Research Publications

2025

• ​Albuquerque, N.R., R.H. Martins, P.S. Carvalho, D.B. Shepard, and D.J. Santana. 2025. A new species of parrot snake, Leptophis (Serpentes, Colubridae) from the Brazilian Cerrado. PeerJ 13:e18528.

• Hoyos A., M.A., S.M. Almeida-Santos, G.C. Costa, D.O. Mesquita, D.B. Shepard, and G.R. Colli. 2025. Sexual dimorphism and reproductive ecology of the South American Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus (Squamata: Viperidae) in the Brazilian Cerrado. Journal of Natural History 59:1981–2005.

• Shepard, D.B., J.R. Wiker, J.A. Bess, T.L. Esker, J.A. Crawford, and M.J. Dreslik. 2025. Genetic diversity and historical demography of the imperiled Rattlesnake-Master Borer Moth (Papaipema eryngii). Journal of Insect Conservation 29:59.

• Steese, K.A., D.B. Shepard, K. Lohraff, M.N. Albritton, D.A. Heinz, L. Germeroth, J. Hinson, J. Allen, and R.M. Verble. 2025. A checklist of moths (Lepidoptera) of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 98:91–111.

2024

• Boycott, S.R., J.E. Earl, and D.B. Shepard. 2024. Using call surveys and ecological niche modeling to assess the distribution and status of Crawfish Frogs (Lithobates areolatus) in Louisiana, USA. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 19:173–188.

• Meacham, M.L., K.J. Irwin, and D.B. Shepard. 2024. Comprehensive sampling clarifies phylogeography and historical biogeography of Slimy Salamanders west of the Mississippi River. Herpetologica 80:145–159.

• Muller, M.P.M., M.L. Meacham, D.B. Shepard, and D.J. Santana. 2024. Defensive displays of Speckled Kingsnake, Lampropeltis holbrooki Stejneger, 1902. Herpetology Notes 17:217–220.

• ​Santana, D.J., J.V.A. Lacerda, P.S. Carvalho, M. Folly, B. Bove da Costa, I.R. Dias, L.F. Carmo, H.C. Costa, D.B. Shepard, and C. Canedo. 2024. DNA sequencing of topotypes helps delineate species distributions in the Ischnocnema verrucosa complex (Anura, Brachycephalidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution 100:1459­–1471.

• Santana, D.J., E. Ragalzi, R. Koroiva, S. Mângia, K. Ceron, F.S.F. Leite, and D.B. Shepard. 2024. Lineage diversification of the sky island treefrog Scinax curicica (Anura, Hylidae) in the Espinhaço Mountain Range. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 142:58–67.

• Santana, D.J., A. Yves, E.A. Pereira, P.S. Carvalho, L.M.C. Lima, H.C. Costa, and D.B. Shepard. 2024. DNA barcoding reveals a new population of the threatened Atlantic Forest frog Sphaenorhynchus canga. Journal of Threatened Taxa 16:25040–25048.

2023

• Marquez, R., et al. 2023. Herpetofauna of protected areas in the Caatinga VIII: An updated checklist for the Serra das Confusões region with new data from Serra Vermelha, Piauí, Brazil. Biota Neotropica 23:e20231520.

• Meacham, M.L., J.M. Lindsay, and D.B. Shepard. 2023. Plethodon serratus (Southern Red-backed Salamander). Geographic distribution. Herpetological Review 54:590–591.

2022

• Clay, N.A., D.B. Shepard, A.A. Garda, D.O. Mesquita, and A. Vasconcellos. 2022. Evidence of sodium limitation in ants and termites in a Neotropical savanna. Journal of Tropical Ecology 38:71–78.

2021

• Santana, D.J., L.A. da Silva, A.C. Sant’Anna, D.B. Shepard, and S. Mângia. 2021. A new species of Proceratophrys Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura, Odontophrynidae) from southern Amazonia, Brazil. PeerJ 9:e12012.

2020

• Weaver, S., D.B. Shepard, and K.H. Kozak. 2020. Developmental life history is associated with variation in rates of climatic niche evolution in a salamander adaptive radiation. Evolution 74:1804–1814.

2018

• Shepard, D.B., and A.R. Kuhns. 2018. Shifting rivers and stationary ground: biogeographic history of slimy salamanders on an isolated bluff in the Mississippi River floodplain. Journal of Zoology 304:235-242.

• Costa, G.C, A. Hampe, M. Ledru, P.A. Martinez, G.G. Mazzochini, D.B. Shepard, F.P. Werneck, C. Moritz, and A.C. Carnaval. 2018. Biome stability in South America over the last 30 kyr inferred from long-term vegetation dynamics and habitat modeling. Global Ecology and Biogeography 27:285-297.

2017

• Dreslik, M.J., D.B. Shepard, B.C. Jellen, and C.A. Phillips. 2017. Movement and home range of the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) at its southern range limit. Pp. 168–178. In The Biology of Rattlesnakes II. M.J. Dreslik, W.K. Hayes, S.J. Beaupre, and S.P. Mackessy (eds.). ECO Herpetological Publishing and Distribution, Rodeo, New Mexico.

• Dreslik, M.J., D.B. Shepard, S.J. Baker, B.C. Jellen, and C.A. Phillips. 2017. Body size, growth, and sexual size dimorphism in the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus). Pp. 66–78. In The Biology of Rattlesnakes II. M.J. Dreslik, W.K. Hayes, S.J. Beaupre, and S.P. Mackessy (eds.). ECO Herpetological Publishing and Distribution, Rodeo, New Mexico.

• Dreslik, M.J., S.J. Baker, D.B. Wylie, D.B. Shepard, and C.A. Phillips. 2017. Temporal trends in population size and structure of the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) in south-central Illinois. Pp. 126–136. In The Biology of Rattlesnakes II. M.J. Dreslik, W.K. Hayes, S.J. Beaupre, and S.P. Mackessy (eds.). ECO Herpetological Publishing and Distribution, Rodeo, New Mexico.

• Davidson, A.D., and D.B. Shepard. 2017. Plethodon caddoensis (Caddo Mountain Salamander). NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: http://explorer.natureserve.org

• Smith-Patten, B. and D.B. Shepard. 2017. Plethodon kiamichi (Kiamichi Slimy Salamander). NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: http://explorer.natureserve.org

• Smith-Patten, B. and D.B. Shepard. 2017. Plethodon ouachitae (Rich Mountain Salamander). NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available: http://explorer.natureserve.org

2016

• Shepard, D.B., N. Ledbetter, A.L. Anderson, and A.R. Kuhns. 2016. Molecular phylogeographic methods reveal the identity and origin of a Dusky Salamander (Genus Desmognathus) population in southern Illinois, USA. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 11:434–450.

• Lyons, M.P., D.B. Shepard, and K.H. Kozak. 2016. Determinants of range limits in montane woodland salamanders (genus Plethodon). Copeia 104:101–110.

• Martin, S.D., D.B. Shepard, M.A. Steffen, J.G. Phillips, and R.M. Bonett. 2016. Biogeography and colonization history of plethodontid salamanders from the Interior Highlands of eastern North America. Journal of Biogeography 43:410–422.

• Mesquita, D.O., G.C. Costa, G.R. Colli, T.B. Costa, D.B. Shepard, L.J. Vitt, and E.R. Pianka. 2016. Life history patterns of lizards of the world. American Naturalist 187:689–705.

• Thesing, B.D., R.D. Noyes, D.E. Starkey, and D.B. Shepard. 2016. Pleistocene climatic fluctuations explain the disjunct distribution and complex phylogeographic structure of the southern red-backed salamander, Plethodon serratus. Evolutionary Ecology 30:89–104.

2015

• Mesquita, D.O, G.R. Colli, D.L. Pantoja, D.B. Shepard, G.H.C. Vieira, and L.J. Vitt. 2015. Juxtaposition and disturbance: disentangling the determinants of lizard community structure. Biotropica 47:595–605.

• Mesquita, D.O., G.R. Colli, G.C. Costa, T.B. Costa, D.B. Shepard, L.J. Vitt, and E.R. Pianka. 2015. Life history data of lizards of the world. Ecology 96:594.

• Franssen, N.R., C.G. Goodchild, and D.B. Shepard. 2015. Morphology predicting ecology: incorporating new methodological and analytical approaches. Environmental Biology of Fishes 98:713–724.

2013

• Colston, T.J., F.G. Grazziotin, D.B. Shepard, L.J. Vitt, G.R. Colli, R.W. Henderson, S.B. Hedges, S. Bonatto, H. Zaher, B.P. Noonan, and F.T. Burbrink. 2013. Molecular systematics and historical biogeography of tree boas (Corallus spp.). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 66:953–959.

• Spatola, B.N., W.E. Peterman, N.T. Stephens, G.M. Connette, D.B. Shepard, K.H. Kozak, R.D. Semlitsch, and L.S. Eggert. 2013. Development of microsatellite loci for the western slimy salamander (Plethodon albagula) using 454 sequencing. Conservation Genetics Resources 5:267–270.

2012

• Sun, C., D.B. Shepard, R.A. Chong, J. Lopez-Arriaza, K. Hall, T.A. Castoe, C. Feschotte, D.D. Pollock, and R.L. Mueller. 2012. LTR retrotransposons contribute to genomic gigantism in plethodontid salamanders. Genome Biology and Evolution 4:168–183.

• Culumber, Z.W., D.B. Shepard, S.W. Coleman, G.G. Rosenthal, and M. Tobler. 2012. Physiological adaptation along environmental gradients and replicated hybrid zone structure in swordtails (Teleostei: Xiphophorus). Journal of Evolutionary Biology 25:1800–1814.

• Jones, P.C., R.B. King, R.L. Bailey, N.D. Bieser, K. Bissell, H. Campa III, T. Crabill, M.D. Cross, B.A. Degregorio, M.J. Dreslik, F.E. Durbian, D.S. Harvey, S.E. Hecht, B.C. Jellen, G. Johnson, B.A. Kingsbury, M.J. Kowalski, J. Lee, J.V. Manning, J.A. Moore, J. Oakes, C.A. Phillips, K.A. Prior, J.M. Refsnider, J.D. Rouse, J.R. Sage, R.A. Seigel, D.B. Shepard, C.S. Smith, T.J. Vandewalle, P.J. Weatherhead, and A. Yagi. 2012. Range-wide analysis of Eastern Massasauga survivorship. Journal of Wildlife Management 76:1576–1586.

2011

• Shepard, D.B., and F.T. Burbrink. 2011. Local-scale environmental variation generates highly divergent lineages associated with stream drainages in a terrestrial salamander, Plethodon caddoensis. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 59:399–411.

• Shepard, D.B., K.J. Irwin, and F.T. Burbrink. 2011. Morphological differentiation in Ouachita Mountain endemic salamanders. Herpetologica 67:355–368.

2009

• Shepard, D.B., and F.T. Burbrink. 2009. Phylogeographic and demographic effects of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations in a montane salamander, Plethodon fourchensis. Molecular Ecology 18:2243-2262.

• Crawford, J.A., D.B. Shepard, and C.A. Conner. 2009. Diet composition and overlap between recently metamorphosed Rana areolata and Rana sphenocephala: Implications for a frog of conservation concern. Copeia 2009:642–646.

• Goldberg, S.R., C.R. Bursey, J.P. Caldwell, and D.B. Shepard. 2009. Gastrointestinal helminths of six sympatric species of Leptodactylus from Tocantins State, Brazil. Comparative Parasitology 76:258–266.

2008

• Shepard, D.B., and F.T. Burbrink. 2008. Lineage diversification and historical demography of a sky island salamander, Plethodon ouachitae, from the Interior Highlands. Molecular Ecology 17:5315–5335.

• Shepard, D.B., A.R. Kuhns, M.J. Dreslik, and C.A. Phillips. 2008. Roads as barriers to animal movement in fragmented landscapes. Animal Conservation 11:288–296.

• Shepard, D.B., M.J. Dreslik, B.C. Jellen, and C.A. Phillips. 2008. Reptile road mortality around an oasis in the Illinois corn desert with emphasis on the endangered eastern massasauga. Copeia 2008:350–359.

• Costa, G.C., C.A. Wolfe, D.B. Shepard, J.P. Caldwell, and L.J. Vitt. 2008. Detecting the influence of climatic variables on species’ distributions: a test using GIS niche-based models along a steep longitudinal environmental gradient. Journal of Biogeography 35:637–646.

• Vitt, L.J., D.B. Shepard, G.H.C. Vieira, J.P. Caldwell, G.R. Colli, and D.O. Mesquita. 2008. Ecology of Anolis nitens brasiliensis in cerrado woodlands of Cantão. Copeia 2008:144– 153.

• Aldridge, R.D., B.C. Jellen, M.C. Allender, M.J. Dreslik, D.B. Shepard, J.M. Cox, and C.A. Phillips. 2008. Reproductive biology of the massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) from south- central Illinois. Pp. 403–412. In The Biology of Rattlesnakes. W.K. Hayes, K.R. Beaman, M.D. Cardwell, and S.P. Bush (eds.). Loma Linda University Press, Loma Linda, California.

• Brown, L.E., A. Dubois, and D.B. Shepard. 2008. Inefficiency and bias of search engines in retrieving references containing scientific names of fossil amphibians. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society 28:279–288.

2007

• Shepard, D.B. 2007. Habitat but not body shape affects predator attack frequency on lizard models in the Brazilian Cerrado. Herpetologica 63:193–202.

• Caldwell, J.P., and D.B. Shepard. 2007. Calling site fidelity and call structure of a Neotropical toad, Rhinella ocellata (Anura: Bufonidae). Journal of Herpetology 41:611–621.

• Jellen, B.C., D.B. Shepard, M.J. Dreslik, and C.A. Phillips. 2007. Male movement and body size affect mate acquisition in the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus). Journal of Herpetology 41:451–457.

• Vitt, L.J., D.B. Shepard, J.P. Caldwell, G.H.C. Vieira, F.G.R. França, and G.R. Colli. 2007. Living with your food: Geckos in termitaria of Cantão. Journal of Zoology 272:321–328.

• Petzing, J.E., J.M. Mui, M.J. Dreslik, A.R. Kuhns, D.B. Shepard, C.A. Phillips, J.K. Tucker, J.K. Warner, D. Mauger, T.G. Anton, E.J. Gittinger, T.R. Hunkapiller, B.C. Jellen, and R.J. Cosgriff. 2007. Filling in the gaps II: New Illinois amphibian and reptile county records from 2000–2005. Herpetological Review 38:240–243.

• Jellen, B.C., C.A. Phillips, M.J. Dreslik, and D.B. Shepard. 2007. Sistrurus catenatus (Eastern Massasauga). Reproduction. Herpetological Review 38:343–344.

2005

• Shepard, D.B., and J.P. Caldwell. 2005. From foam to free-living: Ecology of larval Leptodactylus labyrinthicus. Copeia 2005:803–811.

• Leary, C.J., D.J. Fox, D.B. Shepard, and A.M. Garcia. 2005. Body size, age, growth and alternative mating tactics in toads: satellite males are smaller but not younger than calling males. Animal Behaviour 70:663–671.

• Vitt, L.J., J.P. Caldwell, G.R. Colli, A.A. Garda, D.O. Mesquita, F.G.R. França, D.B. Shepard, G.C. Costa, M.M. Vasconcellos, and V. De Novaes e Silva. 2005. Uma atualização do guia fotográfico dos répteis e anfíbios da região do Jalapão no Cerrado Brasileiro. Special Publications in Herpetology, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2:1–24.

• Shepard, D.B., and L.E. Brown. 2005. Bufo houstonensis Houston toad. Pp. 415–417. In Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species. M. Lannoo (ed.). University of California Press, Berkeley, California.

• Shepard, D.B., L.E. Brown, and B.P. Butterfield. 2005. Pseudacris streckeri Strecker’s Chorus Frog. Pp. 484–485. In Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species. M. Lannoo (ed.). University of California Press, Berkeley, California.

• Shepard, D.B. 2005. Eumeces fasciatus (Five-lined Skink). Predation. Herpetological Review 36:177.

2004

• Shepard, D.B., C.A. Phillips, M.J. Dreslik, and B.C. Jellen. 2004. Prey preference and diet of neonate eastern massasaugas (Sistrurus c. catenatus). American Midland Naturalist 152:360–368.

• Shepard, D.B. 2004. Seasonal differences in aggression and site tenacity in male green frogs, Rana clamitans. Copeia 2004:159–164.

• Richter, S.C., and D.B. Shepard. 2004. Rana areolata (Crawfish Frog). Geographic distribution. Herpetological Review 35:283.

2003

• Shepard, D.B., M.J. Dreslik, C.A. Phillips, and B.C. Jellen. 2003. Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (Eastern Massasauga). Male-male aggression. Herpetological Review 34:155–156.

2002

• Shepard, D.B. 2002. Spatial relationships of male green frogs (Rana clamitans) throughout the activity season. American Midland Naturalist 148:394–400.

• Petzing, J.E., J.M. Mui, M.J. Dreslik, C.A. Phillips, D.B. Shepard, J.A. Crawford, A.R. Kuhns, M.J. Mayer, T.G. Anton, E.O. Moll, J.G. Palis, and D. Mauger. 2002. Filling in the gaps I: New county records for amphibians and reptiles in Illinois. Herpetological Review 33:327–330.

2000

• Petzing, J.E., M.J. Dreslik, C.A. Phillips, C.D. Smith, A.R. Kuhns, D.B. Shepard, J.G. Palis, E.O. Moll, D.J. Olson, T.G. Anton, D. Mauger, and B.A. Kingsbury. 2000. New amphibian and reptile county records in Illinois. Herpetological Review 31:189–194.

• Shepard, D.B., and A.R. Kuhns. 2000. Pseudacris triseriata (Western Chorus Frog). Calling sites after drought. Herpetological Review 31:235–236.

• Shepard, D.B., and H.M. Burdett. 2000. Pseudacris clarkii (Spotted Chorus Frog). Geographic distribution. Herpetological Review 31:50.