Missouri State University’s biology department was noted for having the largest group of participants in the most recent Missouri Herpetologists’ Association meeting in Steelville, Mo. Along with the large number of Missouri State attendees, five presentations were given from the group concerning research in Missouri State University laboratories.

• Leslie Brinkman, Julie Ray and Dr. Brian Greene, associate professor of biology, presented on natural history and conservation of salamanders in Central Panama.
• Rachel Bortosky and Dr. Alicia Mathis, biology department, head spoke about honest signaling in aggressive contests between Ozark zigzag salamanders.
• Donald McKnight and Dr. Day Ligon, assistant professor of biology, discussed the spring-summer nesting and activity patterns of the western chicken turtle.
• Daniel Schepis and Greene presented on spatial ecology and habitat selection of mudsnakes in Southeast Missouri.
• Zachary Wrensch and Greene presented information on the effects of gestation temperature on neonate phenotypes of the Northern watersnake.

For more information, contact Mathis at (417) 836-5699.