. Results A large number of genes with expression differences (DEGs) between high- and low-altitude individuals (193 fixed and 844 plastic) were identified, and the majority of them were tissue specific. Heart displayed the largest number of DEGs, both plastic and fixed. Fixed DEGs were particularly concentrated in functions associated with muscle contraction, and the majority of them were down-regulated in high-altitude individuals. Plastic DEGs were highly concentrated in several energy metabolism related functional categories, and the majority of them were also down-regulated at high-altitude environments. In liver samples, genes associated with nutrient metabolism experienced a broad-scale expression down-regulation in high-altitude toads. Conclusions These broadly suppressed expression patterns at high altitudes are in strong contrast to those of endothermic homeotherms, suggesting poikilothermic vertebrates may have adopted different strategies at high altitudes. Our results strongly support that both genotypic specialization and phenotypic plasticity play crucial role in adaptation to high altitude for Asiatic toads. Poikilothermic vertebrates are among the most hypoxia-tolerant animals known, and many molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We hope that our results will provide useful directions for future research

Genetic Adaptations of an Island Pit-Viper to a Unique Sedentary Life with Extreme Seasonal Food Availability

The Shedao pit-viper (Gloydius shedaoensis) exhibits an extreme sedentary lifestyle. The island species exclusively feeds on migratory birds during migratory seasons and experiences prolonged hibernation and aestivation period each year (up to eight months). The sedentary strategy reduces energy expenditure, but may trigger a series of adverse effects and the snakes have likely evolved genetic modifications to alleviate these effects. To investigate the genetic adaptations, we sequenced and compared the transcriptomes of the Shedao pit-viper and its closest mainland relative, the black eyebrow pit-viper (G. intermedius). The Shedao pit-viper revealed a low rate of molecular evolution compared to its mainland relative, which is possibly associated with metabolic suppression. Signals of positive selection were detected in two genes related to antithrombin (SERPINC1) and muscle atrophy (AARS). Those genes exert significant functions in thrombosis, inhibiting oxidation and prolonged fasting. Convergent and parallel substitutions of amino acid with two other sedentary vertebrates, which often suggest adaptation, were found in a fatty acid beta-oxidation related gene (ACATA1) and a circadian link gene (KLF10), which regulate lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and glycolysis. Furthermore, a circadian clock gene (CRY2) exhibited two amino acid substitutions specific to the Shedao pit-viper and one variant was predicted to affect protein function. Modifications of these genes and their related functions may have contributed to the survival of this island snake species with a sedentary lifestyle and extreme seasonal food availability. Our study demonstrated several important clues for future research on physiological and other phenotypic adaptation

Female-female aggression functions in mate defence in an Asian agamid lizard

Female-female aggression and its functions are poorly understood compared with male-male aggression. Here, we examined the role of female-female aggression in mate defence in an Asian agamid lizard, Phrynocephalus vlangalii, in which male neighbours are valuable to females in both mating success and resource defence. We provided three social contexts by pairing a resident female with either a neighbour male, unfamiliar male or unfamiliar female, then introduced a tethered unknown female ( intruder). We carried out our experiments during and outside the mating season to test the links between female-female aggression and mate defence. The aggressive responses of resident females in these different social contexts were compared by quantifying variation in their territorial displays. Resident females were faster to display to the intruder in the presence of a neighbour male compared with both the unfamiliar male and female. We also found that female lizards signalled faster in the presence of the neighbour male than the other contexts, but only during the mating season. To separate the effects of familiarity from those of sex, we carried out a second experiment in which we paired a resident female with a neighbour male or neighbour female, before introducing a tethered unfamiliar female. In this experiment, resident females responded sooner to intruder females when paired with the neighbour male, although signalling speeds were equivalent. Taken together, our results suggest female-female aggression is used for both resource and mate defence, and so might be under direct selection. Our study highlights that female aggression more broadly requires further work. (C) 2017 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

A new species of Xenophrys (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from southern Tibet, China

A new species of Xenophrys is described from Yadong County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China based on morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI indicated that this new species represents an independent lineage and the minimum p-distance based on 16S rRNA between this species and its congeners is 4.4%. Additionally, the new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) small body size, SVL 17.9–22.2 mm in adult males and SVL 23.4 mm in the single adult female; (2) tympanum indistinct, supratympanic fold distinct; (3) canthus rostralis well-developed, snout tip far beyond the margin of the lower lip; (5) pupil vertical; (6) vomerine teeth present, maxillary teeth present; (7) tongue notched posteriorly; (8) supernumerary tubercles absent, subarticular, metacarpal and metatarsal tubercles indistinct; (9) relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III, finger tips rounded, slightly expanded relative to digit widths; (10) toes with narrow lateral fringes and tarsal folds; (11) a dark triangular marking with light edge between eyes, a dark “)(”-shaped marking, with light edge, present on center of dorsum, pectoral glands on sides of the breast

Rediscovery of Lycodon gammiei (Blanford, 1878) (Serpentes, Colubridae) in Xizang, China, with comments on its systematic position

Lycodon gammiei (Blanford, 1878), a rarely encountered species of Asian snake, is characterized by ambiguous systematics and biology. Based on a sole specimen of L. gammiei rediscovered in southeastern Xizang, China, we conduct a detailed morphological examination and description, and investigate the systematic position of this species. Morphologically, the newly collected specimen is closely aligned with specimens previously described. Mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenetic analyses reveal that L. gammiei constitutes an independent evolutionary lineage, forming a clade with L. fasciatus (Anderson, 1879), L. gongshan Vogel & Luo, 2011, L. butleri Boulenger, 1900, and L. cavernicolus Grismer, Quah, Anuar, Muin, Wood & Nor, 2014. The closest genetic distance between L. gammiei and its congeners was 10.2%. The discovery of L. gammiei in Medog County, China, signifies an eastward expansion of its known geographical distribution

Rediscovery of Lycodon gammiei (Blanford, 1878) (Serpentes, Colubridae) in Xizang, China, with comments on its systematic position

Lycodon gammiei (Blanford, 1878), a rarely encountered species of Asian snake, is characterized by ambiguous systematics and biology. Based on a sole specimen of L. gammiei rediscovered in southeastern Xizang, China, we conduct a detailed morphological examination and description, and investigate the systematic position of this species. Morphologically, the newly collected specimen is closely aligned with specimens previously described. Mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenetic analyses reveal that L. gammiei constitutes an independent evolutionary lineage, forming a clade with L. fasciatus (Anderson, 1879), L. gongshan Vogel & Luo, 2011, L. butleri Boulenger, 1900, and L. cavernicolus Grismer, Quah, Anuar, Muin, Wood & Nor, 2014. The closest genetic distance between L. gammiei and its congeners was 10.2%. The discovery of L. gammiei in Medog County, China, signifies an eastward expansion of its known geographical distribution