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| Eublepharis pictus Mirza & Gnaneswar, 2022. E. hardwickii juvenile (uncollected) in its natural habitat. Photo by Supriya Samanta |
Abstract
A recent molecular phylogenetic study of the genus Eublepharis Gray, 1827 revealed the presence of a genetically divergent lineage sister to Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827. We re-assessed the taxonomy of Eublepharis hardwickii based on museum material in light of the molecular phylogenetic study and the results support the recognization of two species distributed on either sides of the Brahmani River. A redescription of E. hardwickii is presented based on the holotype and additional museum material along-with the description of a new species, Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The presence of yet another distinct lineage in such close geographical proximity in the northern Eastern Ghats highlights the significance of these relic forests and advocates the need for conservation prioritization.
Key Words: Biodiversity, conservation, Eastern Ghats, leopard gecko, Sauria, Taxonomy
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| Map of east India showing the distribution of Eublepharis hardwickii (black circles) and Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. (blue rhombus). Locality details for E. hardwickii (black numbers) 1. Chittagong, 2. Aushgram, 3. Chaibasa, 4. Barajamda, 5. Balasore; E. pictus sp. nov. (blue numbers) 1. Visakhapatnam, 2. Jaypore, 3. Kapilash, 4. Kandhamal, 5. Khurda, 6. Angul. Image of E. pictus sp. nov. by Gnaneshwar C. H. |
Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827
Diagnosis: A medium sized Eublepharis reaching SVL of 140 mm, with 24 rows of flat, tubercle-like moderately keeled scales across the dorsum intermixed with much smaller scales, a single pale band between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction; smooth subdigital lamellae on digit IV of pes 17; 16 precloacal pores in an angulate series lacking a diastema.
Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym honoring Major-General Thomas Hardwicke (1756–1835) of the Bengal army of the East India Company.
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| Eublepharis hardwickii juvenile (uncollected) in its natural habitat. Photo by Supriya Samanta a, b. Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. in life from Visakhapatnam (uncollected). Photo by Zeeshan A. Mirza; c. Habitat near Visakhapatnam where Eublepharis pictus sp. nov. was observed (not collected). Photo by Zeeshan A. Mirza. |
Eublepharis pictus sp. nov.
Diagnosis: A medium sized Eublepharis reaching SVL of 117 mm (max.), with 23–26 rows of large flat, tubercle-like moderately keeled scales across the dorsum intermixed with much smaller scales, a single pale band between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction; smooth subdigital lamellae on digit IV of pes 19; 17–18 precloacal pores in an angulate series lacking a diastema.
Etymology: The specific epithet ‘pictus’ is a Latin word that means ‘painted’ referring to the colouration of the species in life. Suggested common name ‘Painted leopard gecko’.
Zeeshan A. Mirza and Chandrashekaruni Gnaneswar. 2022. Description of A New Species of Leopard Geckos, Eublepharis Gray, 1827 from Eastern Ghats, India with Notes on Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827. Evolutionary Systematics. 6(1): 77-88. DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.83290
