Phylogeography of mangrove pit vipers (Viperidae, <i>Trimeresurus erythrurus‐purpureomaculatus</i> complex)

Abstract

Abstract We present the first multilocus molecular phylogeny focused on mangrove pit vipers of the Trimeresurus erythrurus‐purpureomaculatus complex based on novel topotypic material and expanded geographic sampling. Previously inferred paraphyly of T. purpureomaculatus was resolved and our results demonstrate distinct phylogeographic patterns that are latitudinally stratified and consistent with isolation‐by‐distance and isolation‐by‐environment. A clear genetic break is detected at the Isthmus of Kra biogeographic divide and niche overlap among major genetic clades is limited. The association between colour polymorphisms and phylogeographic structure suggests that contemporary or historical introgression between T. erythrurus and T. purpureomaculatus could have occurred. This study provides a clear roadmap to guide future genomic research to improve our understanding of this charismatic, yet poorly studied group of snakes.