Frank Tillack | Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (original) (raw)
Papers by Frank Tillack
Zootaxa
The analyses of molecular genetic data (mtDNA markers 16S, ND4, CYTB, and the nuclear marker c-mo... more The analyses of molecular genetic data (mtDNA markers 16S, ND4, CYTB, and the nuclear marker c-mos) provided evidence that the Asian cat snake taxa Boiga multomaculata and B. ochracea actually represent a single species. They form mixed clades of low intraclade genetic differentiation. This evidence for conspecificy is supported by the lack of differentiation in all examined pholidotic and morphometric characters. Therefore, we formally place Dipsas ochracea Theobald, 1868 in the synonymy of Dipsas multomaculata Boie, 1827. We provide a summary of the tangled taxonomic history of the taxa involved in this study. Also, we resurrect Dipsadomorphus stoliczkae Wall, 1909 from synonymy of B. ochracea, for specimens exhibiting 21 midbody dorsal scale rows. Boiga stoliczkae is found in the Himalayas north and west of the Brahmaputra valley. Finally, based on the detection of historical genetic lineages within the newly defined species Boiga multomaculata we recognize three subspecies: Boig...
<i>Sitana schleichi ―</i> ZSM 0848/2012 (holotype, Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal)... more <i>Sitana schleichi ―</i> ZSM 0848/2012 (holotype, Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal); ZSM 0849/2012; ZSM 0851/2012; ZSM 0850/2012 ZSM 0852/2012 (all paratypes, Suklaphantah National Park, Nepal)
FIGURE 1. Holotype of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (BNHS 2511) from Sambalpur, Odisha. (A) full body d... more FIGURE 1. Holotype of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (BNHS 2511) from Sambalpur, Odisha. (A) full body dorsal; (B) full body ventral; (C) dorsal, (D) ventral, and (E) right lateral view of head. Scale bars= 10 mm.
FIGURE 2. Live image of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (A) Male from near Hirakud dam, Sambalpur, Odisha... more FIGURE 2. Live image of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (A) Male from near Hirakud dam, Sambalpur, Odisha (Photo: V. Deepak), (B) male in a defensive display from Debrigarh, Hirakud WLS, Sambalpur, Odisha (Photo: Vivek Sarkar). (C) habitat near Hirakud dam, Sambalpur, Odisha (Photo: V. Deepak)
FIGURE 3. Hemipenis of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (CES 13584): (A, C) sulcal view; (B, D) asulcal vi... more FIGURE 3. Hemipenis of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (CES 13584): (A, C) sulcal view; (B, D) asulcal view. Scale bars= 10 mm. (drawings made by Mohammad Asif).
Zootaxa, 2016
The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) de... more The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September...
Vertebrate Zoology
For the first time a comprehensive checklist and description of all species of the dwarf snake ge... more For the first time a comprehensive checklist and description of all species of the dwarf snake genus Eirenis is presented using both external morphological characters and osteological information derived from micro-computed tomography, and by considering more than 300 specimens from the entire distribution range. Our study recognizes 18 valid species, but also emphasizes that Eirenis modestus and E. persicus each represent a complex of several taxa which urgently need a revision. Regarding the latter complex, the validity of the taxon “Eirenis mcmahoni” is not accepted due to the current lack of understanding of the persicus-group. Also, further studies should be carried out to fully understand the species status of the newly described Eirenis kermanensis, which seems closely related to E. medus. At the same time, E. hakkariensis is resurrected to full species status given the dramatic morphological differences to E. thospitis, casting doubt on the apparent genetic identity as revea...
Vertebrate Zoology
Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan, 1863) is a euryoecious polytypic racer distributed from NE Iraq to Ce... more Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan, 1863) is a euryoecious polytypic racer distributed from NE Iraq to Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan) and the Himalayas (probably westernmost Nepal). The nominotypical subspecies, occupying most of the species’ range, is polymorphic. The typical (striped) phenotype is absent from certain peripheral areas. Notable geographic variation is observed in the number of ventrals, subcaudals, dorsal scales, or maxillary teeth and in the colour pattern. P. r. ladacensis (Anderson, 1871) is only found from the eastern Hindu Kush into northern Himachal Pradesh (India). Its presence south of the Zanskar Range requires confirmation and the status of the Ladakh Cliff Racer is debatable. The identity and systematic position of racers from the vicinity of Ahvaz (Khuzestan) as well as Arabian and southern Red Sea populations commonly assigned to P. rhodorachis pend further investigation. Platyceps semifasciatus Blyth, 1860 is a senior subjective synonym of P. rhodorachis (nomen pro...
Vertebrate Zoology, Jan 18, 2023
Colour polymorphism has been previously reported in several colubrid snakes including Boiga spp. ... more Colour polymorphism has been previously reported in several colubrid snakes including Boiga spp. In this paper, we report colour variations within the poorly known southern Indian Boiga dightoni, provide the first molecular data for this species, from two lo calities (including the type locality) and compare them with data from other congeners. Additionally, we provide detailed dentition and hemipenis descriptions for B. dightoni. Molecular data for B. dightoni show very little difference (0.2-0.4% 16S; 0.9-1.2% cyt b) to the recently described Boiga whitakeri, also from southern India. We have reexamined and present new information on the pholidosis of the type specimens of B. whitakeri and reconsider its taxonomic status. On the basis of molecular data and overlapping morphological characteristics, we argue that Boiga whitakeri and Boiga dightoni are conspecific, and place B. whitakeri under the subjective synonymy of the latter. Furthermore, we show that colour polymorphism in B. dightoni is a genderindependent character and that both colour morphs are found in high as well as low elevations and partly in sympatry. A revised key to the Boiga ceylonensis complex is provided.
Vertebrate Zoology
Re-examination of the type material of Ligonirostra Stuhlmanni Pfeffer, 1893 (original spelling, ... more Re-examination of the type material of Ligonirostra Stuhlmanni Pfeffer, 1893 (original spelling, now Prosymna stuhlmanni) and comparison with the sole type specimen of its synonym Stenorhabdium temporale Werner, 1909 revealed a number of significant morphological differences between these taxa. Detailed analyses of pholidosis and osteology of comparative material show that S. temporale is in fact a subjective junior synonym of Pseudorabdion longiceps (Cantor, 1847). A lectotype and a paralectotype of Ligonirostra stuhlmanni are designated and described.
<i>Sitana fusca ―</i> ZSM 0853/2012 (holotype, East Nepal, Ghauri Dhara Road Camp, 0.... more <i>Sitana fusca ―</i> ZSM 0853/2012 (holotype, East Nepal, Ghauri Dhara Road Camp, 0.8 km north of the road Janatir – Baridas); ZSM 4408/2012; ZSM 4409/2012; ZSM 4410/2012 (all same locality data as for the holotype).
<i>Sitana sivalensis ―</i> ZSM 4411/2012, 4412/2012 and 4421/2012 (all paratypes, fro... more <i>Sitana sivalensis ―</i> ZSM 4411/2012, 4412/2012 and 4421/2012 (all paratypes, from along the road between Shivpur (Shivapur) and Bankas near the Surai Khola in southern West Nepal, Lumbini Zone, Kapilbastu District, Nepal); ZSM 4413/2012 – ZSM 4420/2012 (all from between Shivpur (Shivapur) and Bankas, Lumbini Zone, Kapilbastu District, Nepal).
FIGURE 5. Two uncollected males of Sitana sushili sp. nov. in combat (note the prominent nuchal c... more FIGURE 5. Two uncollected males of Sitana sushili sp. nov. in combat (note the prominent nuchal crest) photographed in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha. (Photo: Vivek Sarkar)
Zootaxa
The analyses of molecular genetic data (mtDNA markers 16S, ND4, CYTB, and the nuclear marker c-mo... more The analyses of molecular genetic data (mtDNA markers 16S, ND4, CYTB, and the nuclear marker c-mos) provided evidence that the Asian cat snake taxa Boiga multomaculata and B. ochracea actually represent a single species. They form mixed clades of low intraclade genetic differentiation. This evidence for conspecificy is supported by the lack of differentiation in all examined pholidotic and morphometric characters. Therefore, we formally place Dipsas ochracea Theobald, 1868 in the synonymy of Dipsas multomaculata Boie, 1827. We provide a summary of the tangled taxonomic history of the taxa involved in this study. Also, we resurrect Dipsadomorphus stoliczkae Wall, 1909 from synonymy of B. ochracea, for specimens exhibiting 21 midbody dorsal scale rows. Boiga stoliczkae is found in the Himalayas north and west of the Brahmaputra valley. Finally, based on the detection of historical genetic lineages within the newly defined species Boiga multomaculata we recognize three subspecies: Boig...
<i>Sitana schleichi ―</i> ZSM 0848/2012 (holotype, Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal)... more <i>Sitana schleichi ―</i> ZSM 0848/2012 (holotype, Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal); ZSM 0849/2012; ZSM 0851/2012; ZSM 0850/2012 ZSM 0852/2012 (all paratypes, Suklaphantah National Park, Nepal)
FIGURE 1. Holotype of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (BNHS 2511) from Sambalpur, Odisha. (A) full body d... more FIGURE 1. Holotype of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (BNHS 2511) from Sambalpur, Odisha. (A) full body dorsal; (B) full body ventral; (C) dorsal, (D) ventral, and (E) right lateral view of head. Scale bars= 10 mm.
FIGURE 2. Live image of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (A) Male from near Hirakud dam, Sambalpur, Odisha... more FIGURE 2. Live image of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (A) Male from near Hirakud dam, Sambalpur, Odisha (Photo: V. Deepak), (B) male in a defensive display from Debrigarh, Hirakud WLS, Sambalpur, Odisha (Photo: Vivek Sarkar). (C) habitat near Hirakud dam, Sambalpur, Odisha (Photo: V. Deepak)
FIGURE 3. Hemipenis of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (CES 13584): (A, C) sulcal view; (B, D) asulcal vi... more FIGURE 3. Hemipenis of Sitana sushili sp. nov. (CES 13584): (A, C) sulcal view; (B, D) asulcal view. Scale bars= 10 mm. (drawings made by Mohammad Asif).
Zootaxa, 2016
The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) de... more The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September...
Vertebrate Zoology
For the first time a comprehensive checklist and description of all species of the dwarf snake ge... more For the first time a comprehensive checklist and description of all species of the dwarf snake genus Eirenis is presented using both external morphological characters and osteological information derived from micro-computed tomography, and by considering more than 300 specimens from the entire distribution range. Our study recognizes 18 valid species, but also emphasizes that Eirenis modestus and E. persicus each represent a complex of several taxa which urgently need a revision. Regarding the latter complex, the validity of the taxon “Eirenis mcmahoni” is not accepted due to the current lack of understanding of the persicus-group. Also, further studies should be carried out to fully understand the species status of the newly described Eirenis kermanensis, which seems closely related to E. medus. At the same time, E. hakkariensis is resurrected to full species status given the dramatic morphological differences to E. thospitis, casting doubt on the apparent genetic identity as revea...
Vertebrate Zoology
Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan, 1863) is a euryoecious polytypic racer distributed from NE Iraq to Ce... more Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan, 1863) is a euryoecious polytypic racer distributed from NE Iraq to Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan) and the Himalayas (probably westernmost Nepal). The nominotypical subspecies, occupying most of the species’ range, is polymorphic. The typical (striped) phenotype is absent from certain peripheral areas. Notable geographic variation is observed in the number of ventrals, subcaudals, dorsal scales, or maxillary teeth and in the colour pattern. P. r. ladacensis (Anderson, 1871) is only found from the eastern Hindu Kush into northern Himachal Pradesh (India). Its presence south of the Zanskar Range requires confirmation and the status of the Ladakh Cliff Racer is debatable. The identity and systematic position of racers from the vicinity of Ahvaz (Khuzestan) as well as Arabian and southern Red Sea populations commonly assigned to P. rhodorachis pend further investigation. Platyceps semifasciatus Blyth, 1860 is a senior subjective synonym of P. rhodorachis (nomen pro...
Vertebrate Zoology, Jan 18, 2023
Colour polymorphism has been previously reported in several colubrid snakes including Boiga spp. ... more Colour polymorphism has been previously reported in several colubrid snakes including Boiga spp. In this paper, we report colour variations within the poorly known southern Indian Boiga dightoni, provide the first molecular data for this species, from two lo calities (including the type locality) and compare them with data from other congeners. Additionally, we provide detailed dentition and hemipenis descriptions for B. dightoni. Molecular data for B. dightoni show very little difference (0.2-0.4% 16S; 0.9-1.2% cyt b) to the recently described Boiga whitakeri, also from southern India. We have reexamined and present new information on the pholidosis of the type specimens of B. whitakeri and reconsider its taxonomic status. On the basis of molecular data and overlapping morphological characteristics, we argue that Boiga whitakeri and Boiga dightoni are conspecific, and place B. whitakeri under the subjective synonymy of the latter. Furthermore, we show that colour polymorphism in B. dightoni is a genderindependent character and that both colour morphs are found in high as well as low elevations and partly in sympatry. A revised key to the Boiga ceylonensis complex is provided.
Vertebrate Zoology
Re-examination of the type material of Ligonirostra Stuhlmanni Pfeffer, 1893 (original spelling, ... more Re-examination of the type material of Ligonirostra Stuhlmanni Pfeffer, 1893 (original spelling, now Prosymna stuhlmanni) and comparison with the sole type specimen of its synonym Stenorhabdium temporale Werner, 1909 revealed a number of significant morphological differences between these taxa. Detailed analyses of pholidosis and osteology of comparative material show that S. temporale is in fact a subjective junior synonym of Pseudorabdion longiceps (Cantor, 1847). A lectotype and a paralectotype of Ligonirostra stuhlmanni are designated and described.
<i>Sitana fusca ―</i> ZSM 0853/2012 (holotype, East Nepal, Ghauri Dhara Road Camp, 0.... more <i>Sitana fusca ―</i> ZSM 0853/2012 (holotype, East Nepal, Ghauri Dhara Road Camp, 0.8 km north of the road Janatir – Baridas); ZSM 4408/2012; ZSM 4409/2012; ZSM 4410/2012 (all same locality data as for the holotype).
<i>Sitana sivalensis ―</i> ZSM 4411/2012, 4412/2012 and 4421/2012 (all paratypes, fro... more <i>Sitana sivalensis ―</i> ZSM 4411/2012, 4412/2012 and 4421/2012 (all paratypes, from along the road between Shivpur (Shivapur) and Bankas near the Surai Khola in southern West Nepal, Lumbini Zone, Kapilbastu District, Nepal); ZSM 4413/2012 – ZSM 4420/2012 (all from between Shivpur (Shivapur) and Bankas, Lumbini Zone, Kapilbastu District, Nepal).
FIGURE 5. Two uncollected males of Sitana sushili sp. nov. in combat (note the prominent nuchal c... more FIGURE 5. Two uncollected males of Sitana sushili sp. nov. in combat (note the prominent nuchal crest) photographed in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha. (Photo: Vivek Sarkar)