Molecular phylogeny of Neotropical Parrot Snakes (Serpentes: Colubrinae: Leptophis) supports underestimated species richness

Tetrapod taxa with broad geographic distributions across the Neotropics are often composed of multiple evolutionary lineages. In this paper, we present the most complete phylogeny of Leptophis to date and assess morphology-based species limits within the broadly distributed green parrot snake Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato, which occurs from Mexico to Argentina. Although L. ahaetulla sensu stricto, L. nigromarginatus and L. occidentalis were recovered as paraphyletic, tree topology tests failed to reject their monophyly. Monophyly of L. bocourti, L. coeruleodorsus, L. cupreus, L. depressirostris, L. marginatus, L. riveti and L. sp. nov. was strongly supported. Our phylogenetic trees support recognition of multiple species within Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato and suggest that color evolution and the uplift of the Andes played an important role in the diversification of parrot snakes.

Automated summary

This study presents the most complete phylogeny of Leptophis to date and evaluates morphology-based species limits within the broadly distributed green parrot snake Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato. The research suggests the presence of multiple species within Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato and highlights the role of color evolution and the uplift of the Andes in the diversification of parrot snakes.