The revision is based on this paper: http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/540.pdf.



It found that two specimens of M. flagellum nested within between two specimens of C. constrictor in their taxonomic tree. However, an earlier paper using the same four individuals

(http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/186.pdf) recovered C. constrictor and M. flagellum as sister species.



In my estimation that is insufficient evidence for taxonomic change, though I suspect further study will find that Coluber and Masticophis are in fact the same genus. The Brian Crother and the writers of the new SSAR common names list agree; they have retained Masticophis as a separate genus pending further research; however, I think the new CNAH list will combine them, reflecting Joseph Collins' tendency to favor what he considers 'taxonomic conservatism' over 'social' or 'usage conservatism'. Collins has published several papers proposing sweeping taxonomic changes based on no more than diagnosability and published range maps. I believe his approach has some philosophic validity but is hampered by often insufficient study and is too much of a PITA for non-taxonomists.

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