Henrique Braz
Herpetology • Natural History • Evolution • Scientific Editing
Publications
Feel free to contact me for pdf copies
Invited chapter in "Islands and Snakes. Diversity and Conservation", [Lillywhite H, Martins M (eds.)], Accepted
Kasperoviczus KN, Braz HB, Amorim LGS, Almeida-Santos SM
Accepted. More soon!
The Origin and Early Evolution of Snakes, [Gower D, Zaher H (eds.)], Cambridge University Press: Cambridge
Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM
In this chapter, we summarize the literature on the anatomy of female sperm storage (FSS) and reconstruct the evolution of sperm-storage location in squamate reptiles. Our major aim is to provide insights into the evolution of FSS in squamates, with a particular focus on the origin and early evolution of snakes. Various lizard lineages store sperm exclusively in crypts or tubules in the posterior oviduct. Most ‘basal’ lizards (gekkotans) and all ‘basal’ snakes (scolecophidians) studied thus far store sperm in tubules in the anterior oviduct. A few gekkotans and most alethniophidian snake studied store (or potentially store) sperm in both oviductal regions. Some snakes apparently have evolved morphological adaptations to hold sperm in the posterior oviduct. Based on ancestral state reconstructions, we elaborate a scenario for the evolution of FSS in snakes.
South American Journal of Herpetology, vol. 23, N. 1, pp. 67-74, 2022
*Marinho PS, Ortega-Chinchilla JE, Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM
*mentored student
We tested whether pregnancy influences body temperature in the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus). We found that pregnant rattlesnakes averaged higher body temperatures than nonpregnant ones. We also found that female rattlesnakes showed higher body temperatures in summer than in other seasons; however, reproductive status did not
influence body temperature variance. Our results agree with the hypothesis that females change their thermoregulatory behavior during pregnancy.
Herpetological Journal, vol. 32, n. 2, pp. 70-79, 2022
Khouri RS, Fiorillo BF, Braz HB, Maciel JH, Almeida-Santos SM, Martins M
This paper describes reproductive anatomy, female reproductive cycle, potential clutch size, seasonal activity, and sexual dimorphism of a population of the Amaral’s blind snake in southeastern Brazil. Females grow larger than males. Male testes are spermiogenic in early spring, when the sexual segment of the kidney is hypertrophied, and the ductus deferentia are packed with sperm. Mating likely occurs in spring and is therefore synchronous with spermiogenesis, which is considered the ancestral state of Squamata. After mating in spring, females may store sperm in their reproductive tract until late spring and early summer, when they ovulate and lay 3-5 eggs.
Canadian Journal of Zoology, vol. 100, n. 3, pp. 239-242, 2022
Fonseca WL, Correa RR, Oliveira AS, Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM, Bernarde PS
This paper describes the first record of male–male combat in free-ranging Amazonian Common Lanceheads
(Bothrops atrox) and discusses the implications of this observation for the species mating system. During fieldwork, we found one immature female and five active adult males, two of them fighting. These observations suggest that reproductive male B. atrox actively search and compete for widely dispersed and scarce receptive females.
Zoology, vol. 142, p. 125816, 2020.
Silva KMP, Braz HB, Kasperoviczus KN, Marques OAV, Almeida-Santos SM
Bothrops jararacussu shares several reproductive traits with its congeners (e.g., obligatory female sperm storage). However, we found that this species exhibits some unique characteristics, such as one of the highest female-biased sexual size dimorphism in snakes and one of the largest litter size in the genus, which we interpret as the result of a strong selection for increased fecundity. Another peculiarity found in this species is the prolonged activity of the sexual segment of the kidney, which suggests that males prolong their potential to mate.
Herpetological Review 51(4), p. 880, 2020
Braz HB, Scartozzoni RR
We provide information on reproductive timing, litter size, relative litter mass, and offspring morphology of T. strigatus from southeastern Brazil.
Herpetological Review 51(4), p. 866-867, 2020
Braz HB
I provide the first information on a food item of Helicops gomesi. I also provide reproductive information, which along with literature data suggest that female H. gomesi reproduce in wet/warm seasons.
Herpetological Review 51(2), p. 334-335, 2020
*Migliore SN, Mendes A, Braz HB
*supervised student
We report on a natural nest site that suggests that female Placosoma glabellum lay eggs in communal nests.
Herpetological Review 51(2), p. 331-332, 2020
*Migliore SN, Braz HB
*supervised student
We provide the first record of egg-laying and relative clutch mass of E. gaudichaudii and evidence that female reproductive season is longer than previously shown.
Herpetological Review 51(1), p. 133-134, 2020
*Migliore SN, Braz HB, Gasparotto VP, Dias R, Almeida-Santos SM
*co-supervised student
We provide the first evidence that the Noronha skink (an endemic lizard to the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago) is oviparous, laying shelled eggs with partially developed embryos.
South American Journal of Herpetology, 14(Special Issue, 1), p. 1–274, 2019
Nogueira CC, Argôlo AJS, Arzamendia V, Azevedo JA, Barbo FE, Bérnils RS, Bolochio BE, Borges-Martins M, Brasil-Godinho M, Braz HB, Buononato M, Cisneros-Heredia DF, Colli GR, Costa HC, Franco FL, Giraudo A, Gonzalez RC, Guedes T, Hoogmoed MS, Marques OAV, Montingelli GG, Passos P, Prudente ALC, Rivas GA, Sanchez PM, Serrano FC, Silva Jr. NJ, Strüssmann C, Vieira-Alencar JPS, Zaher H, Sawaya RJ, Martins M
We present the first comprehensive collection of detailed, voucher-based, point-locality, range maps for all 412 described and documented Brazilian snake species, with the major aim of mitigating the Wallacean shortfall and as a contribution towards a better understanding of this rich, threatened, and poorly studied megadiverse fauna. We provide a verified point-locality database of 163,498 entries and 75,681 unique records. Our results reveal previously undocumented patterns of distribution, sampling effort, richness, and endemism levels, resulting in a more objective view of snake diversity in the Neotropics.
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 13(1): 122–142 (e173).
von May R, Albuquerque NR, Braz HB, Santa-Cruz R, Biggi E, Tomasinelli F, Rabosky DL
We provide an updated map and a list of individual geo-referenced records for the three Hydrops species based on the review of the literature, museum specimens, and publicly available biodiversity databases.
Herpetological Review 50(2): p. 395, 2019
Braz HB
I provide information on egg size, egg mass, relative clutch mass, and embryonic stage at oviposition of M. corallinus.
South American Journal of Herpetology 14(1) : p. 37-47, 2019
Braz HB, Kasperoviczus KN, Guedes TB.
We present information on the reproductive biology of Apostolepis gaboi based on macroscopic and microscopic data obtained from the examination of all specimens preserved in Brazilian museums. Specifically, we addressed sexual maturity, sexual dimorphism, clutch size, timing of gametogenesis, activity of the sexual, and female sperm storage. Moreover, we argue that some of the intrinsic reproductive traits of the species may increase its vulnerability to extinction, raising additional concerns to its conservation.
Global Ecology and Biogeography 27(1): P. 14–21, 2018
Guedes TB, Sawaya RJ, Zizka A, Laffan S, Faurby S, Pyron RA, Bérnils RS, Jansen M, Passos P, Prudente ALC, Cisneros-Heredia DF, Braz HB, Nogueira CC, Antonelli A
We generated a novel database of Neotropical snakes combining the most comprehensive, manually compiled distribution dataset with publicly available data. The biodiversity metrics of Neotropical snakes reflect patterns previously documented for other vertebrates, suggesting that similar factors may determine the diversity of both ectothermic and endothermic animals. We suggest conservation strategies for high-diversity areas and sampling efforts be directed towards mazonia and poorly known species.
Journal of Experimental Zoology (Molecular and Developmental Evolution) 330(3): P. 165–180, 2018
Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM, Murphy CR, Thompson MB
We compared the uterine and eggshell structure among oviparous and viviparous water snakes (Helicops) using phylogenetic methods to test the hypotheses that the evolution of viviparity requires eggshell thinning (to form placentae) and that eggshell thinning results from the reduced activity of uterine glands. We found that eggshell thinning occurred independently in all origins of viviparity in Helicops and that uterine glands reach smaller sizes in viviparous forms, thus supporting our working hypothesis.
The Anatomical Record 301(11): P. 1936–1943, 2018
*Bassi EA, de Oliveira C, Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM
*mentored student
We test the hypothesis of extrauterine migration of eggs using the coral snake Micrurus corallinus as a model. Our results show that egg capture by the contralateral oviduct is anatomically infeasible in M. corallinus and possibly other snakes.
Acta Herpetologica 12(2): P. 187–191, 2017
*Migliore SN, Braz HB, Barreto-Lima AF, Almeida-Santos SM
*co-supervised student
Here, we combine information obtained from preserved and live specimens to describe the reproductive timing (vitellogenesis, gravidity, and egg-laying) and fecundity (clutch size, egg size, and relative clutch mass) in females of E. perditus.
Zoologischer Anzeiger 263(7): P. 33–44, 2016
Braz HB, Scartozzoni RR, Almeida-Santos SM
We identify the reproductive modes of the Hydropsini species by combining original data taken from both museum and live specimens with a critical review of the published literature. The genus Hydrops and Pseudoeryx plicatilis are oviparous. Reproductive mode varies in the genus Helicops; most species are viviparous, and a few are oviparous. One species (Helicops angulatus) exhibits both oviparous and viviparous populations. Oviparity is plesiomorphic in Hydropsini and the bimodal genus Helicops. Viviparity has evolved independently at least three times in Helicops.
Salamandra 52(2): P. 211–214, 2016
Braz HB, Marques OAV
Ophiophagous snake species (i.e., snake-eating species) usually ingest their prey head-first. However, ophiophagous snakes of the genus Erythrolamprus usually swallow their prey tail first. This behavior is hypothesized to result from the combination of bite weakening by the predator and the forward force exerted by the prey in a quest to escape. We tested this hypothesis by offering motionless (dead) prey to E. aesculapii and comparing the frequency of head-first versus tail-first ingestion. Our results do not support this hypothesis. We found that even when handling motionless prey, E. aesculapii individuals continued to search for the posterior end of the prey and ingest them tail first. An alternative hypothesis is proposed.
Herpetological Review 46(3), P. 443, 2015
Braz HB, Heredias-Ribas CM, do Valle RR
Herein, we present the first reproductive information (reproductive mode, clutch size, egg size, and reproductive timing) for Apotolepis dimidiata.
Herpetology Notes 7, P. 273-276, 2014
*Migliore SN, Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM
*supervised student
Herein, we provide information on the timing of egg-laying, fecundity, and offspring size of Enyalius iheringii and a copulation attempt in E. perditus. We also summarized the reproductive information available for both species.
Herpetological Journal 24(1), P. 49-57, 2014
Braz HB, Kasperoviczus KN, Almeida-Santos SM
Herein, we provide information on the timing of egg-laying, fecundity, and offspring size of Enyalius iheringii and a copulation attempt in E. perditus. We also summarized the reproductive information available for both species.
Herpetologia Brasileira 3(1), P. 14-24, 2014
Almeida-Santos SM, Braz HB, Santos LC, Sueiro LR, Barros VA, Rojas CA, Kasperoviczus KN
We aimed to draw attention to the need to more critically assess the way data on snake reproduction are collected, examined, and interpreted, as well as to provide recommendations to help improve the quality of the work produced. We addressed the most common topics in studies on snake reproduction, as follows: (1) anatomy of the reproductive tract, (2) reproductive cycles, (3) fecundity (clutch size, relative clutch mass, and production of multiple clutches), (4) and sexual dimorphism.
‡ In Portuguese
South American Journal of Herpetology, 7(3): P. 252-258, 2012
*Torello-Viera NF, Araújo DP, Braz HB
*supervised student
We characterized annual and daily activity patterns of Dipsas bucephala based on data collected by the Instituto Butantan (São Paulo, Brazil) over a 21-year period and individuals continuously video-monitored in the laboratory. Dipsas bucephala is nocturnal, with activity peaking between 7PM and 2AM, and is more active in summer (second half of the rainy and warm season).
The Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases, 18(2): P. 164-172, 2012
Braz HB, Rocha MMT, Furtado MFD
This study evaluates the mortality and mean survival rates of female Philodryas olfersii and P. patagoniensis kept in captivity for venom production. We asked two questions: (1) Does the mean in captivity differ depending on the season the snakes are collected? (2) Do captive survival rates depend on snake fat reserves at admission? We expected to gather information to help develop effective husbandry practices that ensure snake welfare.
Herpetology Notes, vol. 4: 187-189, 2011
Braz HB, Manço DG
We describe the microhabitat, nesting areas, nest types, and nest use of the false-coral snake Oxyrhopus guibei. We also summarized the available information on nest sites in Oxyrhopus. Female Oxyrhopus seem to (1) nest in open areas (clearing or forest edges), (2) rely on pre-existing sites for egg-laying, and (3) lay eggs in solitary nests.
Herpetology Notes, vol. 2: 163-164, 2009
Braz HB, Araujo CO, Almeida-Santos SM
We present the first reproductive information for this endemic species to the Cerrado. We provide data on oviposition, clutch size, egg size, relative clutch mass, incubation period, and hatchling size.
Herpetological Bulletin, vol. 106: 26-30, 2008
Braz HB, Franco FL, Almeida-Santos SM
We describe three nest sites, nesting areas, and nest use of Sibynomorphus mikanii. Females of this species lay eggs in (1) communal nests and (2) in pre-existing sites in forest clearings or forest edges.
Herpetological Bulletin, vol. 106: 36-38, 2008
Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM
We present data on the timing of egg-laying, clutch size, egg size, relative clutch mass, incubation duration, and offspring size.
Herpetological Bulletin, vol. 97: 36-38, 2006
Braz HB, Almeida-Santos SM
This note reports an incident of cannibalism involving two siblings of Liophis miliaris from a clutch hatched in captivity.
