Meeting Abstract
Studies of non-visual phototaxis provide excellent opportunities in integrative biology, but few examples are known in tetrapods. The photoreceptive tail of the olive sea snake (Aipysurus laevis) was first reported by night divers: sheltering snakes retract their vulnerable tail paddles in response to torch light. Our research aims to understand the evolutionary origins, genetic basis and ecological significance of this remarkable trait. We will present results of behavioural experiements showing that tail photoreception is not restricted to A. laevis but likely evolved only within the Aipysurus clade. Gene expression analyses from skin transcriptomes reveal candidate visual genes and pathyways involved in tail skin photoreception. Finally, we will report on preliminary investigations of the ecological significance of this rare case of non-visual phototaxis in vertebrates.
