Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Sibynophis (Serpentes: Colubroidea)

Author(s)

Hussam Zaher ^[1] ; Felipe G. Grazziotin ; Roberta Graboski ; Ricardo G. Fuentes ^[4] ; Paola Sánchez-Martinez ^[5] ; Giovanna G. Montingelli ^[6] ; Ya-Ping Zhang ; Robert W. Murphy

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Zoologia - Brasil

^[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Zoologia - Brasil

^[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Zoologia - Brasil

^[6] Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Zoologia - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia (São Paulo); v. 52, n. 12, p. 141-149, 2012-00-00.

Abstract

We present the results of the first molecular analysis of the phylogenetic affinities of the Asian colubroid genus Sibynophis. We recovered a sister-group relationship between Sibynophis and the New World Scaphiodontophis. Although Liophidium sometimes is associated with these genera, the relationship is distant. Morphological characters that Liophidium shares with Sibynophis and Scaphiodontophis are resolved as homoplasies that probably reflect the similarities of their specialized feeding habits. The traditional subfamily Sibynophiinae is elevated to the family-level, and Scaphiodontophiinae is placed in its synonymy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50206-9 - Origin and evolution of snakes and their diversification in the Neotropics: a multidisciplinary approach
• Grantee: Hussam El Dine Zaher
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 02/13602-4 - Evolution of the southeastern Brazilian reptile fauna from Cretaceous: paleontology, phylogeny and biogeography
• Grantee: Hussam El Dine Zaher
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants