Review of Bothrops bilineatus (Serpentes, Viperidae) based on morphological and molecular data

Author(s)

Francisco Humberto Dal Vechio Filho

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB)
• Defense date: 2015-01-09

Examining board members

Miguel Trefaut Urbano Rodrigues; Felipe Gobbi Grazziotin; Hussam El Dine Zaher

• Advisor: Miguel Trefaut Urbano Rodrigues

Abstract

Bothrops bilineatus is one of six species in the taeniatus group, is now recognized by two subspecies: B. b. smaragdinus that distributes through western Amazon and B. b. bilineatus with disjunct distribution through Amazon and Atlantic Forest. This work aims to test the validity of these two sub-species, based on molecular, morphometric tools, meristic, osteological and hemipenial data, recognizing and delimiting lineages found. We also intend to investigate the phylogeographic relationships among populations throughout its distribution, analyzing the divergence time and possible events associated with it diversification. In addition, we intend to compare the molecular and hemipenial variation presented in B. bilineatus with B. taeniatus (phylogenetically close species) and those in the other groups of the genus. The genetic and hemipenial results show different levels of variation along the groups of Bothrops species, providing significant intra-and inter-specific information. Six clades structured to Bothrops bilineatus were recovered, representing four independent lineages diagnosable with joint based on morphology, hemipenial, osteological and molecular characters: lineage 1 - central Amazon, basal the others, lineage 2 - Atlantic Forest + Guayana Shield region recovered outside the sisters lineages 3 and 4 - western Amazon, southern part and western Amazon, northern part, respectively. As for B. taeniatus four clades representing three lineages were recovered with bases in molecular and hemipenial characters, however it is necessary to search for more morphological and osteological characters to better delimit and diagnose the lineages. Paleoclimatic and geomorphic changes in the transition Tertiary/Quaternary, probably are the major events influencing the diversification of lineages found in Bothrops bilineatus and B. taeniatus (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/21213-0 - Review of Bothrops bilineata (Serpentes, Viperidae) based on morphological and molecular data
• Grantee: Francisco Humberto Dal Vechio Filho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master