Molecular evidence for cryptic species in the common slug eating snake Duberrialutrixlutrix (Squamata, Lamprophiidae) from South Africa.

ABSTRACT: We examined the impact of climatic fluctuations on the phylogeographic structure of the common slug eating snake (Duberrialutrixlutrix) throughout its distribution in South Africa. The evolutionary history within the taxon was examined using partial DNA sequence data for two mitochondrial genes (ND4 + cyt b) in combination with a nuclear locus (SPTBN1). Phylogenetic relationships were investigated for both the combined mtDNA and total evidence DNA sequence data. In addition, population and demographic analyses together with divergence time estimations were conducted on the combined mtDNA data. Topologies derived from the combined mtDNA analyses and the total evidence analyses were congruent and retrieved five statistically well-supported clades, suggesting that Duberrial.l

SUBMITTER: Kulenkampff K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6477839 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature