Integrated analysis of the ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus complex (Colubridae: Dipsadidae) in a biodiversity hotspot provides the foundation for conservation reassessment

Species classification may not reflect the underlying/cryptic genetic diversity and focusing on groups that do not represent historically independent units can misdirect conservation efforts. The identification of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) allows cryptic genetic diversity to be accounted for when designating conservation priorities. We used multi-locus coalescent-based species delimitation methods and multivariate analyses of morphological data to examine whether the subspecies merit conservation recognition and infer the ESUs in ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus) throughout the California Floristic Province. Species delimitation methods failed to recover groups consistent with designated subspecies and instead inferred three well supported, mostly geographically isolated lineages. Divergence time estimates suggest that the divergences were driven by historical isolation associated with Pleistocene climate shifts. We found a correlation between increased morphological differentiation and time since divergence, and greater niche similarity between the more recently diverged eastern California and western California groups. Based on these results, we propose that the morphological similarities are due to a combination of morphological conservatism and evolutionary stasis. Our study provides the foundation necessary to re-assess the biodiversity and conservation status of ringneck snakes and offers an important step in unveiling the diversity within the western portion of the genus’ range.

Material suplementario Nota corta 78781. Depredación de Spea multiplicata (Anura: Scaphiopodidae) por Diadophis punctatus (Squamata: Dipsadidae) en un campo de cultivo en el occidente de México

Material suplementario Nota corta 78781. Tablas 1 – 2 y Fig. 1.

Depredación de Spea multiplicata (Anura: Scaphiopodidae) por Diadophis punctatus (Squamata: Dipsadidae) en un campo de cultivo en el occidente de México

Diadophis punctatus es una serpiente de amplia distribución en Norteamérica. Aunque su historia natural está extensivamente estudiada en Estados Unidos de América, se conoce muy poco sobre su dieta en México. El 30 de octubre de 2018 recibimos un ejemplar de Diadophis punctatus que regurgitó un individuo de Spea multiplicata sin digerir. Este es el primer reporte de la interacción depredador-presa de estas dos especies aportando información valiosa sobre su historia natural. Además, se presenta una revisión de las presas de D. punctatus y de los depredadores de S. multiplicata.

A Partial Albino Hatchling Northern Ring-necked Snake, Diadophis punctatus edwardsii, from Big Tancook Island, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada

On 10 June 2012 a sample of seven gravid female Northern Ring-necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii), from Big Tancook Island, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, was selected for a seasonal live display at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax. A total of 13 eggs was removed from the display in late June 2012 and incubated for public viewing. The eggs began hatching on 22 August 2012. One of the hatchlings was partial albino (with zanthophores or amelanistic). This is the first record of an albinistic Northern Ring-necked Snake in Nova Scotia.

The Brown Morph of the Northern Ringneck Snake, Diadophis punctatus edwardsii, on Big Tancook Island, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

I describe a brown morph of the Northern Ringneck Snakes (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) that occurs in a population on Big Tancook Island, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada.