Locomotion and morphological adaptations in the glass lizard Ophiodes cf. fragilis (Raddi, 1820) (Squamata: Anguidae).

There are few studies related to the biological and ecological aspects of the glass snake, a limbless lizard and with a wide geographic distribution. The aim of this study was to analyze the locomotion mode of specimens of Ophiodes cf. fragilis in different substrates and to investigate the morphological adaptations associated with this type of behavior.

Histological study and immunohistochemical location of cytoskeletal proteins in the ovaries of the three species of lizards of the family Leiosauridae (Reptilia: Squamata).

The aim of the study is to expand information on the histological aspect, presence, and distribution of cytoskeletal proteins: smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA), desmin and vimentin in ovaries of three lizards Leiosauridae. In all analysed species, the ovaries were paired organs, located inside the coelomic cavity, covered in a simple cubic epithelium. Below the surface was the tunica albuginea.

A new species of Aplectana Railliet Henry (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) br /in Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

In the present study, we described and illustrated Aplectana minaensis n. sp. (Ascaridida: Cosmocercidae) from the intestinal caecum of Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae).

A new species of Cruzia (Ascaridida; Kathlanidae) parasitizing Salvator merianae (Squamata, Teiidae) from the Atlantic forest in Brazil.

Cruzia lauroi sp. nov. is described from Salvator merianae (Duméril & Bibron, 1839) (Squamata; Teiidae).

Marine debris ingestion by sea turtles (Testudines) on the Brazilian coast: an underestimated threat?

Assessment of marine debris ingestion by sea turtles is important, especially to ensure their survival. From January to December 2011, 23 specimens of five species of sea turtles were found dead or dying after being rehabilitated, along the coast of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To detect the presence of marine debris in the digestive tract of these turtles, we conducted a postmortem examination from the esophagus until the distal portion of the large intestine for each specimen.

Marine debris ingestion by Chelonia mydas (Testudines: Cheloniidae) on the Brazilian coast.

Chelonia mydas is distributed in several regions of the world and they are common in coastal regions and around islands. Between August 2008 and July 2009, 20 specimens of C. mydas were found dead on the beaches of Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.