Another new species of karst-associated pitviper (Serpentes, Viperidae: Trimeresurus) from the Isthmus of Kra, Peninsular Thailand

European Journal of Taxonomy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 930

Published: March 27, 2024

We describe a new species of karst-dwelling pitviper from Chumphon Province Peninsular Thailand, in the Isthmus Kra, based on morphological and molecular data (2427 bp cyt b, ND4 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes). Morphologically, Trimeresurus kraensis sp. nov. is distinguished other congeners by following combination characters: dark/bottle-green dorsum with reddish-brown or purple crossbands; pale green venter lacking dark dots; stripes present lateral sides ventrals; internasals generally contact; one large supraocular scale each side head; iris copper; tail brown purplish-brown crossbars; dorsal scales 21–21–15 rows; ventral 167 single male, 169–171 females; subcaudal 62 52–54 females, all paired. White vertebral spots males, located approximately every two four scales; forming discontinuous pattern 1–3 males postocular stripe jagged edges. The differs morphologically similar venustus s. str. notable divergence cytochrome b gene sequences (p = 5.9%).

Language: Английский

---

Evolutionary History and Climatic Correlates of Hypermelanism in Viperidae

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Body colorations have been investigated intensely concerning their adaptive significance from the ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Studies on melanism caught growing interest thanks to its marked variability across space, time taxon and, in ectotherms, it has hypothesised be driven by thermal advantages. Among reptiles, vipers show conspicuous inter‐ intraspecific patterns of variation, making them excellent models address patterns. We hypothesis Viperidae performing a phylogenetic comparative approach assess whether occurrence is phylogenetically or, alternatively, influenced climate. Phylogenetic signal was detected reconstructed ‘non‐melanistic’ form as ancestral state at root phylogeny, whereas climatic effect found so that more frequent colder environments. With this work, we provide large geographical scale strong support for putative advantages provided climates; moreover, appears evolved multiple events throughout diversification vipers, but rarely maintained over time. hypothesise only when environmental conditions, such low regimes, render favourable; nevertheless, experimental evidence necessary further hypothesis.

Language: Английский

---

A snake can change its finery: a new cryptic species of the Trimeresurus kanburiensis complex (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) from central Thailand with an unusual ontogenetic color change

Zootaxa, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 5621(5), P. 514 - 546

Published: April 21, 2025

We describe a new species of green pitviper from the northern part Central Thailand based on morphological and molecular (2406 bp cyt b, ND4, 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes fragments) lines evidence. Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov. is distinguished its congeners by combination following characters: small size, maximum known SVL 523 mm; dorsal scales in 23(22)-21-15 rows, moderately keeled except outermost rows; ventral 171–178; subcaudal 57–73, all paired; iris golden yellow both sexes; body uniformly bright grass-green with indistinct serrated dark transverse markings adults (499–523 mm SVL) but neonates juveniles (231–245 have prominent irregular, grey crossbands light dorsum; suborbital stripe bluish-white thin male, absent females; ventrolateral stripe, white, distinct, present first two scale rows throat, chin, lower labials pale blue; surfaces greenish-yellow; tail brick-red mottled spots, side white markings. While differs morphologically similar macrops notable divergence sequences, it more closely related to T. kuiburi (p = 1.7% for cytochrome p 1.6% rRNA, 1.8% ND4 gene fragments). The currently only low elevation tropical limestone forest Phitsanulok Province, central (ca. 100 m a.s.l.). This discovery further underlines importance massifs Indochina as local centres herpetofaunal diversity endemism.

Language: Английский

---

Limestone jewel: A new colourful karst-dwelling pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Trimeresurus) from the poorly explored borderlands of southern peninsular Thailand

Vertebrate Zoology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 73, P. 697 - 716

Published: Sept. 19, 2023

Abstract We describe a new species of pitvipers from Trang Province Thailand, near the Thailand–Malaysian border, based on morphological and molecular (2427 bp cyt b , ND4, 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes) lines evidence. Morphologically, Trimeresurus ciliaris sp. nov. is distinguished its congeners by following combination characters: long papillose hemipenis; first supralabial nasal scale fused; three to four small supraocular scales; internasals not in contact; between formed fused second loreal present; dorsal scales 17–17–15 rows across body; ventral 172–175 males, 171 female; subcaudal 59–63 61 female, all paired; life an emerald-green dorsum with reddish-brown bands; creamy-white venter lacking dark dots or stripes lateral sides ventrals; white vertebral spots present both sexes every two brown forming discontinuous pattern 1–3 rows; males postocular stripe. The forms distinct clade phylogenetic tree genus differs morphologically similar T. venustus significant divergence cytochrome gene sequences ( p = 12.5%). currently known karstic area Nakawan Range spanning border Thailand Malaysia, particular limestone forests Satun provinces (Thailand); it likely also occurs adjacent parts Perlis State (Malaysia). Our study suggests that taxonomy kanburiensis complex requires further studies; our status populations Chumphon Pulau Langkawi Island Malaysia should be re-assessed.

Language: Английский

---

The Artefactual Branch Effect and Phylogenetic Conflict: Species Delimitation with Gene Flow in Mangrove Pit Vipers (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus-erythrurus Complex)

Systematic Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 72(6), P. 1209 - 1219

Published: July 13, 2023

Mangrove pit vipers of the Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus-erythrurus complex are only species viper known to naturally inhabit mangroves. Despite serving integral ecological functions in mangrove ecosystems, evolutionary history, distribution, and boundaries remain poorly understood, partly due overlapping distributions, confusing phenotypic variations, lack focused studies. Here, we present first genomic study on introduce a robust hypothesis-driven delimitation framework that considers gene flow phylogenetic uncertainty conjunction with novel application new class speciation-based model implemented through program Delineate. Our results showed produced conflict our focal substantiates artefactual branch effect where highly admixed populations appear as divergent nonmonophyletic lineages arranged stepwise manner at basal position clades. confounding effects flow, were able obtain unequivocal support for recognition based intersection congruence multiple lines evidence. This demonstrates an integrative approach predicated consideration plausible histories, population structure/differentiation, implementation can effectively delimit presence conflict.

Language: Английский

---

A redescription and range extension of Trimeresurus caudornatus Chen, Ding, Vogel & Shi, 2020 (Serpentes: Viperidae)

Zootaxa, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 5514(3), P. 201 - 231

Published: Sept. 26, 2024

The pitviper species Trimeresurus caudornatus was recently described based on only two specimens from Nabang Town, Yingjiang County, Yunnan Province, China. Here, we provide additional data this a re-examination of 19 preserved specimens, 16 reported in earlier literature sources, and photo-documented records northern Myanmar (Burma) adjacent All new were previously identified as albolabris sensu lato or septentrionalis lato. Molecular analyses mitochondrial DNA supported the morphological findings establishing conspecificity with T. caudornatus. newly have pairwise distance 0.4–2.6% those type series (based cytochrome b gene). Based these findings, confirm presence update its diagnostic characters distribution. We suggest should be considered Least Concern (LC) following IUCN’s Red List categories. Further studies reassessing populations complex are required.

Language: Английский

---

A new green pitviper of the Trimeresurus albolabris complex (Reptilia, Serpentes, Viperidae) from central and southern Myanmar

Zootaxa, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5357(4), P. 515 - 554

Published: Oct. 19, 2023

In the frame of our investigations on systematics complex species Trimeresurus albolabris, we came across specimens from Myanmar variously referred to as albolabris Gray, 1842 or T. septentrionalis Kramer, 1977 in literature. We describe a new green pitviper genus Lacpde, 1804 central and southern based molecular analyses drawn previously published phylogenies morphological data. This species, uetzi sp. nov., is broadly similar both septentrionalis, but it differs these latter by series characters such presence white pre- postocular streaks male, iris copper male gold female, more ventral plates, much shorter hemipenis. compare this with currently defined other complex. also emphasize need for additional integrated studies sensu lato populations distributed Indochina Sundaland.

Language: Английский

---

Addition of four new records of pit vipers (Squamata: Crotalinae) to Manipur, India

Journal of Threatened Taxa, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(6), P. 23315 - 23326

Published: June 26, 2023

In spite of the potential richness in biodiversity, Manipur is still one least explored areas northeastern India. this work, we report on our finding four pit viper species, namely, Trimeresurus mayaae, T. salazar, erythrurus, and Protobothrops jerdonii during herpetological surveys 2022. We affirm identity these specimens based combination standard morphological characters mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Our study not only reports new records vipers for first time Manipur, but also extends their respective known geographical ranges. This information calls further dissemination especially to health care sector, as it venomous snakes that could be medical importance regards human snakebites.

Language: Английский

---

A new species of pit-viper from the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions in Myanmar (Viperidae, Trimeresurus)

ZooKeys, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 1186, P. 221 - 234

Published: Dec. 13, 2023

In a genomic study by Chan and colleagues, pit-vipers of the Trimeresurus erythrurus – purpureomaculatus complex from Ayeyarwady Yangon regions in Myanmar were demonstrated to be distinct species based on robust population genetic delimitation analyses. Here, we provide morphological characterizations formal description those populations as new species. The species, ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. , is most closely related T. shares characteristics with both Some specimens have green dorsal coloration no blotches (a trait shared but not ), while others dark ). evolutionary trajectory coupled lack obvious differentiation, represents classic example cryptic nature commonly found group Asian underscores need for data-rich analyses verify species’ boundaries more broadly within this genus.

Language: Английский

---

Evolutionary history and adaptive role of melanism in Viperidae

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 25, 2024

Body colorations have been investigated intensely concerning their adaptive significance from the ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Melanism has gathered growing attention thanks to its marked variability across space, time taxon and, in ectotherms, it hypothesised be driven by thermal advantages. Among reptiles, vipers show conspicuous inter- intraspecific patterns of variation, making them excellent models address patterns. We melanism hypothesis Viperidae performing a phylogenetic comparative approach assess whether occurrence is phylogenetically or, alternatively, influenced climate. found no signal reconstructed "non-melanic" form as ancestral state at root phylogeny, whereas climatic effect was so that more frequent colder environments. With this work we provide, for first on large scale, strong support TMH ectotherms; moreover, hypothesize evolved multiple events throughout diversification vipers, maintained only when role response sub-optimal environments counterbalances overcomes trade-off with fitness decrease due higher predation risk.

Language: Английский

---