Talk:Protobothrops mangshanensis

Zhaoermia mangshanensis?
This species should be classified and listed as Zhaoermia mangshanensis - the validity of the genus Ermia (later substituted by Zhaoermia) has been demonstrated in a number of phylogenetic studies that have shown it to be only distantly related to Trimeresurus, and more closely related to Protobothrops and Triceratolepidophis. The genus Zhaoermia has been widely recognised in the recent literature, and the fact that this species does not belong with Trimeresurus is now entirely uncontentious.

Reference:

Malhotra, A. & R.S. Thorpe (2004) A phylogeny of four mitochondrial gene regions suggests a revised taxonomy for Asian pitvipers (Trimeresurus and Ovophis). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 32: 83–100 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Caissaca (talk • contribs) 15:15, 10 February 2008 (UTC)


 * That's fine, but the ITIS taxonomy, which we're currently using for all of these articles, still lists it as Trimeresurus mangshanensis. For a lengthier explanation, see my comments here. --Jwinius (talk) 18:18, 10 February 2008 (UTC)

OK, thanks for the explanation, I can see the rationale for sticking to a single supposedly authoritative source of reference, but it does seem a little unfortunate in cases where ITIS is 4 years behind the times in implementing a perfectly rational, well supported and uncontentious change... one of the perils of tying yourself to one single source of information, I suppose. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Caissaca (talk • contribs) 19:44, 13 February 2008 (UTC)


 * This may not be the only viper species to spit venom either. Campbell & Lamar (2004) cite Mole (1924) who observed Bothrops asper to eject venom over a distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 m) in fine jets from the tips of its fangs. --Jwinius (talk) 15:37, 7 April 2008 (UTC)