Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus (Squamata, Elapidae) in Asia

The banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus is a widespread elapid snake, likely to comprise several distinct species in different geographic regions of Asia. Therefore, based on molecular phylogenetics and comparative morphology data, we present an overview of the systematic composition of the species to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2023-02, Vol.13 (1), p.2061-2061, Article 2061
Main Authors: Biakzuala, Lal, Lalremsanga, Hmar T, Santra, Vishal, Dhara, Arindam, Ahmed, Molla T, Mallick, Ziniya B, Kuttalam, Sourish, Amarasinghe, A A Thasun, Malhotra, Anita
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Asia
Bungarus - genetics
Elapidae
Lizards
Phylogeny
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Summary:The banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus is a widespread elapid snake, likely to comprise several distinct species in different geographic regions of Asia. Therefore, based on molecular phylogenetics and comparative morphology data, we present an overview of the systematic composition of the species to delimit potential biogeographic boundaries. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on four mitochondrial genes, reveal the existence of at least three evolutionary lineages within B. fasciatus, corresponding to Indo-Myanmar, Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages. We are convinced that there are at least three taxonomic entities within the nomen B. fasciatus and restrict the distribution of B. fasciatus sensu stricto to the Indo-Myanmar region. We also provide additional natural history data of the taxon from eastern India. Finally, we advocate further studies to establish the degree of reproductive isolation among these diverging evolutionary lineages and to reassess the systematic status of this species complex especially the Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-28241-8