BIOGEOGRAPHY AND PATTERN VARIATION OF KINGSNAKES, LAMPROPELTIS GETULA, IN THE APALACHICOLA REGION OF FLORIDA

Morphology of kingsnakes, Lampropeltis getula, is described and analyzed in the Apalachicola region of the Florida panhandle. Populations inhabiting the eastern Apalachicola Lowlands, a distinct biotic province, are different from the surrounding populations in having fewer and wider light body crossbands, distinct ontogenetic interband lightening, unique ventral patterns, and the presence of non-banded (striped and patternless) individuals. We conclude that the name L. g. goini as well as the hypothesis that Apalachicola L. getula are relict populations of intergrades between L. g. getula and L. g. floridana are invalid. We believe the polymorphic eastern Apalachicola Lowlands populations are most closely related to L. g. getula, and evolved in isolation on a barrier island or the coastal strand of a peninsula during one of the many higher stands of sea in the Pleistocene

The Status of Two Species of Nonindigenous Lizards in Florida, the Slender Chameleon, \u3ci\u3eChamaeleo gracilis\u3c/i\u3e Hallowell 1842 and White-lined Chameleon, \u3ci\u3eFurcifer lateralis\u3c/i\u3e (Gray 1831): A Corrigendum.

Krysko et al. (2016) recently published a summary of all known verified introductions of nonindigenous amphib­ians and reptiles in Florida, USA. Herein, we correct the iden­tity tity of one species and include an additional new record of a nonindigenous chameleon in Florida. Krysko et al. (2016) reported the presence of a White-lined Chameleon, Furcifer lateralis (Gray 1831). In fact, this was a misidentified Slender Chameleon, Chamaeleo gracilis Hallowell 1842 (C. Anderson, pers. comm. 2016). Discussion and reference to F. lateralis in Krysko et al. (2016) and all associated data (UF voucher number, locality, collector, and collection date, including Table 1, page 118, its associated paragraph, page 128, and the caption to Figure 10, page 128) should be modified to reflect this voucher’s identity as C. gracilis. Chamaeleo gracilis is indigenous to a broad region of eastern and western-central sub-Saharan Africa (Spawls et al. 2004; Tilbury and Tolley 2009; Tilbury 2014; Tolley and Menegan 2014; Glaw 2015). On 10 December 2004, a single supposed C. gracilis was found on a road in Palm City, Martin County, Florida. This gravid female oviposited 22 eggs in captivity, leading Engeman et al. (2005) to sug­gest that this species might be established. However, neither voucher specimen nor photograph was ever presented to con­firm the presence of this species, and no additional C. gracilis have since been found in that area

Ontogenetic Behavioral Shifts in Habitat Utilization of Treefrogs (Hylidae) in North-central Florida

Natural history data through all stages of an animal’s life cycle are necessary for making sound management decisions, which are especially critical in Florida, where developmental pressure often comes at the cost of species and their habitats. Despite being locally abundant, relatively little was known about ontogenetic behavioral shifts in habitat utilization for many hylid treefrogs. In this study, we used polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to survey treefrogs in the localized, but habitat- and species-diverse University of Florida Natural Areas Teaching Lab (NATL) in north-central Florida. A variety of habitat variables were tested over multiple trapping seasons. We found that treefrog species were primarily limited by the presence of some water source or moisture, although some species were more tolerant of drier conditions than others. Ontogenetic shifts in habitat exploitation were detected only in limited instances, with juvenile Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) demonstrating a narrower niche than adults, and juvenile Squirrel Treefrogs (Hyla squirella) being most commonly captured during winter and spring. The non-native Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) ranked third in species detection, and its distribution was highly limited by both season and habitat type. With much to be learned about amphibian biology and natural history, efforts should be made to continue local studies such as this to enable conscious management and conservation decisions