Unveiling an enigma from the Cerrado: taxonomic revision of two sympatric species of Apostolepis Cope, 1862 (Dipsadidae: Xenodontinae: Elapomorphini) from central Brazil

Author(s)

Entiauspe-Neto, Omar M. ; Koch, Claudia ; Guedes, Thais B. ; Paredero, Rafael C. B. ; Tiutenko, Arthur ; Loebmann, Daniel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY; v. 817, p. 40-pg., 2022-04-26.

Abstract

Apostolepis albicollaris and A. cerradoensis are two Elapomorphini snake species, described within a short timespan, from the Cerrado of central Brazil. In their brief descriptions, these two species were diagnosed from congeners largely based on highly variable external morphological characters. Interestingly enough, A. cerradoensis has remained known based on a single specimen since its description. Here, we present a reanalysis of both type specimens, as well as a careful examination of a large series of specimens formerly assigned to these species, based on the comparison of internal and external morphology. We conclude that both species are synonymous, providing evidence for the recognition of A. cerradoensis as a junior synonym of A. albicollaris. Furthermore, an account of its updated diagnosis, morphological variation, geographic distribution, hemipenial morphology, phylogenetic relationships and an osteological description are also provided. We also discuss its conservation status, suggesting that the species is under threat and qualifies to be listed as Vulnerable (VU ab(iii)), considering its rarity, small geographic range, and persistent environmental threats. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/18837-7 - Unveiling the hidden limits of species clusters: a cross-methodological approach to identify bioregions of neotropical snakes
• Grantee: Thaís Barreto Guedes da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 16/50127-5 - Dimensions US-BIOTA São Paulo: scales of biodiversity: integrated studies of snake venom evolution and function across multiple levels of diversity
• Grantee: Inácio de Loiola Meirelles Junqueira de Azevedo
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/13671-7 - Fieldwork assistance for specimen collection, venom and glands - focused in extreme southern Brazil
• Grantee: Omar Machado Entiauspe Neto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 13/04170-8 - Historical biogeography of the snakes from open landscapes in South America
• Grantee: Thaís Barreto Guedes da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral