Scleral clarification in Corucia

Leeway Corucia Research Center (LCRC)


Abstract:

Since the Publication of the Scientific paper: Subspecies Comparison of the Genus Corucia: There has been a great deal of forum chatter and confusion on Scleral identification in the two subspecies of Corucia. One interesting comment from people who have noticed the difference is that the North Solomon Subspecies C.Z. alfredschmidti, looks with it's dark sclera like it's wearing black eyeliner. A clarification of Corucia scleral color of each subspecies and aspects of genetic reversals are discussed here.

Forward:

Sometimes, Sherri and I (Sherri even more so) feel it was almost a mistake to submit general public access to the information on differentiating Corucia. Providing knowledge for the benefit of all was hoped in properly pairing captive Corucia for captive breeding and conducted along the lines of a SSP - Species Survival Plan direction. Unfortunately, Writing Subspecies comparison of the Genus: Corucia has opened a Pandora's box with the general public that is keeping this species acquired from the pet trade. In addition to some confusion from some individuals that cannot grasp certain concepts, many people have taken advantage of the situation and the CITES ban on Corucia to try to make money off of Corucia and strip babies from their parents in the Corucia circulus far too early. There has been talk of creating hybrids of the two subspecies. This is 'not doing right by Corucia' considering their endangered wild status - not to mention the potential genetic problems ( case in point genetic disasters in Ligers and Tigons). In addition, the North Solomon monkey skink- Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti -underlined (Cza) has become an item to be coveted. Everyone asks Is my Corucia a Cza? .. How many Cza's do you have. So and so has Corucia for sale but has only Czz's for sale - no Cza's, etc. Individuals has professed ludicrous statements that they have only the very few Cza in all the captive world and other nonsense. Indeed, this is unfortunate in that the main archipelago monkey skink Corucia zebrata zebrata - underlined (czz) has suffered greatly and been neglected as a result. It is a shame, really, in that I feel Czz Is very special subspecies and has much to offer. It is the main ancestral stock of the genus: Corucia and has much more variation in form and color to study from. Enough said.

Keywords: sclera, corucia, scientific classification, relictual trait

Introduction:

Classifications set by Homo sapiens are relative things in many cases. We, as humans, like to classify things and draw nice neat dividing lines. Often things are not so clear cut. Seymouria , for instance, A Permian fossil animal now believed to be an amphibian but just bearly over the fence. It contains many features in it's anatomy that is both reptilian and amphibian. It appears to have been able to lay hard shelled eggs on land which would be classified as a reptile but also appears to have a lateral line system which would make it an amphibian. a definite head scratcher. Montremes such as the Platypus and Echidna have a reptilian shoulder structure and other therapsid reptile features and lay eggs but produce milk and suckle young. In addition they have a pouch for the young. These qualities are considered mammalian traits. Are they an advanced Therapsid mammal-like reptile or a primitive mammal? ; Another question mark on the page. Although I personally tend to favor the montremes as the last of the Therapsid reptiles .Highly specialized..but Therapsids just the same.

Feature notes:

There are many aspects that differentiate Cza from Czz.

In the case of Scleral color, in the literature the differences are described :


Corucia zebrata alfredschmiti - underlined having a black sclera

Corucia zebrata zebrata -underlined having a white sclera.

Discussion:

In general the above is correct. However, as mentioned in the introduction, things are not always so absolute. Some Cza's have very dark brown sclera's whereas Czz sometimes will have a light brown sclera. But there is in all cases, a clear distinction of the two.

One interesting individual was a Corucia zebrata alfredscmidti -underlined, photgraphed by Andree Hauschild with classic forward banding had a medium brown Sclera. Although still darker than the darkest Czz sclera, it was different. Most likely , this individual possed a lighter sclera that was a relictual trait. The gene involved remanifested itself from the ancestral Czz light sclera stock in this individual. Primitive characteristics in living things have a tendancy to come out of genetic storage such as horse producing extra toes or humans with a short tail bone.

Under the Cza section of Subspecies comparison of the Genus: Corucia, It is stated: "Eyes: Sclera: As noted earlier, Corucia zebrata alfredschmidti has a black sclera and Corucia zebrata zebrata has a white sclera. This is unvaried. " This is true. A difference in Scleral color of the two subspecies is unvaried. Again, Black and white are relative descriptive terms. From a distance, black and white are good simple descriptive adjectives. It is when one is up close and personal, one can see shades of grey - or brown in this case. If subspecies comparison of the Genus: Corucia were written today, the scleral description would have clarified this further.

And yes, a dilute form of species characteristics can occur in a hybrid (Integrade). But in the case, of Corucia, this is highly unlikely from WC's.. Hauschild's Forward banded Cza is a Cza with other other attributes intact, but possess a slight 'watered-down' aspect in this slightly lighter sclera.

Sincerely,
Brian
LCRC