Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus (Squamata, Elapidae) in Asia

Abstract

The banded krait, Bungarusfasciatus is a widespread elapid snake, likely to comprise several distinct species in different geographic regions of Asia. Therefore, based on molecular phylogenetics and comparative morphology data, we present an overview of the systematic composition of the species to delimit potential biogeographic boundaries. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on four mitochondrial genes, reveal the existence of at least three evolutionary lineages within B.fasciatus, corresponding to Indo-Myanmar, Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages. We are convinced that there are at least three taxonomic entities within the nomen B.fasciatus and restrict the distribution of B.fasciatus sensu stricto to the Indo-Myanmar region. We also provide additional natural history data of the taxon from eastern India. Finally, we advocate further studies to establish the degree of reproductive isolation among these diverging evolutionary lineages and to reassess the systematic status of this species complex especially the Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages.

Notes on copulation in Banded Kraits, <i>Bungarus fasciatus</i><i> </i>(Schneider 1801)

“…So far, many aspects of reproductive biology have been described among elapids (e.g., Tam et al 1969;Lance 1976;Shine 1977;Shine and Keogh 1996;Shine et al 2007;Marques et al 2013). However, reproductive data on snakes in the genus Bungarus focuses almost entirely on post-mating aspects such as nesting, oviposition, and morphometrics of eggs and neonates (e.g., Evans 1905;Webb-Peploe 1946;Soderberg 1973;Whitaker 1978;Daniel 2002;Chanhome 2013;Knierim et al 2019;Ray et al 2020;Biakzuala et al 2023), leaving many behavioral aspects of mating unrepresented. Herein we report copulation in the Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus), based on a single observation from northern West Bengal, India, supplemented by crowdsourced observational data.…”

“…Herein we report copulation in the Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus), based on a single observation from northern West Bengal, India, supplemented by crowdsourced observational data. Despite a wide distribution throughout most of southern and southeastern Asia (Biakzuala et al 2023), this species is nowhere abundant (Stuart et al 2013), which perhaps explains the lack of qualitative data on reproduction. All relevant photographs were submitted as photographic vouchers to the Zoological Reference Collection, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore.…”