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| Hemidactylus vijayraghavani
Mirza, 2018
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ABSTRACT
A new cryptic species of ground-dwelling Hemidactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from southern India. Recently collected specimens of a gecko resembling Hemidactylus reticulatus from northern Karnataka State in southwestern India led me to investigate variation in the species with regards to its morphology and molecular divergence. Results based on existing museum material, combined with molecular data for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene support the presence of cryptic species within the broadly distributed H. reticulatus complex. Here, I describe a new species of Hemidactylus from northern Karnataka as the frst contribution in resolving the species complex. The integration of molecular and morphological data supports the distinctness of the new species described herein.
Keywords: cytochrome b, phylogeny, species complex, taxonomy
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| Figure 3. Hemidactylus vijayraghavani sp. nov. in life. (A) Male holotype, NCBS-BH643. (B) Female paratype, NCBS-BH644. |
Hemidactylus vijayraghavani sp. nov.
Defininition.— A small, fairly stout gecko, ranging in SVL from 36–38.5 mm. Dorsum light brown with reticulate pattern. Dorsal scalation on trunk granular, homogenous, with irregular row of 8–10 smooth, rounded tubercles. Tubercles subequal to adjacent dorsal granular scales. An angular series of 8 precloacal pores in males.
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Natural history.— The species inhabits dry, open scrub and rock terrain in northern Karnataka. The type locality is a barren hillock adjacent to a seasonal river. The locality is heavily disturbed from activities relating to stone quarrying. Two individuals were found in 2 hr. The geckos actively forage between 1900–1945 hr. Other sympatric reptiles include Eutropis cf. carinata, Hemidactylus parvimaculatus, and Sitana sp. The new species currently known only from the type locality.
Etymology.— The specific epithet is a patronym honoring Prof. K. VijayRaghavan of the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore for his efforts to enhance science research and education in India. Prof. K. VijayRaghavan is a Fellow of the Royal Society (London) and Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2018. A New Cryptic Species of Ground-dwelling Hemidactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from southern India. Phyllomedusa: Journal of Herpetology. 17(2); 169-180. DOI: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v17i2p169-180
