Genotyping the phenotypic diversity in Aegean Natrix natrix moreotica (Bedriaga, 1882) (Reptilia, Serpentes, Natricidae)

Abstract

We examined the mitochondrial identity of Aegean Natrix natrix moreotica representing different morphotypes, with a focus on new material from Milos and Skyros. We found no correlation between distinct morphotypes and mitochondrial identity. Our results support that grass snake populations are polyphenetic and that southern subspecies, including island populations, show a higher variability than northern ones.

Natrix natrix after dark: citizen science sheds light on the common grass snake’s nightlife

“…This is not the first instance of citizen science platforms, such as iNaturalist, being used to gain knowledge about grass snakes. In recent years, georeferenced images from these platforms have proven to be extremely valuable in providing important morphological and distributional data related to grass snakes ( Fritz & Ihlow, 2022 ; Fritz, Grismer & Asztalos, 2023 ; Jablonski et al, 2023 ).…”

Phylogeography of Dolichophis Populations in the Aegean Region (Squamata: Colubridae) with Taxonomic Remarks

“…However, the distinct phenotype differentiation of D. jugularis from Rhodes may also signify an environmentally related phenomenon in the Aegean region. Jablonski et al [4] discuss that specific environmental and ecological conditions, combined with genetic components and selection, might underlie the high phenotype variability (mostly in colour and pattern) observed in island populations. The Aegean region presents several instances where morphologically based taxonomy does not align with genetic data, such as the Aegean Natrix natrix schweizeri Müller, 1932, or Macrovipera schweizeri (Werner, 1935) [4,49,50].…”

“…Jablonski et al [4] discuss that specific environmental and ecological conditions, combined with genetic components and selection, might underlie the high phenotype variability (mostly in colour and pattern) observed in island populations. The Aegean region presents several instances where morphologically based taxonomy does not align with genetic data, such as the Aegean Natrix natrix schweizeri Müller, 1932, or Macrovipera schweizeri (Werner, 1935) [4,49,50]. Additionally, Eastern Mediterranean reptile populations often exhibit exceptions to their common colouration and pattern (see [51][52][53]), a trend also observed in Dolichophis populations [22] (genotyped specimens ZMHRU 2012/50-51; Table 1 and Figure 3) from western Anatolia and the western Aegean [54].…”

“…The Aegean region serves as an outdoor evolutionary laboratory within the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, where the present-day biota has undergone remarkable development since the Miocene [1]. Over time, owing to unique local conditions, vertebrates within this region have experienced significant microevolutionary processes and speciation events [2][3][4]. These include hybridisations, specific adaptations, habitat contractions due to climate change, subsequent recolonisations, and competitions resulting from encounters with similar species that have colonised the area from various sources.…”