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Title: Skull osteology and osteological phylogeny of the Western whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus (Squamata, Colubridae)
Abstract

The skull osteology ofHierophis viridiflavusis here described and figured in detail on the basis of 18 specimens. The sample includes specimens from the ranges of bothH. viridiflavus viridiflavusandH. viridiflavus carbonariusas well as specimens not identified at sub‐specific level. The main characters that defineH. viridiflavusin comparison to the parapatric congeneric speciesHierophis gemonensisare wide maxillary diastema, basioccipital crest well distinct in three lobes and basioccipital process well marked. The foramina of the otoccipital and prootic, and the basioccipital process of the basioccipital are among the most ontogenetically variable characters, as indicated by two juvenile specimens included in the sample. A specimen‐level phylogenetic analysis includingH. gemonensisand other outgroups (overall 6 species, 26 specimens, 64 skull characters) recovered allH. viridiflavusspecimens in one clade, indicating the presence of a clear phylogenetic signal in the applied characters. However, the resolution within theH. viridiflavusclade is poor the monophyly ofH. viridiflavus carbonariuswas retrieved, but not that ofHierophis v. viridiflavus. Probably due to the relatively high variability, the skull morphology does not support the recently proposed specific status of the two subspecies.

 
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NSF-PAR ID:
10376841
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Morphology
Volume:
281
Issue:
7
ISSN:
0362-2525
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 808-833
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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