Phylogenetic affinities of the Italian population of Eastern Montpellier snake, Malpolon insignitus (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae)

Abstract

The only Italian population of the Eastern Montpellier snake is found on Lampedusa, a small island in the Strait of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea. This population is currently attributed to Malpolon insignitus based only on morphology. Here, we present the first genetic data on this population, based on mitochondrial cytochrome b and 12S ribosomal RNA data. Our results confirm that the population on Lampedusa belongs to M. insignitus, falling within a clade that also includes Tunisian populations, and presents private haplotypes for both markers. Their slight differentiation from the Tunisian populations suggests an origin linked to natural expansion from Africa, during the latest glaciation events.