Evolution of snake skin: Role of cutaneous tactile corpuscles in Hierophis viridiflavus (Lacépède, 1789)

Abstract

The skin of snakes acts as the first interface between these reptiles and the environment they live in. It plays an important role in the ecology of these organisms, and specialised structures, such as tactile corpuscles, are crucial in the sensing of a wide variety of stimuli. This study, by examining the presence, localisation and colocalisation of serotonin, substance P, PGP 9.5 and tubulin, wants to demonstrate the sensory role that these structures play in the ecology of the Green whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus (Lacépède, 1789). This study presents the first evaluation of nerve and immune molecules (TLR2) in the tactile corpuscles of H. viridiflavius ventral skin, indicating a potential defence role of these structures. These findings provide valuable information on the ecology of snakes, their defence systems, and their evolutionary morphostructural adaptations. Additionally, the identification of these corpuscles could provide valuable support for taxonomic recognition. Furthermore, this study expands the knowledge about stimuli sensing in snakes.