title: Multi-locus phylogeny and species delimitation of Australo-Papuan blacksnakes (Pseudechis Wagler, 1830: Elapidae: Serpentes).
abstract: Genetic analyses of Australasian organisms have resulted in the identification of extensive cryptic diversity across the continent. The venomous elapid snakes are among the best-studied organismal groups in this region, but many knowledge gaps persist: for instance, despite their iconic status, the species-level diversity among Australo-Papuan blacksnakes (Pseudechis) has remained poorly understood due to the existence of a group of cryptic species within the P. australis species complex, collectively termed "pygmy mulga snakes". Using two mitochondrial and three nuclear loci we assess species boundaries within the genus using Bayesian species delimitation methods and reconstruct their phylogenetic history using multispecies coalescent approaches. Our analyses support the recognition of 10 species, including all of the currently described pygmy mulga snakes and one undescribed species from the Northern Territory of Australia. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus are broadly consistent with previous work, with the recognition of three major groups, the viviparous red-bellied black snake P. porphyriacus forming the sister species to two clades consisting of ovoviviparous species.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK; Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Department of Animal Management, Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DF, UK. Electronic address: s.t.maddock@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Simon T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Maddock
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Childerstone
authors.affiliation: Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Bryan Grieg
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Fry
authors.affiliation: Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, NCD, 121, Papua New Guinea.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam (Golm), Germany.
authors.forename: Axel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barlow
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wüster
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D017815:Elapidae / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D056426:Genetic Loci; D014644:Genetic Variation; D010802:Phylogeny
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial
keywords: Australia; BPP; Molecular phylogenetics; Multispecies coalescent; New Guinea; Snakes