Reconsidering the Classification of the Parrot Snake, Leptophis ahaetulla (Squamata: Serpentes, Colubridae) As a Single Species

Authors

Krista Leslie Marie Koeller, The College of Wooster

Abstract

Leptophis ahaetulla is bright green, arboreal coulubrid snake found in South America and Trinidad and Tobago. It has been regarded as a suspiciously variable species, which indicates it may be a cryptic species complex. In this study, we compare 11 specimens of Leptophis ahaetulla using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial genes 16S and cytochrome b (1,383 bp total). The phylogenetic analysis reveals a strongly supported clade comprised of the island specimens, indicating they are a separate species from L. ahaetulla. Thus, Leptophis coeruleodorsus (Oliver, 1942), formerly a subspecies of L. ahaetulla can be given full species status.

Advisor

Fraga, Dean

Second Advisor

Lehtinen, Richard

Department

Biology

Recommended Citation

Koeller, Krista Leslie Marie, "Reconsidering the Classification of the Parrot Snake, Leptophis ahaetulla (Squamata: Serpentes, Colubridae) As a Single Species" (2013). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 4944.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/4944

Disciplines

Biodiversity | Evolution | Zoology

Publication Date

2013

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis