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| Saurodactylus splendidus
Javanmardi, Vogler & Joger, 2019
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Abstract
We divide Saurodactylus brosseti into five species, based on molecular and morphological characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis of two mitochondrial markers (ND4 and 12S rRNA) reveals five separately evolving lineages (clades) in the S. brosseti species complex. Each can be assigned to a particular geographical range within the distribution area in Morocco: North, South, Anti-Atlas, East and Southeast. A dichotomous key for all species within the genus Saurodactylus is presented. Despite the high level of color pattern variation among and within the northern, southern, Anti-Atlas and eastern clades, the southeastern lineage shows a unique coloration which is not found in other clades. The ecological traits of the southeastern clade seem to differ from those of the other four lineages since it is basically associated with Acacia species. Like the relictual ecosystem characterized by these trees, it appears to be highly threatened by extinction.
Keywords: Reptilia, Saurodactylus splendidus sp. nov., S. harrisii sp. nov., S. slimanii sp. nov., S. elmoudenii sp. nov., phylogeny, species complex, taxonomy
Saurodactylus slimanii sp. nov. Joger & Javanmardi, 2019 (Eastern clade)
Derivatio nominis: We name this new taxon in honor of Tahar Slimani, who initiated the collaboration between our laboratories and accompanied us on a number of successful field trips in Morocco. The patronym was latinized as Slimanius and then placed into the masculine genitive singular.
Saurodactylus elmoudenii sp. nov. Joger, Vogler & Javanmardi, 2019 (Anti-Atlas clade)
Derivatio nominis. This taxon is named in honor of our dear colleague, El Hassan El Mouden. The name was latinized as El Moudenius and then placed into the masculine singular genitive.
Saurodactylus harrisii sp. nov. Joger, Javanmardi & Vogler, 2019 (Southern clade)
Derivatio nominis. We name this taxon in honor of David James Harris, who initiated the first comprehensive study on the genetic differentiation of Saurodactylus brosseti, during which this and two other clades were discovered. The patronym was latinized as Harrisius and then placed into the masculine genitive singular.
Saurodactylus splendidus sp. nov. Javanmardi, Vogler & Joger, 2019 (Southeastern clade)
Derivatio nominis. The name refers to the contrasting pattern of these beautiful geckos.
Derivatio nominis: We name this new taxon in honor of Tahar Slimani, who initiated the collaboration between our laboratories and accompanied us on a number of successful field trips in Morocco. The patronym was latinized as Slimanius and then placed into the masculine genitive singular.
Saurodactylus elmoudenii sp. nov. Joger, Vogler & Javanmardi, 2019 (Anti-Atlas clade)
Derivatio nominis. This taxon is named in honor of our dear colleague, El Hassan El Mouden. The name was latinized as El Moudenius and then placed into the masculine singular genitive.
Saurodactylus harrisii sp. nov. Joger, Javanmardi & Vogler, 2019 (Southern clade)
Derivatio nominis. We name this taxon in honor of David James Harris, who initiated the first comprehensive study on the genetic differentiation of Saurodactylus brosseti, during which this and two other clades were discovered. The patronym was latinized as Harrisius and then placed into the masculine genitive singular.
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| Saurodactylus splendidus sp. nov. in its natural habitat (type locality, Icht).
Photo by S. Vogler.
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Derivatio nominis. The name refers to the contrasting pattern of these beautiful geckos.
Soheila Javanmardi, Sven Vogler and Ulrich Joger. 2019. Phylogenetic Differentiation and Taxonomic Consequences in the Saurodactylus brosseti species complex (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae), with Description of Four New Species. Zootaxa. 4674(4); 401–425. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4674.4.1
