The geological and geographical settings of the Eastern Mediterranean have resulted in complex patterns of intraspecific diversifications and phylogeographical histories that can be observed in squamates. In this study, we examined genetic differentiation of the Collared dwarf racer (Platyceps collaris) using a multilocus genetic dataset with a sampling that covered the entire range of the species. We developed distribution models in current and past climatic conditions to assess the dynamics of the species distribution through time. We sequenced a fragment of the cytochrome b mitochondrial gene of the holotype and eight paratypes of Coluber rubriceps thracius, which is considered a synonym of Platyceps collaris. Our results show that there are two distinct clades within P. collaris, one occupying the Balkans and western and southern Anatolia (termed the Balkan–Anatolian clade), the other in the Levant (termed the Levantine clade). All type specimens of C. r. thracius are genetically identical and cluster within the Balkan–Anatolian clade. Distribution models indicate the presence of two refugia during climatically challenging periods. One was in western Anatolia and served as a source for the colonization of the Balkans and southern Anatolia, and the other was in the northern Levant, from where P. collaris dispersed further south. According to our results, we revise the subspecific taxonomy of P. collaris.

中文翻译：

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地中海领侏儒赛马的第四纪范围动态和分类学，Platyceps collis（有鳞：Colubridae）

东地中海的地质和地理环境导致了在有鳞类动物中可以观察到的复杂的种内多样化模式和系统地理学历史。在这项研究中，我们使用多位点遗传数据集检查了领矮赛马 ( Platyceps colalis ) 的遗传分化，其中采样覆盖了该物种的整个范围。我们开发了当前和过去气候条件下的分布模型，以评估物种分布随时间的动态。我们对Coluber rubriceps thracius的正型和8个副型的细胞色素b线粒体基因片段进行了测序，后者被认为是Platyceps colis的同义词。. 我们的研究结果显示，有两个不同的分支内P. collaris，一个占据巴尔干地区和西部和南部安纳托利亚黎凡特（称为巴尔干安纳托利亚分支），其他（称为黎凡特分支）。C. r. 的所有类型标本 thracius在遗传上是相同的，并且聚集在巴尔干-安纳托利亚进化枝中。分布模型表明在气候挑战时期存在两个避难所。一个是在安纳托利亚西部，并担任巴尔干和安纳托利亚南部的殖民源，另一个是在北部地中海东部地区，从那里P. collaris分散再往南。根据我们的结果，我们修改了P.collis的亚种分类法。