It's the little things that make the world go round

This post doesn't fall into any category for submission even though I will be referencing a literature piece and also kind of relating it to our class as a type of a life lesson/mascot. While I was searching for a literature piece and later attempting to decide on mascot, I was reminded of the old fable. The Tortoise and the Hare. As most of us were taught this story as a child, I'll just a quick overview of what occurs. One day the hare is making fun of a tortoise for being extremely slow and never reaching its destination, the tortoise wittingly replies that it does reach its destination sooner than you may think. This leads the tortoise to challenge the hare to a race and the hare accepts. The hare jumps out to a large lead and thinking it has won the race, decides to take a nap and wait for the tortoise to catch up, however the hare sleeps to long and wakes up right before the tortoise finishes and attempts to catch up, but fails and the tortoise wins. The obvious lesson here is that doing things quickly and carelessly does not always mean success, slow and steady can provide equally sufficient if not much better work. I felt this piece relates to our current global situation in slightly different but unique manner. We as a species have always been conquering lands, discovering new technological and medical concepts, and rushing around trying to outdo one another as if it were all not one united species. This pandemic rocked the world, causing panic and locking billions of people in their homes and forcing them to adjust to a new normal. We have always been in such a hurry to create the next big thing or set the next the trend that we rarely give ourselves time to breathe and focus on ourselves. These last few months we've been locked away and have discovered what we truly love and find most important. It has given us a new perspective on what makes us who we are and a lot of people realized how distanced they had become from what really made them happy or what made them go to work and spend all those hours not at home. Though this virus has caused us pain and loss, it has also been an awakening that we need to prioritize our loved ones, both friends and family, and not forget why we go through these struggles when things begin to return to normal. We are capable of anything but that doesn't mean we have to try to do it all by tomorrow. We must live in the now with the people who are apart of our present and not focus on what may lie ahead because that is out of our control. During this time try to find new hobbies or even reminisce on old ones you had lost time for during your busy lives. We will get through this just as the hare said "quicker than you think", just don't let that be where your mind focuses. I hope everyone is doing well and these words help some find peace and others find drive for the now. Thank you for reading and congratulations to all the 2020 graduates!

A tale as old as time though a slightly different beast

The most well known space that amphibians take up in our society is the frog prince story.  We all know the story of the handsome prince getting turned into a frog for having some major character flaw.  The only way he can break the spell is if he gets a princess to kiss him when he is at his ugliest.   I think the main reason a frog, in particular, is part of this story is because their life cycle is extremely well known.  Throughout a frogs life they metamorphose and transform into their different life stages.  Since frogs are involved in these natural transformations, it makes them a justifiable animal to go back and forth between being human, frog, and then human again.  Not to mention the symbolic character change the prince needs to go through in order to become his “true” self.  Unfortunately I do not think most people think of the transformative properties of frogs when they hear this fairytale.  What most people take away from this is that frogs are gross and slimy and undesirable.  Perhaps this is where peoples distaste for herps originated.  When kids are first exposed to amphibians and reptiles it is most likely some combination of finding them in a creek or garden or watching things about them on TV.  If the things on TV are all about them being these unwelcomed and unwanted creatures, that is going to be the image stuck in people’s minds about them.

https://www.fanpop.com/clubs/the-princess-and-the-frog/images/9917875/title/kiss-fanart

Hey everyone!  My post today will reflect upon the herp diversity I have seen in my backyard this year.  Since I moved in, I deliberately let the yard become overgrown (as the property borders wetlands) in the hopes of attracting insects and thus more herps!  Below are some of my favorite herps I have photographed so far.

Hyla squirella-Squirrel tree frog
The interesting part about identifying this little dude was that in the Peterson field guide, while the color is mentioned to be variable, it only states morphs of green and brown.  Upon further investigation I discovered that they can sometimes display shades of white or yellow.

Hyla cinerea-Green tree frog
The identification of this pair came easy due to the enormous size and large yellowish dots on their backs.  The Peterson field guide puts the average large size at 2.25 inches, the larger of the two was definitely close, if not a bit over that size.

Hyla chrysoscelis-Cope's gray tree frog

The identification of this dude had to be done with this one photo as he quickly escaped after the shot.  Due to the mottled irregular dark patches and coloring, I had my suspicions this was a Cope's gray.  The rough skin and white patches below the eyes supported this identification.

Anaxyrus quercicus-Oak toad

This was my most recent picture after the torrential downpour we just had!  Identified by the distinct black coloring and yellow mid dorsal line.

Anolis carolinensus-Green anole

The protruding dorsal crest on the male (left photo) was something I have only seen once since I have been watching the anoles scamper around.  Possibly due to mating season as I saw a pair a week ago?

Hemidactylus turcicus-Mediterranean gecko

The identification was made due to the pinkish, almost translucent coloring.  The toe pads were nearly the length of the digits as well.  This is the first non-native herp I have seen in my backyard.

 Opheodrys aestivus-Rough green snake
The identification was made due to the green coloring, white underbelly, and keeled scales.  This little buddy lives in a small tree by my door.

Thanks for reading!

Literature Review: Physiological benefits and latent effects of an algal-salamander symbiosis

The article I will be discussing, obviously going from the title of this post, is called "Physiological benefits and latent effects of an algal-salamander symbiosis". The goal of this article was to examine mutualistic relationship between the salamander Ambystoma maculatum and the algae Oophila amblystomatis. This relationship has involved in this manner because the salamander eggs are in need of an oxygen source during its larval stages. This species of algae grows within the egg, photosynthesizing and creating oxygen for the developing embryo while it feeds off of the "nitrogenous waste" that the embryo produces. It has already been proven that larvae with this species of algae present in its development grow larger and have a better rate of survival than those grown without, so the specific purpose of this experiment was to explore the scope of this difference as well effects on the their bodies after hatching.

In the experiment, eggs were exposed to various amounts of sunlight meant to stimulate the growth of the algae at different rates. Essentially, those receiving no sunlight did not grow algae and therefore did not benefit from the symbiotic relationship while this exposed for 24 hours a day experienced the greatest effect. Those exposed to the least amount of sunlight were the shortest of all thee treatments. There was also a difference in oxygen consumption between the three treatments as well, however this was not statistically significant. Another interesting find in this experiment was that, after hatching, those that were exposed to the 0 hour light conditions ended up with a lower wet mass than those reared under zero light and light for half of the day. Furthermore, they had lower metabolic rates, were smaller, and died quicker when food was withheld from them. This means that too much oxygen during larval stages negatively affects the salamanders after hatching. Those without the symbiotic relationship had a higher survival rate after hatching if they could survive the larval period. 

I think this type of work is interesting because it's not something we've seen in this this course. Symbiosis can take on all sorts of different conditions. It furthermore shows that too much of what would appear to be a good thing can have negative effects on the lives of these salamanders down the road. When faced with adversity early on, the young salamanders were able to fight back and thrive just as much as those with more of an advantage over them from the start. It shows a lot about the value of perseverance and pushing through difficulties. 

https://www-sciencedirect-com.nuncio.cofc.edu/science/article/pii/S1095643320300672

Small, Daniel P., and Cory D. Bishop. “Physiological Benefits and Latent Effects of an Algal-Salamander Symbiosis.” Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 19 Apr. 2020, p. 110715., doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110715.

A New Mascot?

Hey guys! So, when trying to pick a class mascot, I tried to keep in mind things what we've had the opportunity to see in person on field trips as well as in lab, and I've decided that our class mascot should be...

Our local Eastern Ribbon Snake!!! I chose this to be our class mascot not so much because of what it is, but because of what it's reminded me of personally. I know no one expected this virus to come and shake up our lives in the ways that it has, but I feel that we have all responded with strength, fighting to the end to make the best of the situation. We've all had to adjust to things that we may not have been comfortable doing,  and I know many of us have had the opportunity to learn a little bit about ourselves and how we react to unexpected situations. I was reminded my experience of this specific snake because it was the first snake I can recall holding by myself with utmost confidence. I've never been afraid of snakes per-say, but I've never held one by myself before like this. I felt kind of empowered doing so? I don't quite know where I'm going with this, but I hope the sentiment comes across? We've come all this way, and I hope we can take this strength and apply it to everything we do as we move on in life. Thanks guys for a great semester!!! I had a lot of fun and learned a lot, and I hope you all did too!

Alexa L.

Herpetology's New MASCOT

When you want a mascot for herpetology, do you want a wimpy, tiny Hyla Squirella? No, no, you want a big, mean, dragon! The Komodo Dragon is the best mascot for this class because he is simply the most superior reptile. From the lizard's large size, to it's fire breathing folk lore, this lizard knows what it means to be a mascot! :)

Varanus komodoensis is Such a charmer, yes?

Natural history: Eastern narrow-mouthed frog

Good morning! Found this little one in my backyard yesterday!

I was quickly able to identify it as an Easter Narrow-mouthed frog (Gastrophryne carolinensis) by the skin fold across the back of it's head. As you can see from the photos, this was a small (probably about 1 inch long) yet plump frog with short limbs and a pointed head. This species also lacks an external tympanum. In distinguishing between the Eastern and Western narrow mouthed frog, I looked at the ventral side pattern and color markings and its belly was strongly pigmented compared to how a Western narrow mouth frog would have little to no belly markings. Dorsally, you can see a dark brown back with two broad light stripes on either side.

The habitat of the Eastern Narrow-Mouthed frog is moist shaded areas, or they can be found near overturned logs. Right before I spotted him I was picking up a tarp that was on the ground next to our firewood pile and it was filled with water from prior rainfall, which probably set up the perfect hangout spot for this little one. In determining sex, the throat of males is always dark and the females is always light, so I believe this was a male. Their mating call is a nasal, sheep like bleating sound that lasts 1/2-4 seconds and is something we hear almost nightly around our home these days. This species has skin gland secretions that are distasteful to predators and an irritant to humans, but luckily I had no sort of reaction to handling him.

Natural history: Turtle-ing?

Hey guys! I don't know how your quarantine is going, but I am ready to lose my mind stuck at home. Homeschooling a child is no joke, but one hobby we have found to keep us both busy and out of the house a little bit is fishing. In my last natural history post I mentioned we were getting a minnow trap..what a dud..didn't catch a single herp. Anyways, I took my daughter fishing at the pond in our neighborhood a few days ago. My daughter had a piece of hot dog on as bait, casted, set the rod on the grass and ran off, cause that's what kids do. I look up and a huge turtle is on the end of her line so I grab it and start trying to bring it in, but it just took the hot dog and swam away as fast as possible. About 10 minutes go by I have a worm for bait and I think I have a big fish, but nope, another turtle! This one I managed to bring up to the grass and got a hold of it for some pictures.

Here is the adorable Yellow-Bellied Slider (Trachemys Scripta)

The carapace was pretty algae covered, but it was pretty distinguishable by it's yellow plastron with dark blotches on the underside edges. Additionally, you can see the yellow head blotches and narrow stripes on it's front legs. All the pictures of the rear side came out blurry, so unfortunately a cute turtle butt is not included in this post. You may be able to tell the large size of the turtle just by comparison to my hands holding it and let me tell you, it was pretty darn heavy too. It was very timid, as I assume most wild turtles are and he pretty much remained tucked away into his shell unless we stayed very still and then he seemed a little bit curious. As far as the gender goes, I'm not quite sure due to blurry tail end photos and inexperience, but nonetheless I was excited to see such a beautiful herp.

Side note: the hook never punctured the turtle's beak and it was happily returned into the pond

My daughter sent it off with a forget me not flower 

Article Review: Build It and Some Will Use It: A Test of Road Ecopassages for Eastern Gartersnakes

Hello! Hope you all are doing well.

I read an article in the Journal of Herpetology January 2020 issue regarding the testing of wildlife crossings with Eastern Gartersnakes. This article starts off by discussing the risk to wildlife of habitat fragmentation and complete destruction due to human behavior and how structures are being placed to mitigate disruption to the species present, such as ecopassages like tunnels and bridges. This study was an attempt to determine the likelyhood that a species, the Eastern Gartersnake specifically, would utilize an ecopassage. Gartersnakes were collected in Canada within 2km of an existing ecopassage. In trial A, snakes were given the option to stay in what they called the arena or cross the ecopassage. In trial B, the snakes from trial A that crossed the ecopassage were given the option to stay in the arena, cross the ecopassage, or exit to the left or right along the fence line. Trial C was the same set up as trial B, but with snakes that had not been a part of trial A or B.

Although their sample size was pretty small, you can see from the table in the article that the ecopassages seem to be successful for this species. They showed no difference between male and females decision making, nor did prior experience with the ecopassage play a role in which path the snake took. However, in the discussion of the article, they talk about how other research has been done on different species, such as Painted Turtles, where the ecopassage was not chosen the majority of the time. While this research is a good start, there are many variables left out, which are talked about in the discussion of the article, such as type of bridge (concrete versus natural foliage) and width of tunnels or bridges. Things of this nature are key aspects that may be an invitation or deterrent to cross ecopassages for different species.

Long term studies with a much greater sample size and species diversity would be most beneficial in determining the true benefits of ecopassages. Although it would be ideal to refrain from harming wildlife habitats altogether, research on the conservation efforts to minimize harm are crucial to the success of many species.


Full article:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338489784_Build_It_and_Some_Will_Use_It_A_Test_of_Road_Ecopassages_for_Eastern_Gartersnakes

Herps in Society and Culture: the Testudines and Tunes

The representation of reptiles and amphibians can often times seem negative and cold but some of my favorite myths and stories incorporate them either as bad omens or as protectors from evil forces. What I find really interesting is how the tortoises and turtles have been represented in the arts and music. One of the original myths I heard connecting the tortoise to music is from Homer’s” Hymn 4 to Hermes” in which the God Hermes is born and shortly after his birth stumbles upon a tortoise walking about at the mouth of his cave. Seeing the tortoise, Hermes praises and admires the testudines and speaks to all the power in warding off evil that tortoises can bring alive but that “if you die, then you shall make sweetest song.” And with that Hermes scoops up the tortoise and uses him to make the first Lyre which as soon as Hermes strummed the strings the heavens filled with the  songs of the gods as the sweet sounds emitted from the Shell were truly something to behold.  While a little brutal, this also gives testament to the high regard that these Testudines had in society of ancient Greece and other civilizations. There longevity and mysterious, calm, and seemingly tranquil nature made turtles and tortoises a focus of many artists, poets, philosophers and musicians. They are viewed as world builders in some cultures and as power protection against spells as their aquatic habitats led some cultures to believe they had connection to the underworld. But to bring things back to the music, there is a more modern depiction of how the folklore surrounding turtles and music that I’d like to bring up.          

 

             The band the Grateful Dead is known for their images of dancing bears but there is another animal that makes it appearance on much of the album artwork and other items. The terrapins playing music on the cover of their album Terrapin Station is just one of the many images associated with the band that depict a turtle playing an instrument. The meaning of the album is about enlightenment and how to get there. The album not uses the imagery of the terrapin but also incorporates the themes of longevity and tranquility associated with these animals. Since the album, the terrapin has appeared on much of the bands artwork and even so far as to have their bassist be the “turtle man” otherwise known as Oteil Burbridge often seen playing a green bass with shirts depicting geometry similar to the carapace of the animals.         

  

             I personally find the tranquility and peace associated with the longevity of turtles in mythology and art to be quite nice. I think that humans in ancient times saw these organisms who lived long lives and lived at what appears to be a slower pace as a model for what people should do when things got to hectic. The poets and sculptors also held these animals in high regard and the turtle and tortoise are still held in fairly high cultural standings.

Natural History: Alligator mississippiensis

 

The scientific Name for the American Alligator is Alligator mississippiensis. I went for a hike at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenl, SC when I stumbled upon several juveniles enjoying some sun. These were located near the edge of the rice fields where the woods lead into the swamp. They were identified as Alligators because of the rounded snout and all the teeth were inside the mouth when closed. The organisms also were black with yellow cross bands. I could not sex these individuals since I did not want to disturb them but what I presumed to be the mother was on the opposite bank munching on a rather large fish. I did get a video of these juveniles and they are below.

This whole experience was really fun for me because I had never seen so many alligators in one place. It was also my first time seeing juveniles out in their habitats being watched over by mom. One really cool thing I did notice is that there were larger juveniles across the river on the other bank further away, and the smaller ones were closer to the mother. This lead me to believe that the larger ones are closer to the size where their vocalizations no longer draw the mother's attention. Very cool experience and a great hike.

Article review : “Emergence of an evolutionary innovation: Gene expression differences associated with the transition between oviparity and viviparity”

I read “Emergence of an evolutionary innovation: Gene expression differences associated with the transition between oviparity and viviparity” for the primary literature review. The researcher’s question was to understand if the long egg retention of the three-toed skink Saiphos equalis was an “intermediate” phenotype between true oviparity and viviparity. The skink S. equalis has bimodal parity modes meaning there are two populations of S. equalis in Australia, one which births viviparous neonates in a clear membrane that is broken during or shortly after hatching. The other exhibits long egg retention with a short incubation period (3-5 days) before the hatchlings emerge and this phenotype is believed to illustrate how oviparity transitions to viviparity. The two populations are found in different locations with the viviparous populations being found in Mummel Gulf National Park, NSW, Australia, and the oviparous populations being found near the city of Sydney, Australia and there are no geographic barriers that would prevent gene flow. The gene expression in the uterine tissue was analyzed as the researchers hypothesized that differences in behavior, physiology, gestational tissue morphology or gene expression between the populations would be related to parity mode.

         The results indicated there were distinct gene expression profiles between oviparous and viviparous populations of Saphios equalis. The uterine gene expression between parity modes was significantly different yet and PCA delineated groups by both parity mode and stage in reproduction (gravid or nongravid). The genes uniquely expressed in gravid individuals are related to physiological functions such as metabolism, enzymes involved in uterine remodeling, and transport of ions. Different parity modes had differentially expressed genes in nongravid individuals related to metabolism. The genes found in viviparous S. equalis are similar to those found in the uterine remodeling of other viviparous skinks and mammals. The majority of differentially regulated genes related to immune function and this reflects the common need in both parity modes to avoid maternal rejection of the embryo during prolonged retention and development. The other main difference was genes related to calcium ion transport were significantly upregulated in viviparous individuals and this is consistent with prior studies that suggest that the eggshell of oviparous organisms supplies the embryo with calcium. The findings support the researcher’s hypothesis that the long egg retention of oviparous S. equalis more than likely is a transitional from between the parity modes of oviparity and viviparity.
Besides being really interesting these kinds of study can shed light on how viviparity evolves in certain organisms and is really important for evolutionary biologist. 
Authors: Charles S. P. Foster Michael B. Thompson James U. Van Dyke Matthew C. Brandley Camilla M. Whittington

Journal: Molecular Ecology Volume29, Issue7 April 2020 Pages 1315-1327
Citation:
Foster, CSP, Thompson, MB, Van Dyke, JU, Brandley, MC, Whittington, CM. Emergence of an evolutionary innovation: Gene expression differences associated with the transition between oviparity and viviparity. Mol Ecol. 2020; 29: 1315– 1327. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15409
Link:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.15409

Article Review: Disappearing Snakes and the Biodiversity Crisis

The article, Disappearing Snakes and the Biodiversity Crisis, published by Michigan State University and hosted by Science Daily, highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and the delicate balance of natural ecosystems. The article is based on a study that took place in El Cope, Panama where snake stocks plummeted after a fungal disease eliminated the local frog populations. With frogs being a dietary staple for the region's snakes, both groups have reached critically low numbers. This particular relationship is significant because it shows the cascading effect that the loss of one trophic level can have on an ecosystem. The article extrapolates this particular study to reference the world-wide decline in amphibians resulting from pollution, wetland destruction, and other human activities. It is crucial that we recognize how harming one population inevitably cripples the entire food web not only for frogs and snakes but for all other plants and animals that are being exploited or destroyed.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200213160126.htm

Natural History of the Eastern Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis

The scientific name of the eastern garter snake is Thamnophis sirtalis. I encountered this specimen at Driftwood Plantation in Awendaw, SC during a control burn. I found the snake in a disked fire-break which consisted of loose sand. I picked it up for the picture and it tried to burrow into my glove and coil itself up. After taking its picture I released it on the side of the disk line that wasn't being burnt. The snake is obviously a juvenile because it was only a couple inches long. I do not know its sex. 

The eastern garter snake is common throughout the US southeast and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. Below is a picture of a mature eastern garter included for reference that I did not take.

The Natural History of the Rough Green Snake, Opheodrys aestivus

The Natural History of the Rough Green Snake, Opheodrys aestivus

The scientific name of the rough green snake is Opheodrys aestivus. I encountered this specimen midday on Sandy Island, SC. The snake was climbing up a small bush beside a richfield when I pulled it off to take a picture. The snake was rather docile and climbed around my hands for a while before it got agitated and released a foul-smelling musk. After this, I released the snake and quickly washed my hands. Because of its length of about eighteen inches, I believe it to be a juvenile; adults can grow up to 32 inches. I did not determine the sex of the snake. I've always like green snakes because of their color and I can remember one being the first my dad gave me to hold when I was little.

The rough green snake is native to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast US. They prefer the edges of wetlands with overhanging vegetation so they can hunt. They are very arboreal snakes. 

The Natural History of the Black Racer, Coluber constrictor

The Natural History of the Black Racer, Coluber constrictor 

The scientific name of the black racer is Coluber constrictor. I encountered this specimen midday on Sandy Island, SC. It was basking on pine straw when I drove up to it; upon noticing me, it quickly dashed under a dead pine tree. When I tried to pull out an exposed part, the snake bit me but didn't latch on. After prodding it out with a stick, it tried to flee in another direction until I headed it off. At this point, it became aggressive and began striking at me. When it started to slither off again, I grabbed its tail for this photo. Having antagonized it enough, I released it unharmed. It is always fun to encounter racers because of their speed, size, and aggression. It is not uncommon for me to find them in both wetlands and timber alike.

This was certainly a mature racer, as indicated by its length of about five feet. I could not determine its sex. Black racers are native to the eastern US and can be found in almost every habitat. 

Natural History of the Eastern Hognose, Heterodon platirhinos

Natural History of the Eastern Hognose, Heterodon platirhinos

The scientific name of the Eastern hognose is Heterodon platirhinos. I encountered this specimen midday on Sandy Island, SC while it was basking on a sand road. It appears to be an adult because it looked to be about 2-3 feet in length and had a heavy body. I cannot say whether it is male or female. When I drove up to it, it slowly began to flee but then took a more coiled, defensive stance and puffed out its head and neck, as seen below. 

As the snake became more agitated, it released a foul-smelling musk, coiled around itself repeatedly and struck at me. Having bothered it enough, I let it be. This encounter was exciting to me as I have never seen a hognose in this area before. 

The Eastern hognose is native to the eastern half of the US and is usually found in areas with sandy soil. This is its preferred habitat because it is able to use its up-turned snout to burrow into the earth.

Although the snake is considered non-venomous to humans, it has an amphibian-specific venom that helps it consume its primary prey of frogs and toads. 

Natural History of the Canebrake Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus

                The latin species name for the canebrake (or timber rattlesnake, depending on where you are and if you’re a splitter) translates roughly to “dreadful.” Some say this is a reference to the snake’s venom, which is potent. In fact, the venom composition varies greatly by individual and population. While it was originally considered to be primarily hemotoxic, there is evidence that our southeastern populations have a primarily neurotoxic component. This evolution of neurotoxic venom in a crotalid is fascinating to me. Along with their interesting venom, canes are incredibly beautiful and always impressive to see in the wild. That is why they are one of my favorites to find while field herping.

                The canebrake rattlesnake can reach over 6ft in length and are a very heavy bodied snake. Their colors can range from pink or blue to completely black. The chevron pattern along the back is pretty good way to identify these snakes, along with that obvious rattle. They have a wide range across the eastern U.S., using habitat that varies from lowland swamp to high elevation mountains. The mountain populations tend to den together during the winter for hibernation. 

                Despite the fact that populations are in decline across all of their range, many states, including S.C., do not designate C. horridus as endangered or as a species of concern and there are no federal protections for this species. As habitat destruction and deforestation continue, the species will continue to decline in our state. 

                These pictures are a few of the canes I have found over the years here in S.C. They are incredibly variable and beautiful, and deserve protection. 

Information on venom: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5762023/

Species profile from SREL: https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/crohor.htm