Cutaneous Photoreception: A New Sensory Mechanism for Reptiles

Zimmerman, K.D.; Heatwole, Harold

doi:10.2307/1446454

Cited by 23 publications

(18 citation statements)

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“…In the neon tetra, changes in the spectral properties of the iridocytes may allow fish to appear conspicuous during the day and cryptic at night (Lythgoe and Shand, 1982). Light detection by photoreceptors present in particularly vulnerable body parts, such as the tails of sea snakes, may aid their ability to detect dark crevices to remain concealed from predators (Zimmerman and Heatwole, 1990). Whichever behaviors are exhibited, individual chromatophores may function and sense light independently, or operate in conjunction with nearby receptors to provide regionalized light detection, thereby providing supplementary information to that received by the retina (Kingston et al, 2015b).…”

Section: Functions Of Non-visual Light Detection By the Skinmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Biological Mechanisms and Behavioral Functions of Opsin-Based Light Detection by the Skin

Kelley

Davies

2016

Front. Ecol. Evol.

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Light detection not only forms the basis of vision (via visual retinal photoreceptors), but can also occur in other parts of the body, including many non-rod/non-cone ocular cells, the pineal complex, the deep brain, and the skin. Indeed, many of the photopigments (an opsin linked to a light-sensitive 11-cis retinal chromophore) that mediate color vision in the eyes of vertebrates are also present in the skin of animals such as reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans and fishes (with related photoreceptive molecules present in cephalopods), providing a localized mechanism for light detection across the surface of the body. This form of non-visual photosensitivity may be particularly important for animals that can change their coloration by altering the dispersion of pigments within the chromatophores (pigment containing cells) of the skin. Thus, skin coloration may be directly color matched or "tuned" to both the luminance and spectral properties of the local background environment, thereby facilitating behavioral functions such as camouflage, thermoregulation, and social signaling. This review examines the diversity and sensitivity of opsin-based photopigments present in the skin and considers their putative functional roles in mediating animal behavior. Furthermore, it discusses the potential underlying biochemical and molecular pathways that link shifts in environmental light to both photopigment expression and chromatophore photoresponses. Although photoreception that occurs independently of image formation remains poorly understood, this review highlights the important role of non-visual light detection in facilitating the multiple functions of animal coloration.

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Section: Functions Of Non-visual Light Detection By the Skinmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Biological Mechanisms and Behavioral Functions of Opsin-Based Light Detection by the Skin

Kelley

Davies

2016

Front. Ecol. Evol.

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“…Zimmerman and Heatwole 32 determined that the tail has a phenomenon of photoreceptivity 32 however the exact mechanism of this photoreceptivity is not yet…”

Section: Sensory Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It appears that light detection by the tail assists the snake in determining if the entire length of its body is hidden from potential predators 32 . The phenomenon of photoreceptivity is not unique to sea snakes, and other aquatic species such as gastropods 33 are known to have cutaneous photoreceptors for similar reasons.…”

Section: Sensory Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These most notably include a paddle shaped tail, valve-like nostrils, circular pupils, a sublingual salt gland, viviparous reproduction, a laterally compressed body, greatly reduced ventral scales and skin capable of transcutaneous exchange of gas (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and water as well as photoreception 32,167 . The heart in sea snakes is located more caudally than their terrestrial counterparts with the head-heart distance estimated to be 23 -42% of total body length (compared with 15 -23% in terrestrial snakes) 39 .…”

Section: Species-specific Differencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Photoreceptors have been identified on the tip and dorsal surface of the tail of sea snakes and are thought to assist with avoidance of predators and concealment 15,32 . Damage to these areas or coverage by these epibiota could result in increased risk of injury or predation.…”

Section: Examination Of the Head Vent And Tailmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An investigation into the stranding of Australian sea snakes

Gillett¹

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Strandings of marine animals are a regular occurrence both on Australian and international beaches and provide an opportunity for gathering data on the anatomy, health, and ecology of many oceandwelling species that might be unattainable otherwise. Analysis of stranding data has revealed many important diseases, anthropogenic injuries (primarily as a result of commercial or recreational fishing and boating) and other potential threats in a number of marine species. As such, stranding information is important to include when evaluating the conservation status of marine species whilst developing processes to mitigate declines. Stranding analyses and scientific reports are readily available for a range of marine species, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, dugong and marine turtles, but have not been previously undertaken in sea snakes.True sea snakes (subfamily Hydrophiinae: Hydrophiini) spend their entire life in the marine environment, as opposed to their amphibious counterparts the sea kraits (genus Laticauda). Sea snake species inhabiting Australia's waters are almost exclusively Hydrophiinae, yet are regularly found beach-washed on Australia's coastline, particularly in Queensland. As such, stranded sea snakes in Australia are likely ill or injured individuals. Despite frequent sea snake strandings, demonstrated population declines in some species and recognition that sea snakes are likely to be bio-indicators of the health of the marine ecosystem, an epidemiological investigation of sea snake strandings has not been conducted.The main objective of this thesis was to help address gaps in the literature about sea snake health, disease and stranding events, with particular focus in south east Queensland, where stranding reports occur most frequently. A comprehensive analysis of information from multiple stranding databases was undertaken to assess: (i) species occurrence, (ii) the cause of strandings (where known), (iii) sex predisposition (where identified), (iv) biometrics, (v) stranding locations, and (vi) times of year when strandings occur. This information was from stranding reports, and was collated to provide a comprehensive assessment of reported sea snake stranding events in Queensland, identifying key 'hot-spots' for stranding observations, seasonal occurrence of strandings, and factors that are likely to influence stranding events. Abnormally high numbers of stranded animals were reported in 1996 and 2009 and this appeared to coincide with times of higher than average rainfall, as well as increased onshore winds and wind speed (Chapter 2).To address the paucity of information in the literature about normal clinical health parameters for sea snakes an antemortem assessment guide was developed, detailing procedures for the clinical ii assessment and diagnostic investigation of sea snakes by veterinarians and researchers (Chapter 3).In addition, the first comprehensive set of haematological and biochemical reference ranges for three species of Australian sea snakes were developed from blood collect...

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Physiology and Functional Anatomy

Lillywhite

2023

Health and Welfare of Captive Reptiles

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Cutaneous Photoreception: A New Sensory Mechanism for Reptiles

Cited by 23 publications

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The Biological Mechanisms and Behavioral Functions of Opsin-Based Light Detection by the Skin

The Biological Mechanisms and Behavioral Functions of Opsin-Based Light Detection by the Skin

An investigation into the stranding of Australian sea snakes

Physiology and Functional Anatomy

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