On the taxonomic validity of Boiga whitakeri Ganesh et al., 2021 with new insights on Boiga dightoni (Boulenger, 1894) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae)

Abstract

Colour polymorphism has been previously reported in several colubrid snakes including Boiga spp. In this paper, we report colour variations within the poorly known southern Indian Boiga dightoni, provide the first molecular data for this species, from two localities (including the type locality) and compare them with data from other congeners. Additionally, we provide detailed dentition and hemipenis descriptions for B. dightoni. Molecular data for B. dightoni show very little difference (0.2–0.4% 16S; 0.9–1.2% cyt b) to the recently described Boiga whitakeri, also from southern India. We have re-examined and present new information on the pholidosis of the type specimens of B. whitakeri and reconsider its taxonomic status. On the basis of molecular data and overlapping morphological characteristics, we argue that Boiga whitakeri and Boiga dightoni are conspecific, and place B. whitakeri under the subjective synonymy of the latter. Furthermore, we show that colour polymorphism in B. dightoni is a gender-independent character and that both colour morphs are found in high as well as low elevations and partly in sympatry. A revised key to the Boiga ceylonensis complex is provided.

A new record and a novel morph description of Boiga stoliczkae (Squamata, Colubridae) from China

“… drapiezii (Boie, 1827) and B. dightoni (Boulenger, 1894) ( Mohapatra et al 2009 , Weinell et al 2021 , Köhler et al 2023 , Narayanan et al 2023 ). Previously, only a unicoloured morph was known in B.…”

First record of a Yellow-green Catsnake,<i> Boiga flaviviridis</i> Vogel and Ganesh 2013 (Colubridae), from Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India

“…T he colubrid genus Boiga Fitzinger 1826 comprises 37 nominal species of which 17 occur in India (Uetz et al 2023). Seven of the Indian species (B. beddomei, B. dightoni, B. flaviviridis, B. forsteni, B. nuchalis, B. thackerayi, B. trigonata) are known from the Western Ghats (Narayanan et al 2023), but only two (B. flaviviridis and B. forsteni) have been recorded in forested areas of both the Eastern and Western Ghats (Ganesh et al 2020a). The Yellow-green Catsnake (Boiga flaviviridis) was originally described from Berhampur, Odisha, India, and has subsequently been recorded from forested regions across much of peninsular India (Vogel and Ganesh 2013;Dharmendra et al 2016;Sharma et al 2016;Choure et al 2021;Kalki et al 2021; Fig.…”