A new species of pit-viper from the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions in Myanmar (Viperidae, Trimeresurus)

Kin Onn Chan ^1,2, Shahrul Anuar ², Ananthanarayanan Sankar ^3,1

⁰Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, 117377 Singapore, Singapore.

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February 5, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A new pit-viper species, Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis, has been identified in Myanmar. Genomic and morphological data confirm its distinct evolutionary path, highlighting cryptic diversity in Asian pit-vipers.

Area Of Science

Herpetology
Genomics
Taxonomy

Background

The Trimeresurus genus of Asian pit-vipers is known for cryptic species, making species delimitation challenging.
Previous genomic studies suggested distinct populations within the Trimeresurus erythrurus-purpureomaculatus complex in Myanmar.

Purpose Of The Study

To formally describe a new pit-viper species from Myanmar.
To provide detailed morphological characterizations of the newly identified species.
To discuss the implications of cryptic diversity within the Trimeresurus genus.

Main Methods

Genomic and population genetic analyses were used to identify distinct species.
Morphological characterizations were performed on collected specimens.
Species delimitation analyses were applied to confirm species boundaries.

Main Results

A new species, Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov., was formally described from Myanmar.
This new species is closely related to T. erythrurus and T. purpureomaculatus, sharing some morphological traits with both.
Specimens exhibit variable dorsal coloration, including green without blotches or dark dorsal blotches.

Conclusions

The discovery of Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis underscores the cryptic nature of species within the Trimeresurus genus.
Morphological similarities can mask distinct evolutionary trajectories, necessitating data-rich analyses for accurate species delimitation.
Further research is needed to clarify species boundaries across the Trimeresurus genus.

Keywords:

Cryptic species complex mangrove pit-viper morphology snake systematics taxonomy