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Valentin’s Rock Lizard - for SUMON


Valentin’s Rock Lizard - for SUMON
Photo Information
Copyright: Bayram Gocmen (boreocypriensis) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3383 W: 139 N: 3971] (10462)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-18
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Olympus C-5060WZ
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Turkish Herpetofauna, Bayram's dedications, RARE or SIGNIFICANT contributions to TN 3, Reptiles - Lizards, Chuckwallas, Agamas & Tegus 3, annick vanderschelden's favourites, Dedications at Trek Nature part Four [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-05-24 0:24
Viewed: 606
Favorites: 3 [view]
Points: 54
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Darevskia valentini (Valentin’s Rock Lizard) [in Turk. Valentin Kaya Kertenkelesi] (A Male) #2

Dear Friends, yesterday I started to present Valentin’s Rock Lizard as a 1st in TN from Bolkar Mt. (Ulukışla, Niğde Province). In this way, I have uploaded two captures (one of, as being in WS) of a handsome male from the same location (a general appearance and his Portrait) to show the typical male pattern and head scallation. Here's another shot of the same lizard species but different male, also this time a bit closer in with its different behaviour on a rock.

Today, I would like dedicate this photo to our beloved friend, Sumon Sinha (Mana) from India for his kind interest my herpetological captures and in thanks for his lovely dedication to me with a beautiful Indian Chameleon, Chamaeleo zeylanicus shot. Thank you Sumon for your kind dedication once more and especially your valuable contributions to TN. Cheers,

Hoping that you like this shot! Also I wish “a nice weekend to my all TN friends!”

Cheers,

Bayram

*****************************

Darevskia (Eastern Rock Lizards, formerly Lacerta saxicola komplex) genus includes lizards possessing the two following features found only in a minority of other lacertid lizards: 27–28 presacral vertebrae in males, one postnasal scale. Other more widely distributed features include: supraocular osteoderms (bony plates) fenestrated or intact in adults, usually seven premaxillary teeth, inscriptional ribs present in some species, tail often brightly coloured in hatchlings, hemipenial microornamentation of crown-shaped tubercles. A few species of Darevskia are parthenogenetic [from the Greek παρθένος parthenos, "virgin", + γένεσις genesis, "creation") is an asexual form of reproduction found in females where growth and development of embryos occurs without fertilization by males], and males of some bite the thigh of the female during copulation. Approx. 27 species was described belonging to this genus, and of these aprrox. 17 species are distributed in Anatolia. The general distribution of the genus representatives is restricted to Caucasus region, Crimea and N and E Turkey, eastwards to Alborz mountains of Iran and to Kopet Dagh on Iran-Turkmenistan border; one species (D. praticola- Meadow Lizard) reaching the eastern Balkan peninsula.

Adults up to about 50–85 mm from snout to vent (total lenght up to 23 cm); adult males usually larger than females, but not in D. valentini; head and body markedly depressed. Rostral plate usually separated from frontonasal scale but sometimes in contact (for example in parthenogenetic species D. unisexualis found in Turkey –Erzurum, Ardahan & Ağrı- and adjacent Georgia); row of supraciliary granules usually complete; outer edge of parietal scale reaching lateral border of parietal table posteriorly. One postnasal scale; typically no contact between supranasal and anterior loreal scales above nostril (present in D. derjugini known from Turkey -Ardahan, Artvin, Trabzon, Rize- Georgia and W Azerbaijan); usually four upper labial scales in front of subocular plate; first upper temporal scale large in most species; masseteric scale (larger scale which is located in temporal region) present. Dorsal body scales small and often smooth (but keeled in some species including D. praticola), about 35–70 in a transverse row at mid-body [This number is 41-59 in D. valentini]. Collar smooth or serrated; six longitudinal rows of ventral scales; preanal scale moderate or large, bordered by a single semicircle of smaller scales, the most anterior one or two of which sometimes enlarged; scales under toes smooth or tubercular; whorls of tail scales alternately longer and shorter.

Little sexual dimorphism in colouring is seen except D. valentini. Basic dorsal pattern consisting of longitudinal streaks or bands, and flanks may be reticulated. Ground colour brown, grey or green. Blue occelli often present in shoulder region. Belly often brightly coloured, and may be yellow, orange or red (as in D. parvula and D. valentini) or greenish-yellow or green (as in D. raddei, D. rudis, D. caucasica, D. derjugini and D. praticola); bright ventral colour usually reduced or absent in parthenogenetic populations; throat colour may be differentiated from belly; dark ventral spotting usually absent; blue spots generally present on outer row of ventral scales; juveniles often with brightly coloured, greenish or bluish tails. In D. valentini females there is generally smooth dorsal pattern without longitudinal streaks or bands and also the number of the blue ocelli in shoulder region is lower than males (1-2 instead of 3-5). The coloration of the venter shows subspecific variation. It is represented with two subspecies in Turkey: The nominate race (D. v. valentini which is distributed in Artvin, Ardahan, Kars, Iğdır and Van provinces) has a orange venter during the breeding season, however this is yellow in the other known subspecies, D. v. lantzicyreni. The later subspecies is found in C and E Anatolia from Niğde to Erzurum in some isolated populations restricted with vertical distributions between 1800-3000 m. In Bolkar Mt., they can be seen at the elavations between 2250-3000 asl. Many species of the genus live mainly on rock exposures and use crevices as refuges, but D. chlorogaster- known from Azerbaijan & Iran- is often associated with fallen and standing timber, while D. derjugini, D. clarkorum and D. praticola are largely ground-dwelling, often in and around herbaceous vegetation; some species are exclusively montane as is D. valentini [See my previous landscape shots -PH1 & PH2- to see the habitat of the species].

Some species of Darevskia are parthenogenetic and result from hybridisation between sexual species. These are D. armeniaca, D. bendimahiensis, D. dahli, D. rostombekowi, D. sapphirina, D. unisexualis and D. uzzelli, a number of which are made up of more than one clone. Males of the majority of species bite only flank of females during copulation, others bite both the flank and the thigh, or just the thigh alone. Clutches usually consisting of about 2–8 eggs.

References:

1. Göçmen, B. (Unpub. results). The results of herpetological trips.
2. Budak, A. & Göçmen, B. (2005). Herpetology. Ege Üniversitesi Fen Fakültesi Kitaplar Serisi, No. 194, Ege Üniversitesi Basimevi, Bornova-Izmir, 226 pp. [2nd Edition, 2008].
3. Baran, I. & Atatür, M. K. (1998). Turkish Herpetofauna (Amphibians & Reptiles). Ministry of Environment, Ankara. 214 pp.
4. Arnold, N.E. (1978). A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe.Collins, London, UK, 288 pp.
5. Arnold, E. N., Arribas, O. & Carranza, S. 2007. Systematics of the Palaearctic and Oriental lizard tribe Lacertini (Squamata Lacertidae Lacertinae), with descriptions of eight new genera. Zootaxa 1430: 1-86.
nkasot, eng55, Gert-Paassen, haraprasan, yasemin, Amadeo, vanderschelden, sandpiper2, Argus, jaycee, nglen, goldyrs, montivipera, gannu, xTauruSx, zulfu, bahadir, rousettus, cypturk has marked this note useful
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To goldyrs: Hi Bro Goldyboreocypriensis 1 05-24 10:59
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Critiques [Translate]

Her zamanki gibi nefis bir doğal duruşta mükemmel bir kare yakalamışsınız Bayram hocam. Sırt pulları tek tek sayılıyor:) Elinize sağlık.
Selamlar. Nazım

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 349 W: 3 N: 375] (1115)
  • [2008-05-24 1:02]
  • [+]

Merhaba Bayram Bey,
Yine çok net,güzel ve pırıl pırıl bir çalışma.Notlarınızı okuya okuya bizde uzman olacağız yakında:)Emeğiniz için teşekkür ederiz.Selamlar,ellerinize sağlık!

Hello Bayram,

good morning, long good note's and looks as a libriary.
Exellent pov and natural colours, much details too.
I don't see izards here.

Gert

Hi Bayram,
A superb captured portrait of this beautiful valentin's rock lizard. A lovely dedication for Sumon da. Excellent composition and sharp details. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Bayram bu kertenkeleyi ne guzel cekmissin. hersey cok guzel. durus ve kertenkelenin bakislari cok tatli. eline saglik. Kendine iyi bak. Leyla

Hello Bayram,

Very good composition. Excellent POV, DOF and sharpness. I like very much the detail of the scales. Beautiful natural colours.
Cheers,
mariki

Hi Bayram, splendid portrait with fantastic details, superb sharpness, lovely dedication to our friend Sumon, I like a lot, very well done, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • Ishi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 91 W: 0 N: 422] (1646)
  • [2008-05-24 2:39]

Merhaba Bayram,

This is a fantastic shot! The light, colors,clarity, the posture of the subject, are all outstanding.

Thanks also for the very detailed note!

Very well done!

Ishi

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 361 W: 39 N: 663] (2071)
  • [2008-05-24 2:44]

Wow, Sumon has to be delighted with this one Bayram.What an amzing cpature , i love that blue specks all over your subject's body and i wonder where all do you sneak up to get a shot of these wonders of nature.Another splendid capture from you, great detilas, colours and contrasts.Very well done.
TFS & Cheers

Hola Bayram, buena fotografia, con buen detalle y color, así como una luz adecuada y un buen fondo. Un saludo

Hi Bayram

This one I really like, the shot has character; excellent composition.

Great POV and DOF, detailed note or encylopedia on thi sspecies, you do love your reptiles don't you (lol).

Well done my friend.

Chris

Beyram merhaba,
Bolkar gezisi epey verimli geçti anlaşılan. Hem sadece herpetoloji değil memeli de. Baklaım daha neler gelecek. Güzel bir kare. Eline sağlık Paylaşımın için teşekkürler. Selamlar
Mustafa

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2446 W: 132 N: 6979] (21811)
  • [2008-05-24 8:34]

Hello Bayram,
Great composition, sharpness, pose, POV and choice of dedication to Sumon, a fine nature photographer and friend on TN. This is what I think of this capture of the Valentine's Rock Lizard.
TFS this beauty my friend,
Cheers, Ivan

Hi Bayram,

This close-up of the Valentin's Rock Lizard is a wonderful dedication to Sumon who had entranced us with his wonderful posts. This is truly a beauty and how nice to see him on the rock. Excellent work with razor sharp details and beautiful natural colors. Face, eye, foot, and skin are superb.

Jane

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1872 W: 2 N: 5035] (19286)
  • [2008-05-24 9:40]

Hi Bayram. A fine dedication to Sumon i am sure he will love it. You have captured first class detail and colours in this one. I like the pose with it climbing on the rock. Interesting notes. well done TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1069 W: 59 N: 2173] (7229)
  • [2008-05-24 10:18]

Hello Bayram,
Excellent sharp-detailed photo. Beautiful natural colours and POV. Good composition.
Regards,
Peter

I do wonder, my dear Bro, what are those blue spots about?I'm of the impression that there has to be a reason for every development in ecology...
A lovely shot, Bro!
Goldy

Merhaba Hocam,
Nefis bir kare daha. Netlik ve hayvanın duruşu harika. Şu ilginç davranış şekli neymiş ben de merak ettim, bu da mı bir şeyler aşırdı yoksa? Paylaşım için teşekkürler.
Saygılar
Naşit

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1551 W: 233 N: 5205] (18293)
  • [2008-05-24 13:59]
  • [+]

Extremely detailed shot of this pretty lizard!
Nice POV and composition.
Very good lighting too.
The DOF is excellent!
A perfect dedication to Sumon :-D

Well done, Geckoman,
Joe

  • Great 
  • Nilson Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 347 W: 0 N: 281] (2170)
  • [2008-05-24 14:49]

Ola Bayram
Belissima foto deste curioso lagarto, a nitidez esta boa e as cores tambem
Parabens
Nilson

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 813 W: 4 N: 2014] (9508)
  • [2008-05-25 2:48]

Hello Bayram,
This is superb shot and I like your notes. Detailed one and good one. Gives history and noting. Lovely sharpness and great composition. Ganesh

Doğal duruşuyla renkleriyle, her yönüyle nefis bir çekim. elinize sağlık.
Deniz

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 452 W: 0 N: 69] (484)
  • [2008-05-26 15:01]

Nefis bir poz ve nefis renlkler. Elinize sağlık.
Mehmet

Another excellent shot with superb details, wonderful colours. TFS. Regards,
Bahadır

hacı nefis detaylarla güzel bir portre olmuş. güzel türlerden biri aynı zamanda. eline sağlık, kitap gibi notların da ayrı bir güzel ve bilgilendirici. selamlar.

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1667 W: 24 N: 4832] (15764)
  • [2008-05-27 22:44]

Hi bayram,
How on earth did I miss this - I feel so guilty now. THANK YOU for remembering me and I accept this dedication with open arms. This indeed I will hold very dearly to my heart. Thanks again. Outstanding shot of this Rock Lizard with beautiful colours on its scales and a fantastic pose. In this natural surrounding and favourite perch it looks so elegant. Excellent POV and composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon.

* My absence for a couple of days made me miss so many beautiful postings.

Splendid lizard in great pose with wonderful sharpness, perfect focus and fine details... kind regards, cypturk

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