Chapter 1, The Reptilian Spectacle - UWSpace - University of ...

% Transmission
% Transmittance
The spectacle scale transmittance spectra of hatchling and juvenile reticulated pythons (Python
reticulatus) are plotted in Figure 3-3. Although not very dissimilar in profile from the older specimens,
the hatchling shed does exhibit a slightly higher transmittance in the UV-A and an unusual “hump” at
approximately 320 nm. While not likely of visual relevance to the animal, it may be indicative of the
differences in its keratin composition (Chapter 4).
100
75
50
25
Figure 3-3. Spectacle scale
transmittance spectra of Python
reticulatus. Variations in
transmittance spectra may show age-
dependent Intraspecific variability.
The first shed post-hatch shows an
unusual “hump” in the transmittance
curve that may be indicative of its
different composition (discussed
further in Chapter 4).
Spectacle scale transmittance spectra of individual colubrid genera and species are plotted in
Fig. 3-4 (next page). All species of Pituophis (Fig 3-4A) show similar transmittance profiles. Greater
variation is apparent in the genus Elaphe (Fig 3-4B) with differences occurring within even the Elaphe
obsoleta complex. Masticophis flagellum (Fig 3-4C), the coachwhip snake, typically exhibits a very
sharp cutoff at around 350 nm, although in one specimen suffering from chronic anorexia the
transmittance spectrum extends further into the UV-A, possibly suggesting that overall health can
influence transmittance spectra. Variation is seen as well in the genus Lampropeltis (Fig 3-4D), in
which Lampropeltis alterna, the grey-banded kingsnake, exhibited the lowest λ50% among the colubrids
(min λ50% = 312 nm).
Spectacle Scale Spectral
Transmission - Reticulated Pythons
Python reticulatus, first shed
Python reticulatus, juvenile
0
200 300 400 500 600 700
Wavelength (nm)
61