Grass snakes are widely distributed across the Western Palearctic. Recent phylogeographic studies provided evidence that three distinct parapatric species exist. Two of these occur in Italy, Natrix helvetica and N. natrix, and a contact zone between both taxa has been suggested for north‐eastern Italy. Moreover, previous investigations revealed for the Italian Peninsula a complex phylogeographic structure. Using mtDNA sequences and microsatellite loci, we examined the situation for mainland Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Our study confirmed the occurrence of N. natrix in north‐eastern Italy. Cline analyses revealed limited gene flow between N. helvetica and N. natrix across a narrow hybrid zone. Within N. helvetica, conflicting patterns of mitochondrial and nuclear genomic differentiation were revealed. Three nuclear genomic clusters were found; one of them corresponded to no fewer than five distinct and, in part, deeply divergent and ancient mitochondrial lineages from mainland Italy and Sicily. This cluster was paraphyletic with respect to the two remaining mitochondrial lineages, each of which matched with another nuclear genomic cluster (one from Corsica plus Sardinia and another one from western Europe north of the Alps). This unexpected pattern most likely results from mainly male‐mediated gene flow and female philopatry combined with population‐density‐dependent processes such as ‘high‐density blocking’. With respect to taxonomy, we propose to synonymize N. h. lanzai Kramer, 1970 with N. h. sicula (Cuvier, 1829), acknowledging their lacking nuclear genomic differentiation. The studied hybrid zone of N. h. helvetica and N. h. sicula in Italy is wide, with a smooth cline for nuclear markers, supporting their subspecies status. We found no evidence for the distinctiveness of the two subspecies from Corsica (N. h. corsa) and Sardinia (N. h. cetti), suggesting their synonymy, but refrain from taxonomic conclusions because of small sample sizes and the endangered status of the Sardinian taxon.

Mitochondrial phylogeography, intraspecific diversity and phenotypic convergence in the four-lined snake (Reptilia, Squamata). -Zoologica Scripta, 43, 149-160. The four-lined snake, Elaphe quatuorlineata, has a fragmented distribution, restricted in continental regions and islands of the Italian and Balkan peninsulas, and includes several morphologically described subspecies. In this study, mtDNA sequences are used to investigate its evolutionary and biogeographical history, to explore the role of palaeogeography, palaeoclimate and human activities in shaping the observed phylogeographical patterns and to discuss whether current subspecific taxonomy is consistent with the intraspecific phylogeny. The phylogeography of the species is a result of both vicariant and dispersal events, some of them transmarine and even human mediated. Its diversification began approximately 3.5 Mya and continued during the Pleistocene glacial periods, when the four-lined snake's range was restricted in the Italian and Balkan peninsulas, and subsequently expanded from subrefugia, which acted as 'biodiversity pockets'. Our study supports the recognition of three genetic lineages that roughly correspond to the morphological subspecies, although the morphological characters used for their discrimination should be re-evaluated. It seems that the current morphological subspecies correspond to ecomorphs associated with body size change in island snakes and the island-dwarfism phenomenon.

Environmental heterogeneity on a spatial and temporal scale fosters an organism's capacity to plastically alter coloration. Predation risk might favour the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in colour patterns, as individuals who change colour throughout the year may be able to improve their fitness. Here we explored the change in dorsal pigmentation of the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus campestris) at three time points (March, July, October) during a period of activity in a Mediterranean natural area in southern Italy. Following a preliminary investigation conducted in 2018, during 2019 we captured 135 lizards and took a picture of their ventral scales to check for possible recapture over the sessions. Lizard dorsal pictures were collected in the field with the support of a reference chart to quantitatively estimate chromatic variables (hue, saturation and value). At the same time, pictures of the environmental background were collected. Our findings suggest that lizards are capable of altering dorsal coloration during seasonal change. They vary from green at the onset of spring, to brownish in the middle of summer and to a greyish colour in October. This modification closely followed environmental background colour variation and enhanced lizard crypsis during each season.

Geographic range size and genetic diversity are key correlates of extinction risk and evolutionary potential of a species, with species occupying smaller geographic ranges and showing limited genetic diversity assumed to be more threatened by environmental changes. The Italian Aesculapian snake Zamenis lineatus is a narrow‐range endemic of southern Italy and Sicily, once considered as part of the widespread species Z. longissimus. To date, we still lack comprehensive data on geographic range and intraspecific diversity of Z. lineatus. In this study, we analysed 106 Aesculapian snakes across the Italian Peninsula and Sicily in order to define the genetic diversity and distribution range of Z. lineatus, its possible range overlap with Z. longissimus and to assess whether hybridization occurs at the species’ range boundaries. We combined genetic data from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers with phenotypic data suitable for taxonomic identification. The observed phylogeographic pattern of Z. lineatus suggests: (i) a reduced peninsular range size, about a half of what is currently considered; (ii) limited genetic diversity and weak population structure; (iii) the occurrence of pervasive introgressive hybridization with Z. longissimus in the eastern contact zone. Together, results from this study indicate a higher extinction risk for Z. lineatus than previously appreciated and provide directions for future studies on the hybridization at the contact zone(s) between Z. lineatus and Z. longissimus.

This report contains the results of a forensic study of human remains discovered by a forester in the countryside surrounding Miglionico (Southern Italy) in August 2007. A total of 286 bone fragments were excavated at the scene and an osteological analysis was carried out by two forensic pathologists, one of which had a anthropological background. A forensic odontologist was also involved to ascertain the completeness of the skeletons and to make an inventory of the skeletal material. It was hoped also to establish a cause of death and period in which it occurred, and if possible to attempt to identify the individual. Age and odontological assessment was also provided. This report will highlight the contribution of an odontological and radiological analysis in relation to fragments of maxillary bones with teeth in situ, and also with teeth lost post-mortem. Findings from morphological, dental and radiological examination, UV illumination in the compact bones and radioisotope scan ( 14 C) revealed these skeletal remains belonged to at least three separate individuals, dating between 600 and 1000 AD, and therefore having archaeological significance.The case shows the relevance of forensic odontology in an anthropological evaluation which deals with discovered human remains of jaws and teeth.