Measurements On Near Term Corucia Fetus

LEEWAY CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (LCRC)

Courtesy of Polyphemos


MEASUREMENTS ON NEAR TERM CORUCIA FETUS



Brian L. Schnirel and Sherri Lee Jones
Leeway Corucia Research Center (LCRC)
Blenheim, South Carolina, 29516


Abstract:


Measurements on a stillborn Corucia fetus (Common Solomon

Monkey Skink - Corucia zebrata zebrata (underlined) were

undertaken to gain a perspective of development of this unique

and endangered Scincidae species.


Introduction:

Corucia zebrata (underlined), a large herbivorous

Scincidid lizard capable of viviparous matrotrophy, occasionally

produces miscarrages. The reason for these miscarrages could be

natural,for on the one hand, no one has properly researched

Corucia zebrata (underlined) in it's natural habitat. However,

many zoos, research institutions, and private individuals have

had 100% success rate with this species. If captive aspects of

possible miscarrage causes are to be addressed, the questions of

whether environmental or genetic factors play a role are a topic

for further research. Measurements on stillborn Corucia young

may, in some way, help address those questions or, at the

very least, give a perspective of the development process of

this livebearing species.


Research:

A near term stillborn fetus, with placenta and umbilical

cord intact, was studied and measured (Father - LCRC/Czz/31,

Mother - LCRC/Czz/34). This individual was near full term,

approximately age 6.5 -7 months out of a 7.5 month gestation

period.


Weight:

Umbilical Cord and Placental Sack (completely intact):

28.35 Grams


Fetal Weight (minus Umbilical Cord and Placental Sack):

48.19 Grams


Length Measurements:


SVL (Snout To Vent Length):

125 mm.

LOA (Length Overall):

255 mm.


Discussion:

The placental attachment, as indicated, shows a

substantional proportion of weight in the Corucia pregnancy

approximately 37% of total weight).

Corucia zebrata (underlined), in the latter stages of fetal

development, seems to indicate that this

species develops faster in growth in the tail region than in

the torso or SVL. Further measurements in this area with

stillborn young can strengthen this assessment. This is based

on an average of 39 newborn neonates (Schnirel-Jones, 2006).

Measurements are: SVL = 135 mm, LOA = 289 mm

Common Solomon Monkey Skink - Corucia zebrata zebrata

underlined). SVL = 170 mm, LOA = 370 mm ( North Solomon Monkey

Skink - Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti (underlined). Also, a

stillborn North solomon Monkey Skink - Corucia zebrata

alfredschmidti (underlined), also showed the shortened tail as

this was also a stillborn not at full development (Father -

LCRC/Cza/6, Mother - LCRC/CZA/3). The Common Solomon Monkey

Skink - Corucia zebrata zebrata (underlined), shows from the

data above, a 10 mm increase in the SVL and a 34 mm increase in

the LOA in the latter stages of pregnancy. This would seem to

indicate that the tail length accelerates quicker in growth

towards the end of the gestation period.


References:

Coburn, John; 1985. Prehensile tailed skinks.
T.F.H. Publications Inc.
Neptune City,New Jersey. 64
pages

DeVosjoli, Phillippe; 1993. The general care and
maintainence of prehensile
skinks. Advanced Vivarium
Systems Inc. Lakeside,
California, U.S.A. 57 pages.

Hausechild; Gabner; 1999. Corucia zebrata (underlined):
Der Wickleschwanz skink. Natur
and Tier, Munster, Germany 79
pages.

Jones, Sherri L.;
Schnirel, Brian L.; 2006. Subspecies comparison of the
Genus: Corucia. Polyphemos,
Volume 4, Issue 1, May,
Florence, South Carolina,
U.S.A. pp. 1-25.

Sincerely,
Brian L. Schnirel
LCRC

Brian,

(I had posted this question on the scientific journal forum, but maybe this is a better place to post it).

Do you know if there are any other placental reptiles? It appears that at least some members of the skink genus Niveoscincus are placental. Do you know of any others? Or are Corucia unique in this respect?

Also, do you know if/how the Corucia placenta differs from that of the Niveoscincus?

-- Celeste

Placental non-mammalian birth

Leeway Corucia Research Center (LCRC)

Hello Celeste,

Sorry for the length of time it's taken to get back to you. It's getting harder and harder to get to a computer.

To answer your question, in addition to lizards, snakes, amphibians and even some fish such as sharks give birth through a placenta. The difference is whether it is through viviparous lecithotrophy (placenta attached to the yolk of an internal egg) or vivparous matrotrophy (the placenta is attached directly to the mother). The latter more approaches a mammalian placenta. Some skinks have this feature. the Genus: Egernia is a prime example in addition to Corucia. To my knowledge, no skinks give birth by viviparous lecithotrophy.

I hope all is well with your Corucia as well as yourself.

Take care,

Sincerely,
Brian
LCRC