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| Phyllopezus sapiranga Dubeux, Vieira Dubeux, Neves, Werneck, Rodrigues, Mott & Nunes, 2025 |
Abstract
Using an integrated taxonomic approach based on a robust data set including external morphology, cranial anatomy, hemipenial morphology, scale microstructure, and molecular data, we describe a new species of gecko of the genus Phyllopezus from mountains in the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The species is currently known to occur in Serra da Jiboia, municipality of Elísio Medrado, Bahia state, and Serra de Itabaiana, municipality of Areia Branca, Sergipe state. The new species is genetically related and more morphologically similar to Phyllopezus diamantino and Phyllopezus selmae, sharing all diagnostic characteristics for both these species, but distinguished from their congeners by meristic and morphometric characters. The new species is the first Phyllodactylidae to have its hemipenial morphology described and together with the cranial anatomy and the description of the microstructures of the dorsal scales provided here, it encourages the use of new approaches for the description of the cryptic species present in this species complex.
Keywords: Cryptic diversity, Integrative taxonomy, Morphological data, Molecular phylogeny, Hemipenial morphology, Cranial anatomy, Scale microstructure
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| Coloration in life of Phyllopezus sapiranga sp. nov. (A–E) Holotype [male, CHUFPE-R 1962], (F) Male paratype [CHUFPE-R 1960]; (G) Juvenile paratype [CHUFPE-R 1972]. |
Phyllopezus sapiranga sp. nov.
Etymology. The specific epithet is a homage to Marco Antônio de Freitas (also known as Marco "Sapiranga"), a herpetologist whose tireless efforts in research, management and fiscalization of several protected areas in the state of Bahia, has helped and helps contribute to the knowledge and conservation of Brazilian herpetofauna.
Marcos J.M. Dubeux, Gisele M.N. Vieira Dubeux, Jessika M.M. Neves, Fernanda P. Werneck, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Tamí Mott and Pedro M.S. Nunes. 2025. Uncovering Neotropical Rock Geckos’ Diversity: Multiple Data Sources on an Integrated Taxonomic Approach reveal A New Species of Phyllopezus Peters, 1878 (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 319; 173-195. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.011 [November 2025]
