DNA Uncovers 5 Species Hiding in 1 Himalayan Pit Viper Name

For over 160 years, scientists considered the Himalayan pit viper a single species, but new DNA analysis has shattered that assumption. A 2024 study in *ZooKeys* confirmed the group actually comprises five distinct species, despite their nearly identical appearances—light to dark brown with dark markings and light gray undersides. Each species inhabits different parts of the Himalayan Mountains, evolving unique skeletal structures due to varying ecosystems. The discovery began in 2022 when *Gloydius chambensis* was identified as a separate species. Further DNA testing of museum specimens from the 19th and 20th centuries, combined with recent field samples, uncovered the remaining four species. Sylvia Hofmann of the Museum Koenig noted that advancements in genetic analysis allowed researchers to extract DNA from century-old specimens, revealing hidden biodiversity. All five species were initially misclassified due to their striking similarities, including coloration and body patterns. However, subtle differences in skeletal structure and geographic distribution now distinguish them. The study highlights how museum collections serve as critical research tools, with historical specimens providing key evidence for modern discoveries. The findings underscore the importance of genetic technology in taxonomy, as visual inspection alone failed to detect the species' diversity. Hofmann emphasized that improving analytical methods will continue to unlock new insights from old collections, uncovering unknown biodiversity in the future.