>>>>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


It appears there is some connection bt. Z. (Elaphe) longissimus and Z. (Elaphe) persicus, since they were placed in the same group/or genus. According to Utiger et al. longissimus is more closely related to lineata and situla than any other member of the group. Of course, it is a proposal, and further research may indicate there is a close connection bt. longissimus and persicus. I believe the confusion of earlier taxonomists had to do with the fact that longissimus occured near the mtns where persicus lived and the fact that they superficially resemble each other. Longissimus looks more like persicus than situla and from my informal observations, I would think that longissimus and persicus are more closely related. I would enjoy seeing more testing on this.

TC/Ratsnake Haven

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