Are they related?

[serpentstouch]

I have been searching the internet for other interesting colubrid snakes. I have come across numerous species that look so much like your average Boiga (not Mangroves), that they have to be distant relatives. Somewhere around the continental divide or down the evolutionary line, there has to be a genetic connection. I would like your opinions. I don't have links, but here's a list of them.

Most likely to be related:
Imantodes cenchoa -- blunt-headed treesnake
Dipsas indica – Big-headed Snail Eating Snake
Sibon Nebulata – Snail Eater

Possible Distant Relative: They resemble (Boiga irregularis)
Leptodeira septentrionalis - Northern Cat-eyed Snake
Hypsiglena torquata – Night Snake


And last & least likely:
Trimorphodon biscutatus

Any feedback would be accepted. Just a bored mind wandering.

[Admin - Angi]

Hiya
Whehn I have a bit more time i will try to look into it as well.

[Admin - Angi]

My partner just made a suggestion - ask Brian Fry on Venomdoc forums.

[serpentstouch]

I have seen a television documentary were they have traced human genetic protein markers, from the continental divide through modern day people. It would be interesting to see such a program on reptiles as well. Even if they were just an invasive few that bred with the local population, to form what they are now. Thank you for your input, I'll check it out.

[serpentstouch]

I found a few links to make it easier:

Lyre snake:www.californiaherps.com/snakes/images/tblyrophanessanbbriggs.jpg

Northern Cat-eyepick4.pick.uga.edu/mp/20q?search=Leptodeira+septentrionalis

Sibon Nebulata - snail eaterwww.snakesofcolombia.com/base/selectcategory.do?store=1&catalog=4&department=61&category=253

Dipsas indica - Big headed snail eaterwww.snakesofcolombia.com/base/selectcategory.do?store=1&catalog=4&department=26&category=161

Imantodes - Blunt headed tree snakewww.snakesofcolombia.com/base/selectcategory.do?store=1&catalog=4&department=40&category=197

I hope this helps, I'm still waiting on approval from the site you recommended.

[Admin - Angi]

Thanks for the links, all have similarities to the boiga family it is hard to believe that a couple are not. I will be most interested to hear what Dr Fry thinks. They are all in the Colubridae branch anyway.
Some beautiful snakes there.
My partner has kept the Northern cat snake many many years ago, before I knew him, he said you don't see them about anymore. He also said they both look and behave like boigas.

[serpentstouch]

He has now respnded to my post. According to him, there are NO known distant relatives of Boigas in the Americas. The closest one in Hawaii, being Boiga irregularis, but not on mainland.
I just hope I can locate a few of the listed species for purchase, without it costing an arm or two. I would love to own several of each of them, they're beautiful specimens. If I locate a potential seller, I'll post a link on this site. That way you or anyone else, can have the opportunity as well.

[Admin - Angi]

Yep, the certainly are some beautiful snakes amongst them that I would like to know more about. Best of luck with your search.