Colour pattern variation in populations of the European Whip snake, Hierophis viridiflavus: does geography explain everything?

Abstract Different colour patterns in European Whip snake, range from normal ("viridiflavus" pattern), to abundistic (dark pattern), to melanic-melanotic (black) patterns. Sexes are highly dimorphic, with more abundistic and melanotic-melanic males, than females. Colour patterns are also distributed in well defined areas of the species' distribution range. Normal colour is distributed in N Europe, N, NW and C Italy, while abundistic snakes are typical of Corsica and Sardinia, and melanic-melanotic snakes are very common or exclusive of NE, S Italy and Sicily. Proximal causes that may have driven the distribution of present colour patterns are linked to palaeogeographic events, even if fossil reconstruction of past colonization or a suitable phylogeographic hypothesis are not available.

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The frequency of body scarring in Caspian Whip Snakes (Dolichophis caspius Gmelin, 1789) in south-western Hungary

Herpetozoa ◽

10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35743 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 ◽

pp. 83-85 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Krisztián Frank ◽

György Dudás

Keyword(s):

Species Distribution ◽

Field Data ◽

Distribution Range ◽

Intraspecific Aggression ◽

Numerical Information ◽

Whip Snake

Animals can suffer injuries due to diseases, intraspecific aggression and, most of all, predation events. We present field data to provide numerical information about the injuries found in the largest Caspian Whip Snake (Dolichophiscaspius) population in Hungary, near the northernmost portion of the species’ distribution range.

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Phylogeography of the European Whip Snake, Hierophis viridiflavus (Colubridae), using mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequences

Amphibia-Reptilia ◽

10.1163/156853809788201126 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 283-289 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Stefano Scali ◽

Catarina Rato ◽

Miguel Carretero ◽

Augusto Gentilli ◽

Marco Zuffi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Sequences ◽

Nuclear Dna ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Wide Distribution ◽

Species Range ◽

Colour Pattern ◽

Island Populations ◽

Mtdna Lineages ◽

Colour Patterns ◽

Whip Snake

AbstractThe phylogeography of the colubrid snake Hierophis viridiflavus was estimated using ND4 mtDNA sequences and a fragment of the nuclear marker β-fibrinogen intron 7. This species has a wide distribution across the Mediterranean region, and is characterized by three distinct colour patterns (“viridiflavus”, abundistic, and melanic-melanotic) with a quite well defined geographic distribution. The “viridiflavus” pattern occurs in the northwestern and central areas of the species' range, the abundistic pattern is typical of the individuals from Corsica and Sardinia, and the melanic-melanotic coloration is present in northeastern and southern Italy, and Sicily. A total of 42 individuals from most of the species' range (including Pyrenees, central France, Italian Peninsula, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily) were analyzed. Results support the existence of two different mtDNA lineages, one from Spain, France, Corsica, Sardinia, and continental Italy mainly west of the Apennines, and another one occurring in the southern part of Italy and northeast of the Apennines, with a 4% genetic divergence between them. Since both mtDNA lineages are found in northwestern Italy, where the “viridiflavus” colour pattern is almost exclusively found, it is clear that colour pattern is not linked to the mtDNA clades. The same is evident for β-fibrinogen, which is not subdivided geographically in the way that the mtDNA lineages are. Regarding Corsica and Sardinia, the limited genetic differentiation of island populations from the western continental lineage, indicates that these populations are a result of a recent colonization in accordance with recent described phylogeographic patterns.

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Dog colour patterns explained by modular promoters of ancient canid origin

Nature Ecology & Evolution ◽

10.1038/s41559-021-01524-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Danika L. Bannasch ◽

Christopher B. Kaelin ◽

Anna Letko ◽

Robert Loechel ◽

Petra Hug ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colour Pattern ◽

Hair Cycle ◽

Temporal And Spatial Distribution ◽

Multiple Alleles ◽

Haplotype Combination ◽

Regulatory Modules ◽

Regulatory Module ◽

Temporal And Spatial ◽

Selection For ◽

Colour Patterns

AbstractDistinctive colour patterns in dogs are an integral component of canine diversity. Colour pattern differences are thought to have arisen from mutation and artificial selection during and after domestication from wolves but important gaps remain in understanding how these patterns evolved and are genetically controlled. In other mammals, variation at the ASIP gene controls both the temporal and spatial distribution of yellow and black pigments. Here, we identify independent regulatory modules for ventral and hair cycle ASIP expression, and we characterize their action and evolutionary origin. Structural variants define multiple alleles for each regulatory module and are combined in different ways to explain five distinctive dog colour patterns. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the haplotype combination for one of these patterns is shared with Arctic white wolves and that its hair cycle-specific module probably originated from an extinct canid that diverged from grey wolves more than 2 million years ago. Natural selection for a lighter coat during the Pleistocene provided the genetic framework for widespread colour variation in dogs and wolves.

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Molecular phylogeny of Clibanarius Dana, 1852 from the Indo-West Pacific: evolution of pereopod colour pattern and habitat adaptation

Crustaceana ◽

10.1163/15685403-00003910 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 92 (7) ◽

pp. 799-839 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Akihiro Yoshikawa ◽

Kazuho Ikeo ◽

Junichi Imoto ◽

Wachirah Jaingam ◽

Lily Surayya Eka Putri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Histone H3 ◽

Hermit Crabs ◽

Colour Pattern ◽

12S Rrna ◽

Habitat Adaptation ◽

Soft Sediments ◽

Mitochondrial 12S Rrna ◽

Nuclear Histone ◽

Colour Patterns ◽

Hard Substrates

Abstract Species of hermit crabs in the genus Clibanarius Dana, 1852 have adapted to various environments in the intertidal areas, including hard substrates and soft sediments. These species often bear a close morphological resemblance to each other, therefore, the colouration on the pereopods can be one of the reliable characteristics to distinguish the species. However, the evolutionary relationships among species with different colour patterns and relationships between colour patterns and habitat adaptation have not previously been investigated. Therefore, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships among 19 species of Clibanarius based on mitochondrial [12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I] and nuclear [histone H3] DNA markers. The results suggest that the striped and solid colour elements have evolved multiple times independently, with the ancestral colour pattern potentially being scattered, bright colour spots with a bright colour band. Our findings also suggest that evolutionary adaptation from hard substrates to mudflats and soft sediments may have occurred at least twice.

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Sexually dimorphic dorsal coloration in a jumping spider: testing a potential case of sex-specific mimicry

Royal Society Open Science ◽

10.1098/rsos.210308 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 210308

Author(s):

Collette Cook ◽

Erin C. Powell ◽

Kevin J. McGraw ◽

Lisa A. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Colour Pattern ◽

Sexually Dimorphic ◽

Sham Control ◽

Jumping Spider ◽

Negative Results ◽

Potential Case ◽

Opposite Sex ◽

Colour Patterns ◽

Hymenopteran Insects ◽

Predation Rates

To avoid predation, many animals mimic behaviours and/or coloration of dangerous prey. Here we examine potential sex-specific mimicry in the jumping spider Habronattus pyrrithrix . Previous work proposed that males' conspicuous dorsal coloration paired with characteristic leg-waving (i.e. false antennation) imperfectly mimics hymenopteran insects (e.g. wasps and bees), affording protection to males during mate-searching and courtship. By contrast, less active females are cryptic and display less leg-waving. Here we test the hypothesis that sexually dimorphic dorsal colour patterns in H. pyrrithrix are most effective when paired with sex-specific behaviours. We manipulated spider dorsal coloration with makeup to model the opposite sex and exposed them to a larger salticid predator ( Phidippus californicus ). We predicted that males painted like females should suffer higher predation rates than sham-control males. Likewise, females painted like males should suffer higher predation rates than sham-control females. Contrary to expectations, spiders with male-like coloration were attacked more than those with female-like coloration, regardless of their actual sex. Moreover, males were more likely to be captured, and were captured sooner, than females (regardless of colour pattern). With these unexpected negative results, we discuss alternative functional hypotheses for H. pyrrithrix colours, as well as the evolution of defensive coloration generally.

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Scrapie-resistant sheep show certain coat colour characteristics

Genetics Research ◽

10.1017/s0016672308009968 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 91 (1) ◽

pp. 39-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. M. SAWALHA ◽

L. BELL ◽

S. BROTHERSTONE ◽

I. WHITE ◽

A. J. WILSON ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Maximum Likelihood ◽

Linear Model ◽

Morphological Diversity ◽

Coat Colour ◽

Unintended Consequences ◽

Colour Pattern ◽

Reverse Pattern ◽

Colour Patterns ◽

Log Linear ◽

The Relationship

SummarySusceptibility to scrapie is known to be associated with polymorphisms at the prion protein (PrP) gene, and this association is the basis of current selective programmes implemented to control scrapie in many countries. However, these programmes might have unintended consequences for other traits that might be associated withPrPgenotype. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship betweenPrPgenotype and coat colour characteristics in two UK native sheep breeds valued for their distinctive coat colour patterns. Coat colour pattern, darkness and spotting andPrPgenotype records were available for 11 674 Badgerfaced Welsh Mountain and 2338 Shetland sheep. The data were analysed with a log–linear model using maximum likelihood. Results showed a strong significant association ofPrPgenotype with coat colour pattern in Badgerfaced Welsh Mountain and Shetland sheep and with the presence of white spotting in Shetland sheep. Animals with the ARR/ARR genotype (the most scrapie resistant) had higher odds of having a light dorsum and a dark abdomen than the reverse pattern. The implication of these associations is that selection to increase resistance to scrapie based only onPrPgenotype could result in change in morphological diversity and affect other associated traits such as fitness.

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Chara kirghisorum (Charales): lectotypification, first reliable record in Europe and update of species distribution in Russia

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.362.2.8 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 362 (2) ◽

pp. 220 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

ROMAN E. ROMANOV ◽

SHAMIL R. ABDULLIN

Keyword(s):

Species Distribution ◽

Distribution Range ◽

Orenburg Oblast

Charophytes are commonly easily recognizable plants irrespective of their size due to the recurrent combination of very similar parts within their thalli. A few species are outstanding due to their unusual whip-like appearance with regularly distributed small nodules on the stems formed with whorls of short and nearly rudimentary branchlets. The central and north-European Chara filiformis A. Braun in Hertzsch (1855: 81) and mainly Middle-Asian C. kirghisorum Lessing (1834: 212) are examples of this distinctive habit. The species differ essentially in gametangia arrangement as well as in their distribution range. Monoecious C. filiformis does not have reliable records east of Pskov Oblast of Russia (29° E), while dioecious C. kirghisorum is unknown west of Orenburg Oblast of Russia (58° E) (Hollerbach 1941; Hollerbach & Krassavina 1983; LE!, PSK!). Therefore, they may be recognized as vicariate species.

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Cautery-induced colour patterns in Precis coenia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Development ◽

10.1242/dev.86.1.191 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 86 (1) ◽

pp. 191-203

Author(s):

H. F. Nijhout

Keyword(s):

Computer Simulations ◽

Hind Wing ◽

Wing Surface ◽

Colour Pattern ◽

Physiological Conditions ◽

Classical Work ◽

Pattern Determination ◽

Colour Patterns ◽

Experimental Findings ◽

Precis Coenia

Cautery of the dorsal hind wing in the butterfly, Precis coenia, induces the formation of a concentric colour pattern around the site of injury. The induced pattern is identical in pigmentation to the eyespots that normally develop on this wing surface. This response to cautery also occurs, though much less dramatically, on the ventral forewing. In addition to the peculiar response to cautery, the dorsal hindwing of Precis also develops a series of unique pattern aberrations in response to coldshock. These consist of irregular elongation of the anterior eyespot along the proximodistal axis of the wing. In the most dramatic aberrations the eyespot field covers the entire anterior half of the wing surface. An analysis is presented that attempts to reconcile the effects of cautery on the Precis hindwing with the very different morphological effects of cautery on the colour pattern of Ephestia kühniella, described by Kühn & Von Engelhardt. Computer simulations reveal that the finding presented in this paper, as well as the classical work on Ephestia, can both be explained by assuming that the site of cautery becomes a sink for one of the morphogens involved in colour pattern determination. The experimental findings furthermore indicate that minor perturbations of the wing epidermis can evoke the physiological conditions that attend normal eyespot determination. It is shown that this interpretation also helps to explain the unusual pattern modifications following coldshock.

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The immature stages of the genus Trepobates Uhler (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae), with an identification key to instars and the description of the nymphs of T. taylori (Kirkaldy)

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.2733.1.1 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2733 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

SUSANA AMANDA KONOPKO ◽

SILVIA ANA MAZZUCCONI

Keyword(s):

Antennal Segment ◽

Identification Key ◽

Colour Pattern ◽

Immature Stages ◽

Viii And Ix ◽

Colour Patterns ◽

First Time

The egg and five instars of Trepobates are described based on examined material of T. taylori and published information of T. inermis, T. knighti, T. panamensis, T. pictus, T. subnitidus and T. trepidus. The characters most useful in identifying nymphs I– V of Trepobates are: the width of the head; the lengths of the antennae, femora 1–3, tibiae 2–3 and tarsus 2–3; the Y-shaped ecdysial line of the head; the colour patterns of the proand mesonotum; and the urosternites VIII and IX. A key to the five nymphal instars of Trepobates is provided. The five instars of T. taylori are described and illustrated for the first time, with emphasis on the morphometry and colour pattern of selected structures, and chaetotaxy of the antennae; the egg is figured and redescribed. The characters useful in identifying nymphs I–V of this species are: the colour pattern of the head; the chaetotaxy of the antennal segment I; the lengths of the antennal segment III and mesonotum; and the width of the pronotum. Differences between sexes in nymphs IV and V are presented.

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