[Herpetology • 2023] Urostrophus chungarae • Total Evidence Phylogenetic Analysis of Leiosauridae (Squamata) with Focus on the ‘para-anoles’ and Description of A New Urostrophus Species from the Bolivian Andes

Urostrophus chungarae

 Carvalho, Laspiur, Klaczko, Rivas, Rodrigues, Aurélio de Sena & Céspedes, 2023

 

    DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2023.2200306 

 Researchgate.net/publication/370346025 

facebook.com/LuisRolandoRivasTorrico 

 

Abstract

Only since the late 1980s have lizard specialists begun incorporating phylogenetic information to the classification of leiosaurids. These are among the most enigmatic South American lizards, with 35 currently recognised species arranged in six genera. To evaluate their relationships, we assembled a data set based on published and novel information containing 135 morphological characters and 11,235 DNA base pairs (14 loci) for up to 52 terminals, including outgroups. We performed 13 analyses based on different optimality criteria (parsimony, maximum likelihood, and coalescent approach) and indel coding strategies (gaps coded as missing data or as a fifth state). We also evaluated the impact of phenotypic evidence on the phylogeny of leiosaurids, and investigated the level of informativeness and potential sources of topological conflict using a Quartet Sampling analysis. Phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of major leiosaurid clades, including subfamilies Enyaliinae and Leiosaurinae, and the ‘para-anoles’ clade (Urostrophus + Anisolepis). However, Urostrophus was inferred as paraphyletic, with U. vautieri forming a clade with Anisolepis. These relationships motivate the synonymization of Anisolepis Boulenger, 1885 with Urostrophus Duméril & Bibron, 1837. The monophyly of Pristidactylus and, surprisingly, of Enyalius, were also challenged, underscoring the need for additional phylogenetic work. Finally, we described Urostrophus chungarae sp. nov. from the Torotoro National Park, Potosí, Bolivia. This apparently rare leiosaurid was inferred as sister to U. gallardoi, a Chacoan species distributed in northern Argentina and southeastern Bolivia. We conclude with a revised classification of Leiosauridae and by pointing out a number of unresolved issues that require further systematic investigation.

 

Key words: Bolivian Andes, leiosaurid phylogeny, lizard systematics, new classification, quartet sampling, sp. nov., synonymy, Urostrophus chungarae

 

André L. G. Carvalho, Alejandro Laspiur, Julia Klaczko, Luis Rolando Rivas, Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues, Marco Aurélio de Sena and Ricardo Céspedes. 2023. Total Evidence Phylogenetic Analysis of Leiosauridae (Squamata) with Focus on the ‘para-anoles’ and Description of A New Urostrophus Species from the Bolivian Andes.  Systematics and Biodiversity. 21(1); 2200306. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2023.2200306    

Researchgate.net/publication/370346025_Total_evidence_phylogenetic_analysis_of_Leiosauridae_Squamata_with_focus_on_the_para-anoles

 facebook.com/LuisRolandoRivasTorrico/posts/10226025450237237

[Herpetology • 2025] Tropidurus galileii • Microendemism can be the Rule in the Brazilian Caatinga: Evidence from Flat Lizards of the Tropidurus semitaeniatus group (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

Tropidurus galileii

Ferreira, Dias, Rodrigues & Carvalho, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2436572

Researchgate.net/publication/388269545

Abstract

Microendemism remains a poorly studied phenomenon within Brazil’s Caatinga biome, yet recent research has revealed a number of species complexes with diverging lineages confined to narrow geographic ranges. These lineages often inhabit remote and undersampled regions lacking conservation efforts. Notable examples include the flat lizards from the Tropidurus semitaeniatus group, which comprises the broadly distributed T. semitaeniatus species complex plus T. helenae, T. jaguaribanus, and T. pinima, all endemic to the Caatinga biome. Incomplete knowledge of their taxonomic boundaries, phylogenetic relationships, and geographic distribution hinders both the formal description of new microendemic taxa and their conservation assessment. To address these gaps, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis of the T. semitaeniatus group employing ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) and investigated its microendemic diversity. Our analysis revealed that T. semitaeniatus is paraphyletic, with T. helenae emerging as sister to a clade formed by microendemic lineages of T. semitaeniatus (sensu lato), within which T. jaguaribanus is embedded. Additionally, the discovery of a new microendemic species, Tropidurus galileii sp. nov., from calcareous formations of Itaguaçu da Bahia, Brazil, exposed T. pinima as paraphyletic, revealing a novel species complex composed of multiple microendemic lineages. This finding led us to produce the first illustrated morphological guide for the T. semitaeniatus group, aimed at facilitating future comparative studies. Most species requiring taxonomic treatment in the T. semitaeniatus group exhibit morphological distinctiveness, and the number of microendemic taxa is significantly higher than previously estimated. Our findings suggest that range expansion followed by allopatric speciation is unlikely to be the sole driver of microendemism in this group. However, the specific biogeographic processes underlying the origin of microendemic lineages remain elusive. This study sheds light on the microendemic lizard diversity of the Caatinga, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced systematic and conservation efforts.

Key words: Microendemism, South American Flat Lizards, Tropidurinae, Tropidurus, ultra-conserved elements

Tropidurus galileii sp. nov.

 

Elaine Ferreira, Iuri Ribeiro Dias, Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues and André L. G. Carvalho. 2025. Microendemism can be the Rule in the Brazilian Caatinga: Evidence from Flat Lizards of the Tropidurus semitaeniatus group (Squamata: Tropiduridae). Systematics and Biodiversity. 23(1); 2436572. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2436572 [21 Jan 2025]

Researchgate.net/publication/388269545_Microendemism_of_the_Tropidurus_semitaeniatus_group

[Herpetology • 2025] Scincella montana • A New Species of Scincella Mittleman, 1950; the “Lampropholis” group (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Sierra Madre del Sur, Mexico

   

Scincella montana

 Valdenegro-Brito, Vega-Pérez & García-Vázquez, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1655/Herpetologica-D-24-00020  

 facebook.com/herpmx

Abstract

We describe a new Mexican endemic species of Scincella in the “Lampropholis” group. It is distinguished from the other species in the group by the following combination of characters: two ventrolateral dark lines below the lateral stripe on each side, which begin on the supralabial scales, pass through the tympanic opening, and disappear at the level of the forelimbs; a thick and strongly defined lateral stripe; reddish hue on the tail; limbs that do not overlap when adpressed against the body; enlarged dorsal scales arranged in 54–67 transverse dorsal rows and 24–28 longitudinal rows at midbody. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences support the distinctiveness of the new species, as well as its sister relationship to a clade composed of S. assata and S. cherriei. This is the 12th species of Scincella in the Americas and is known from pine and pine–oak forests throughout the Sierra Madre del Sur in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico.

KEYWORDS: description, morphology, phylogenetics, taxonomy

Scincella montana

Antonio Esaú Valdenegro-Brito, Anibal H. Díaz De La Vega-Pérez and Uri Omar García-Vázquez. 2025. A New Species of Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Sierra Madre del Sur, Mexico. Herpetologica. 81(2); 171-182. DOI: doi.org/10.1655/Herpetologica-D-24-00020 [8 May 2025] 

  facebook.com/herpmx/posts/1237222524439612

Describimos una nueva especie endémica mexicana de Scincella en el grupo “Lampropholis.” Se distingue de las otras especies del grupo por la siguiente combinación de caracteres: tiene dos líneas oscuras ventrolaterales debajo de la franja lateral en cada lado, una surge en la abertura timpánica y se desvanece gradualmente a la altura de medio cuerpo, la inferior surge en las escamas supralabiales y se desvanece a la altura de la axila; una franja lateral gruesa y fuertemente definida; cola de color rojizo; extremidades que no se superponen cuando se presionan contra el cuerpo; escamas dorsales más grandes y ensanchadas dispuestas en 54–67 filas dorsales transversales y 24–28 filas longitudinales alrededor de la mitad del cuerpo Los análisis basados en secuencias de mtDNA respaldan la distinción de la nueva especie, así como su relación de especie hermana con el clado conformado por S. assata y S. cherriei. Esta especie representa la número 12 de Scincella en América, se distribuye en bosques de pino y pino-encino de la Sierra Madre del Sur en los estados de Guerrero y Oaxaca, México.

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Anolis torresfundorai • A Revision of the Anolis carolinensis subgroup (Squamata: Anolidae) supports three species in Cuba, including A New cryptic Species

 

Anolis torresfundorai 

Torres, Reilly, Nuñez-Penichet, Reynolds & Glor, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e152054

 

Abstract

Cuba is the only landmass with more than one species in the Anolis carolinensis subgroup. We test the hypothesis that three rather than two distinct species occur on Cuba, based on substantial prior evidence of paraphyly. To test this hypothesis, we collected phenotypic data from all described species in the subgroup, including eastern and west-central Cuban populations of A. porcatus, and assessed phenotypic diagnosability using uni- and multivariate analyses. We also examined geographic isolation using all available occurrence records for Cuban lineages. Additionally, we conducted ecological niche modeling and niche overlap analyses, considering only Cuban lineages, to test for ecological differentiation. Finally, we reconstructed phylogenetic trees, incorporating all species from the subgroup for the first time. Our results support the recognition of three species in Cuba: A. allisoni and eastern and west-central A. porcatus as two distinct cryptic species, showing minimal phenotypic differentiation but clear geographic isolation, distinct ecological niches, and deep genetic divergence. We restrict the name A. porcatus to west-central Cuba, with Havana as the type locality, and formally describe the eastern Cuban populations as Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov., designating Baracoa, Guantánamo, as the type locality.

Keywords: Genetic divergence, geographic isolation, green anoles, niche modeling, species delimitation, sublabial scales

Life coloration of phenotypically alike Cuban green anoles.
 Left panel: adult males Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. from Santiago de Cuba with dark brown and dark green paramedial stripes (top and bottom, respectively). The male in the top is in transition to dark phase.
Right panel: mating pair of A. porcatus from Havana with both individuals lacking the paramedian stripes. The female is in dark phase.

Photo credit: Alexis Callejas (A. torresfundorai sp. nov.) and Tomás M. Rodríguez-Cabrera (A. porcatus).

adult males Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. from Santiago de Cuba with dark brown and dark green paramedial stripes (top and bottom, respectively). The male in the top is in transition to dark phase.

Photos by Alexis Callejas

Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. 

Common name. Eastern Cuba Green Anole

Diagnosis. Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. is diagnosable from all species of the A. carolinensis subgroup. Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. was not unambiguously differentiated from A. porcatus in either of the uni- or multivariate analyses (Tables 1, 2; Figs 2, S1–S12). Ultimately, A. torresfundorai sp. nov. was diagnosable from its cryptic relatives, Cuban A. porcatus and continental A. carolinensis, based on one categorical character, keelation of sublabial scales. These scales are heavily keeled in the former species and smooth in A. torresfundorai sp. nov. with occasional weak keelation that does not go beyond the 4th scale (Fig. 1). Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. differs from A. longiceps and A. maynardii in having a pink dewlap, yellow or pale yellow in the others. Anolis allisoni and A. brunneus have blue heads or torsos, green in A. torresfundorai sp. nov. Anolis smaragdinus has a more strongly keeled tail and is usually more homogeneous in coloration, with or without a faint mid-dorsal stripe or scapular spots. Additionally, only three members of the A. carolinensis subgroup occur in Cuba (A. allisoni, A. porcatus, and A. torresfundorai sp. nov.).

 

Etymology. The species epithet is a Latinized patronym honoring Emeritus Professor Orlando J. Torres Fundora, for a lifetime dedicated to the study and conservation of Cuban nature and the education of Cuban scientists at the University of Havana, Cuba.

   

Javier Torres, Dexter Reilly, Claudia Nuñez-Penichet, R. Graham Reynolds and Richard E. Glor. 2025. A Revision of the Anolis carolinensis subgroup supports three species in Cuba, including A New cryptic Species (Squamata: Anolidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 107-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e152054

[Herpetology • 2025] Echinosaura embera • A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus

 

 Echinosaura embera 

 Vásquez-Restrepo & Daza, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814

Abstract

The gymnophthalmid semi-aquatic lizards of the genus Echinosaura have been subject to taxonomic scrutiny in recent years. Here, we combine previously available and new morphological and phylogenetic evidence to describe a new species formerly known under the name E. palmeri. Our results are consistent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses and recover an overlooked evolutionary lineage which is both morphologically and genetically different from the other ones currently recognized within the genus. This species is diagnosable based on external and hemipenial morphology and is phylogenetically related to E. centralis, E. palmeri, and E. panamensis. The new species inhabits the northern portion of the Pacific region in Colombia and the Darien zone between Colombia and Panama. We also re-evaluate and propose a new IUCN extinction risk categorization for the nine species in the genus, assessing three uncategorized species, removing two species from a threatened category, and including a previously considered Least Concern species into a threatened status.

Reptilia, Chocó, morphology, Neotropical, systematics, taxonomy

  Echinosaura embera in life,
A: MHUA-R 12591 (holotype) from Chigorodó, Antioquia, Colombia,
B: CBUCESD 1867 (paratype) from Carmen de Atrato, Chocó, Colombia.

Photos: Juan M. Daza and Juan D. Vásquez-Restrepo, respectively.

Juan D. VÁSQUEZ-RESTREPO and Juan M. DAZA. 2025. A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus.  Zootaxa. 5583(1); 128-142. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 [2025-01-31]  

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814_A_new_species_of_Echinosaura_from_Colombia_and_Panama

[Herpetology • 2025] Leptophis mystacinus • A New Species of Parrot Snake, Leptophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

 

Leptophis mystacinus 

 Albuquerque, Martins, Carvalho, Shepard & Santana, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18528

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Leptophis (parrot snake) from the Cerrado ecoregion of Brazil. The new species, L. mystacinus sp. nov., differs from all other congeners in the following unique character combination: two Spectrum Green (129) to Light Parrot Green (133) dorsolateral stripes separated by a Buff (5) vertebral stripe, usually continuous onto the tail; loreal scale absent; postocular stripe Jet Black (300), wide and long (up 11 scales long onto nuchal region); maxillary teeth 21–25; ventrals 158–173; subcaudals 141–164; black spots on head absent; supracephalic plates of head not edged with black pigment; adult color pattern lacking dark oblique bands; keels absent on first dorsal scale rows; hemipenis unilobed, noncapitate, with undivided sulcus spermaticus, and first row of hemipenial body with four spines. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S mtDNA sequences indicate the new species is the sister taxon of L. dibernardoi, a species occurring in the neighboring Caatinga ecoregion.

Holotype of Leptophis mystacinus (ZUFMS-REP004702).
(A) Right and left (B) lateral views of head of the holotype in life, from Pium, state of Tocantins, Brazil.

Photos by L. A. Silva.

Leptophis mystacinus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Leptophis mystacinus sp. nov. can be distinguished from all currently recognized congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: two Spectrum Green (129) to Light Parrot Green (133) (Sky Blue (167) in preservative) dorsolateral stripes (2–4 scales wide, at least anteriorly) separated by a Buff (5) (Light Sky Blue (191) in preservative) vertebral stripe (1–1.5 scales wide), usually continuous onto the tail (occasionally indistinct on posterior third of tail); dorsal scale rows below the lateral stripes usually Dark Spectrum Yellow (78) (Sky Blue (167) in preservative); loreal scale absent; postocular stripe Jet Black (300), wide (extending to lower postocular, lower half to two-thirds of anterior temporal, one-third to lower half of lower posterior temporal, upper edges of last three supralabials) and long (up 11 scales long onto nuchal region); anterior to orbit, stripe reduced to black margin of supralabials 1–3 or 1–4, posterior lower edge and anterior upper edge of nasal and upper edge of rostral scale. Ventral surfaces of head, trunk, and tail white to Smoky White (261). Maxillary teeth 21–25; ventrals 158–166 in males, 158–173 in females; subcaudals 153–164 in males, 141–158 in females.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the Greek mystax (transliteration of μύσταξ), meaning ‘upper lip’ or ‘mustache’, and the Latin suffix -inus, denoting ‘likeness’ or ‘belonging to’. The black pigmentation covering the rostral scale of Leptophis mystacinus is distinct in most individuals, giving the appearance of a mustache.

Comparative coloration in life among the Leptophis species from the South American dry diagonal.
(A) Leptophis mystacinus sp. nov., (ZUFMS-REP 4702) from Pium, Tocantins, Brazil, (B) L. marginatus from Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and (C) L. dibernardoi from Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Photo by L. A. Silva (A), S. Keuroghlian-Eaton (B) and W. Pessoa (C).

Nelson R. Albuquerque, Roullien H. Martins, Priscila S. Carvalho, Donald B. Shepard and Diego J. Santana. 2025. A New Species of Parrot Snake, Leptophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Brazilian Cerrado. PeerJ. 13:e18528. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18528

  x.com/DiegoJSantana/status/1885068476785602850

[Herpetology • 2025] Diplolaemus vulcanus • A straightforward workflow to explore species diversity using the Patagonian lizards of the Diplolaemus genus (Iguania: Leiosauridae) as a study case, with the description of a new species

Diplolaemus vulcanus

Vrdoljak, Sánchez, González-Marín, Morando & Avila, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108274  

Highlights: 

• A comprehensive workflow for taxonomic and systematic research, aiding species delimitation.

• Utilizing genetic, geometric, and linear morphometric data to assess evolutionary independence within the Diplolaemus clade.

• Evaluation of various taxonomic scenarios through grouping lineages into species.

• Description of a new species from the Auca Mauida and Tromen volcanic fields, Argentina.

Abstract

Disputes over species descriptions, stemming from conceptual disparities and arbitrary species boundaries, are among the primary challenges of modern taxonomy. In this study, we introduce a straightforward workflow, grounded in evolutionary theory, designed to tackle these challenges. We exemplified this approach using Patagonian lizards from the Diplolaemus clade. This workflow involves assigning specimens to putative evolutionary lineages, conducting primary species delimitations, constructing a species tree, comparing lineages for evolutionary independence, and using post-hoc analyses to separate well-supported from ambiguous lineages. This approach aims to establish a reliable foundation for exploring the taxonomic and evolutionary diversity of challenging groups. Applying this workflow to the Diplolaemus clade, we used various analytical methods on genetic (mitochondrial and nuclear markers) and phenotypic data (meristic, linear, and geometric morphometrics). We identified ten lineages with varying degrees of evolutionary independence in a clade where only four species had been described. Among the newly identified lineages, two exhibited low support for evolutionary independence, three showed strong support but had non-conclusive information, and one was recognized and described as a new species. In summary, our hierarchical workflow not only facilitated comprehensive comparisons but also enabled us to draw robust conclusions.

 

Keywords: Diplolaemus clade, Evolutionary independence, Species delimitation, Taxonomic workflow

  Dorsal and ventral view of Diplolaemus vulcanus holotype (LJAMM 13405).

Diplolaemus vulcanus  sp. nov. 

Etymology: vulcanus is a Latin word for Vulcan, God of fire, in reference to the volcanic environments in which most of the specimens were found; all localities where the new species was collected are volcanic lava fields.

Juan Vrdoljak, Kevin Imanol Sánchez, Andrea González-Marín, Mariana Morando and Luciano Javier Avila. 2025. A straightforward workflow to explore species diversity using the Patagonian lizards of the Diplolaemus genus (Iguania: Leiosauridae) as a study case, with the description of a new species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 204, 108274. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108274  

 

  

[Herpetology • 2024] Chironius whipala • A New Species of Sipo Snake, Chironius (Serpentes: Colubridae), from the Yungas of Bolivia

Chironius whipala

Quinteros-Muñoz, Gómez-Murillo, Camacho-Badani, Aguayo, Carpio-Real, Pérez, Marca, Gonzales & Torres-Carvajal, 2024  

  amphibian-reptile-conservation.org 

  Researchgate.net/publication/384675566

Abstract   

A new snake of the genus Chironius is described based on external morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence. The new species occurs in Bolivia, both in the humid montane forests of the Yungas of Cochabamba and in Santa Cruz. It differs from all congeners in having 10 dorsal scale rows at midbody, an entire cloacal plate, keeled paravertebral rows, lightly colored lower portions of the supralabials, a yellow snout, a short hemipenis, and lacking postocular stripes, proximal enlarged spines on the hemipenis, and apical pits. Adults and juveniles have an emerald green background color. The new species is recovered as the sister taxon of C. leucometapus, which is known from the Amazonian slopes of the Andes between central Peru and northern Ecuador. We also provide an identification key to the species of Chironius with 10 dorsal rows at midbody. 

Keywords. Carrasco National Park, hemipenes, phylogeny, reptiles, Squamata, systematics

General view of Chironius whipala sp. nov. in life.
(A) juvenile male, paratype MHNC-R 3100; (B) adult male, paratype MHNC-R 3133; (C) juvenile female, paratype MHNC-R 3135; (D) adult female, paratype MNKR 4834.

Photographs by Oliver Quinteros-Muñoz (A, B, C) and Lucindo Gonzales (D).

Chironius whipala sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name “whipala” comes from the original Aymara language, which means “emblem,” i.e., the emblem of the original people of the Andes of Bolivia and an emblem that honors and symbolizes respect for our Pachamama (Mother Earth). According to an anonymous Aymara phrase, “where there is a wiphala, love and respect for Mother Earth (Pachamama) and the universe will be represented.”

Oliver Quinteros-Muñoz, Pedro Gómez-Murillo, Teresa Camacho-Badani, Rodrigo Aguayo, Rene Carpio-Real, Edson Pérez, Bladimir Marca, Lucindo Gonzales, Omar Torres-Carvajal. 2024. A New Species of Sipo Snake, Chironius (Serpentes: Colubridae), from the Yungas of Bolivia. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 18(1&2): 58–67 (e333).

  amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/issues.html

  Researchgate.net/publication/384675566_A_new_species_of_Chironius_from_the_Yungas_of_Bolivia

  

[Herpetology • 2024] Thamnophis ahumadai • A New Species of Thamnophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Jalisco, Mexico, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Snakes related to Thamnophis scalaris

Thamnophis ahumadai 

C. I. Grünwald, Mendoza-Portilla, A. J. Grünwald, Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Franz-Chávez, García-Vázquez & Reyes-Velasco, 2024

 

 Ahumada’s Alpine Garter Snake | Culebra Listonada de Montaña de Ahumada ||  DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122213

Abstract

Garter snakes in the genus Thamnophis from Mexico have a long and convoluted taxonomic history. From 2015 to 2022, we conducted a comprehensive sampling of Mexican Thamnophis species, aiming to link molecular phylogenies with the recognized species related to T. scalaris in the highlands of Mexico. Here, we present an analysis of mitochondrial DNA to resolve the status of two enigmatic highland Thamnophis populations. Our research resulted in the identification and morphological characterization of a previously undescribed Thamnophis species from the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. We also clarify the identity and relationships of several previously enigmatic populations of Thamnophis. This work presents new data for Thamnophis phylogenetics from the Mexican highlands and offers a framework for future conservation efforts.

Key Words: Adelophis, conservation, errans, godmani, pine-oak woodland, Mexican Transverse Ranges, scaliger

Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov. holotype (INIRENA 2933) from the vicinity of Cumbre de Guadalupe, in the Municipio de Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico.

Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov. paratypes.
 A. Male (INIRENA 2932) from same locality as holotype; B. Male (INIRENA 2936) from 2.5 km SE of Atemajac de Brizuela, Municipio de Atemajac de Brizuela, Jalisco, Mexico; C. Male (MZFZ 4595) from 4.2 km airline ESE of Cumbre de Guadalupe, Municipio de Tomatlán, Jalisco, Mexico; D. Male (INIRENA 2935) from 2.5 km SE of Atemajac de Brizuela, Municipio de Atemajac de Brizuela, Jalisco, Mexico; E. Male (MZFZ 4593) from Cumbre de Guadalupe, Municipio de Talpa de Allende, Jalisco, Mexico.

 Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov.

 

Proposed standard English name: Ahumada’s Alpine Garter Snake.

Proposed standard Spanish name: Culebra Listonada de Montaña de Ahumada.

Diagnosis: A relatively small Garter Snake, with a maximum of 565 mm SVL and 705 TotL; head narrow, scarcely wider than neck, with a short muzzle (INK + PFK = 3.0 mm); tail long in length, 31–36% of SVL and 23–27% of TotLin males, 25–26% of SVL and 20–21% of TotLin females; internasals wider than long; frontal 2–2.25 times longer than wide; loreal slightly longer than wide; one preocular; 2–4 postoculars; temporals 1 + 2; 7 supralabials, third and fourth entering orbit; 9–10 infralabials, first four in contact with anterior chinshields; anterior chinshields shorter than posterior. Dorsal scales always in 19-17-17 rows, strongly keeled except for the outermost row, which is smooth; ventral scales in males 134–142, in females 139–141; subcaudals in males 61–69, in females 54–55; anal scale undivided. Dorsal pattern consists of a pale mid-vertebral stripe restricted to the mid-dorsal row and a pale lateral stripe on second scale row. One or two rows of dark brown or black dorso-lateral spots, usually in one row on the anterior third of the dorsum, then divided into two rows along the remaining posterior two thirds. Ventral coloration dark, pale anteriorly, becoming progressively darker until dark gray or black posteriorly.

Etymology: A patronym honoring Iván Trinidad Ahumada-Carrillo (1984–), who has made many contributions to diverse areas in herpetology, including extensive studies of the herpetofauna of Jalisco and Zacatecas. Iván collected the first specimen of this new species in the Sierra Cacoma (MZFZ 4593) and pointed out its distinctiveness from typical T. scalaris and T. errans.

 

Christoph I. Grünwald, María del Carmen G. Mendoza-Portilla, André J. Grünwald, Carlos Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Héctor Franz-Chávez, Uri O. García-Vázquez and Jacobo Reyes-Velasco. 2024. A New Species of Thamnophis (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Jalisco, Mexico, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Snakes related to Thamnophis scalaris. Herpetozoa. 37: 157-179. DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122213

Resumen: Las culebras del género Thamnophis de México tienen una historia taxonómica larga y complicada. De 2015 a 2022, realizamos un muestreo integral de las especies de Thamnophis de México, con el objetivo de conciliar la filogenética molecular con las delimitaciones de especies establecidas en el complejo relacionado con T. scalaris en las tierras altas de México. Aquí presentamos un análisis del ADN mitocondrial para resolver las trayectorias evolutivas y el estado de dos enigmáticas poblaciones de Thamnophis de las tierras altas. Nuestra investigación resultó en la identificación y caracterización morfológica de una especie de Thamnophis no descrita previamente del estado de Jalisco en el oeste de México. También aclaramos la identidad y las relaciones de varias poblaciones de Thamnophis previamente enigmáticas. Este trabajo presenta nuevos datos para nuestra comprensión de la filogenética de Thamnophis del altiplano mexicano y ofrece un marco para futuros esfuerzos de conservación.

[Herpetology • 2024] Pseudogonatodes quihuai • A New Dwarf Gecko of the Genus Pseudogonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from the eastern slope of the Andean Cordillera de Mérida in northern South America

Pseudogonatodes quihuai

  Rojas-Runjaic, Koch, Castroviejo-Fisher & Prudente, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5418.4.1 

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Researchgate.net/publication/378651328

 

Abstract

Pseudogonatodes is a poorly known genus of small bodied, diurnal, ground-dwelling geckos widely distributed in northern South America. No additional species have been described in over two decades. Herein we describe a new species from the eastern slope of the Cordillera de Mérida in the Venezuelan Andes. The new species is readily diagnosable morphologically from the other seven recognized species of Pseudogonatodes by having a single postnasal scale—a putative autapomorphy. Furthermore, it is characterized by a unique combination of phenotypic characters that includes granular dorsal scales, three large postrostrals, five to six loreals, mental U-shaped, four to six postmentals, 26–29 ventrals between anterior levels of fore- and hind limbs, third lamella under fourth toe not distinctly enlarged, and subcaudal pattern 1’1”. In addition to characterizing the external morphology, we present a description of the skull, based on 3D digital models reconstructed from high resolution computed microtomography scans. The discovery of this new species highlights the still underestimated diversity of this group of Neotropical dwarf geckos and underscores the need for further studies on its systematics and taxonomy.

Reptilia, Gekkota, lizard, Neotropics, new species, osteology, reptile, Venezuela

  

Pseudogonatodes quihuai

Fernando J. M. Rojas-Runjaic, Claudia Koch, Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher and Ana L. C. Prudente. 2024. A New Dwarf Gecko of the Genus Pseudogonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from the eastern slope of the Andean Cordillera de Mérida in northern South America.  Zootaxa. 5418(4); 301-327. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5418.4.1

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Researchgate.net/publication/378651328_A_new_species_of_Pseudogonatodes_from_E_Andean_Cordillera_de_Merida

[Herpetology • 2024] Eunectes akayima • Disentangling the Anacondas: Revealing a New Green Species and Rethinking Yellows

Eunectes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758) 

Eunectes akayima Rivas, De La Quintana, Mancuso, Pacheco, Rivas, Mariotto, Salazar-Valenzuela, Tepeña Baihua, Baihua, Burghardt, Vonk, Hernandez, García-Pérez, Fry & Corey-Rivas, 2024

E. notaeus Cope, 1862 

 DOI: 10.3390/d16020127

 

Abstract

Anacondas, genus Eunectes, are a group of aquatic snakes with a wide distribution in South America. The taxonomic status of several species has been uncertain and/or controversial. Using genetic data from four recognized anaconda species across nine countries, this study investigates the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Eunectes. A key finding was the identification of two distinct clades within Eunectes murinus, revealing two species as cryptic yet genetically deeply divergent. This has led to the recognition of the Northern Green Anaconda as a separate species (Eunectes akayima sp. nov.), distinct from its southern counterpart (E. murinus), the Southern Green Anaconda. Additionally, our data challenge the current understanding of Yellow Anaconda species by proposing the unification of Eunectes deschauenseei and Eunectes beniensis into a single species with Eunectes notaeus. This reclassification is based on comprehensive genetic and phylogeographic analyses, suggesting closer relationships than previously recognized and the realization that our understanding of their geographic ranges is insufficient to justify its use as a separation criterion. We also present a phylogeographic hypothesis that traces the Miocene diversification of anacondas in western South America. Beyond its academic significance, this study has vital implications for the conservation of these iconic reptile species, highlighting our lack of knowledge about the diversity of the South American fauna and the need for revised strategies to conserve the newly identified and reclassified species. 

Keywords: cryptic diversity; Boidae; South America; Llanos; Pebas system; Orinoco basin; redundant species

Eunectes akayima sp. nov.

Etymology: 

We propose the common name, Northern Green Anaconda, for Eunectes akayima sp. nov. Before the arrival of the Spaniards, northern Venezuela was occupied by various Indigenous nations, among which the Caribs were an important group. Several Carib nations remain including the Kariña, Panare, Yekuana, Pemones, and Akawaio. The word for anaconda in various Cariban languages is a variant of akayima/okoyimo/okoimo, in which akayi/okoyi/okoi means “snake” and the suffix -ima/-imo means “large”. The suffix -ima/-imo does not necessarily mean ‘large’ in a physical sense. Rather, it is used to denote the kind of largeness that indicates a different category of being. The literal translation of akayima is “The Great Snake” (S. Gildea pers. comm.). The species name akayima is pronounced as follows: əkəyimə in standard dictionary pronunciation font; ŭkŭyēmŭ using the phonics; and uh-kuh-yee-muh using the Plotkin method for English-like writing to capture Cariban language pronunciations [Plotkin, 1994]. The word akayima is also used to refer to the rainbow, probably associated with a feathered serpent in their belief system that came out after rains to dry its feathers [Gumilla, 1740]. We, therefore, acknowledge the culture of these Indigenous people who share their territories with this species by adopting their word for anaconda as the specific epithet for this new species. We propose the common name for E. murinus as Southern Green Anaconda, to promote taxonomic stability for the most widely distributed species and avoid confusion. Table 6 provides a comparison between the E. akayima sp. nov. holotype, one of its paratypes, and the E. murinus lectotype.

Previous work had identified other candidate species and subspecies of the anaconda in the Orinoco basin with somewhat similar distribution to E. akayima [Dunn & Conant, 1936]. However, all of these differences have been found to be inconsistent [Dirksen, 2002; Dirksen & Henderson, 2002; Dirksen & Bohme, 1998]; therefore, these synonyms are all invalid. In addition, the word “akayima” has been indigenously used to designate this species for at least hundreds (and perhaps even thousands) of years before the use of any of the other synonyms. It was certainly in use in 1758 when the Code started counting names as valid; so, akayima is clearly the senior synonym. This is, admittedly, an unorthodox position regarding the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature [1999], which prefers the names that have been published in Western science as “valid”. However, it is well due time that Western science starts recognizing the ancestral knowledge and cultural legacy of non-Westernized society. If we respect and honor the culture of these original nations, accepting akayima as the senior synonym is unavoidable.

Conclusions: 

This study provides the most extensive sampling of anacondas to date and raises new questions about the distinctive lineages, geological history, and conservation status of the Eunectes group. Historical, geographic, and landscape-scale events may have shaped the current distribution and composition of the species. Looking at the ecology of present-day anacondas, it would seem that the entire Amazon/Orinoco basin would be an area of free dispersal for anacondas. However, the presence of a new cryptic species in the north and the E. murinus in the south tells us that we still know very little about the gene flow dynamics of a large vertebrate in the world’s most diverse terrestrial ecosystem. The idea that there could be a population of E. notaeus living throughout the Amazon basin that has managed to evade detection thanks to a coloration that superficially resembles that of E. murinus is puzzling, and speaks loudly to the need for thorough sampling to better document the diversity we still have.

 Jesús A. Rivas, Paola De La Quintana, Marco Mancuso, Luis F. Pacheco, Gilson A. Rivas, Sandra Mariotto, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Marcelo Tepeña Baihua, Penti Baihua, Gordon M. Burghardt, Freek J. Vonk, Emil Hernandez, Juán Elías García-Pérez, Bryan G. Fry and Sarah Corey-Rivas. 2024. Disentangling the Anacondas: Revealing a New Green Species and Rethinking Yellows. Diversity. 16(2), 127. DOI: 10.3390/d16020127

(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Barcoding for Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration)