Phylogenetic Analysis of Range Expansion in the Grass Snake: Reticulate Evolution: Primary and Secondary Contact Zones

Abstract The slow-worm lizards (Anguis) comprise five species occurring throughout most of the Western Palearctic. Although these species are relatively uniform morphologically – with the exception of A. cephallonica, which exhibits a quite unique morphology – they are genetically deeply divergent. Here, we provide detailed distribution maps for each species and discuss their biogeography and conservation based on updated genetic data and a robust distribution database. We pay particular attention to the so called ‘grey zone’, which typically represents secondary contact zones and in some cases confirmed or presumed hybrid zones. Four of the five species live in parapatry, while only two species, A. cephallonica and A. graeca from the southern Balkans occur in partial sympatry. Further research should focus on the eco-evolutionary interactions between species in contact, including their hybridization rates, to reveal deeper details of the slow-worm evolutionary and natural history.

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A revision of the shield-back katydid genus Neduba (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae: Nedubini)

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4910.1.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4910 (1) ◽

pp. 1-92

Author(s):

JEFFREY A. COLE ◽

DAVID B. WEISSMAN ◽

DAVID C. LIGHTFOOT ◽

NORIHIRO UESHIMA ◽

ELŻBIETA WARCHAŁOWSKA-ŚLIWA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

New Species ◽

Junior Synonym ◽

Species Boundaries ◽

Secondary Contact ◽

Conservation Priorities ◽

Hybrid Zones ◽

Environmental Disturbance ◽

Western North America ◽

Molecular Phylogenetic

The Nearctic shield-back katydid genus Neduba is revised. Species boundaries were demarcated by molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, quantitative analysis of calling songs, and karyotypes. Nine previously described species are redescribed: N. carinata, N. castanea, N. convexa, N. diabolica, N. extincta, N. macneilli, N. propsti, N. sierranus, and N. steindachneri, and twelve new species are described: N. ambagiosa sp. n., N. arborea sp. n., N. cascadia sp. n., N. duplocantans sp. n., N. inversa sp. n., N. longiplutea sp. n., N. lucubrata sp. n., N. oblongata sp. n., N. prorocantans sp. n., N. radicata sp. n., N. radocantans sp. n., and N. sequoia sp. n. We chose a lectotype for N. steindachneri and transferred N. picturata from a junior synonym of N. diabolica to a junior synonym of N. steindachneri. Diversification in this relict group reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact amidst the tumultuous, evolving geography of western North America. The taxonomy and phylogenies presented in this revision lay the groundwork for studies of speciation, biogeography, hybrid zones, and behavioral evolution. Given that one Neduba species is already extinct from human environmental disturbance, we suggest conservation priorities for the genus.

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