New insights into the phylogeny and evolution of Chinese <i>Ovophis</i> (Serpentes, Viperidae): Inferred from multilocus data

Abstract The Asian pitviper genus Ovophis is a group of venomous snakes widely distributed in mid to high elevation mountains Asia, and presently five species are recognised. However, its systematics, diversity distribution boundaries remain poorly understood. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships explored Chinese based on two mitochondrial fragments (Cyt b ND4) four nuclear genes ( BACH1 , c‐mos Rag1 NT3 ) also conducted morphological comparison between focal species. Our results indicated that had been underestimated within we described population from southern Yunnan, China, as new taxon, naming it malhotrae sp . nov Based more extensive sampling, redefined O. monticola makazayazaya China. Divergence date estimation suggested originated at about 16.79 Ma middle Miocene.