>>Thanks for the very helpful info from both you and meretseger and now I have some further questions...

>>1) Is the Greek Longissimus still the Longissima or has it been reclassified also (the areas of Southern Italy and Greece are not only close but appear to have similar geographic characteristics that are not present further North)?



The Greek form is still Zamenis longissimus, and distinct from the southern Italian Zamenis lineatus.



Note, by the way, that for scientific names, one uses both the genus and species names together. The species name (longissimus) is not normally used on its own without the genus name (Zamenis)



>>2) Does there appear to be a genetic connection between the Persica and the Longissimus (eg. common ancestor)and if not what was the reason for early confusion between the two species?



According to recent DNA-based studies, Zamenis persicus appears to be quite distinct from Z. longissimus, and may be closer to Z. hohenackeri. I can't really tell you why they were formerly grouped as a single species with Z. longissimus.



Cheers,



Wolfgang
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