Distribution and hybridisation of barred and common grass snakes (Natrix helvetica, N. natrix) in Baden-Württemberg, South-western Germany

Morphological and Histochemical Studies of the Chromatoid Body in the Grass-snake, Natrix natrix By BHUPINDER N. SUD

The chromatoid body in the spermatogenesis of the grass-snake, Natrix natrix, has been studied by the use of phase-contrast microscopy, vital dyes, and histochemical tests. It first appears during the growth of the primary spermatocyte and is also seen in the secondary spermatocyte and late spermatid, but is absent at metaphases of both the maturation divisions, in the early spermatid, and duri...

Nesting ecology of the grass snake (Natrix natrix) and its implications for conservation

A glitch in the Natrix: cryptic presence of alien grass snakes in Switzerland

The difficulty to detect invasive species depends of numerous factors, such as morphological similarities with local taxa (Dubey et al., 2014), low densities (Fitzpatrick et al., 2009), cryptic behaviours (Mazzotti et al., 2015), or remote distribution ranges (Lass et al., 2002). In some circumstances, alien taxa hybridize with local ones resulting in individuals with intermediate phenotypes. T...

Study of Blood Parasites of the Three Snake Species in Iran: Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata and Zamenis longissimus (Colubridae)

Infections with blood parasites are common phenomenon in reptiles from all over the world. Apicomplexan are the majority of blood parasites that frequently occur with high levels of parasitaemia in the snakes. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of blood parasites in some snakes Guilan province in the North of Iran. A total of 51 specimens of three snake species were captured in...

Salmonella typhimurium in Natrix natrix: detection and identification by culture and multiplex PCR methods

A water snake (Natrix natrix) was referred to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. It had two subcutaneous masses. Radiographic and ultrasonographic images revealed the presence of two subcutaneous abscesses. The abscesses were removed surgically and specimens were examined by conventional microbial culture and multiplex PCR. Inv-A universal ...