Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) is an African species introduced and widely distrib... more Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) is an African species introduced and widely distributed in South America. We report H. mabouia for the first time in the municipal campsite of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (province of Corrientes, Argentina) and in Salvador Mazza (province of Salta, Argentina). These new records increase the known distribution in Argentina of this invasive species, and they are the first from Salta, and only the second from Corrientes.
Only few published studies that describe the neuroanatomy of lizards. Here, we describe the neuro... more Only few published studies that describe the neuroanatomy of lizards. Here, we describe the neuroanatomy of several Iguanian species belonging to three families (species of Liolaemus and Phymaturus belonging to Liolaemidae, Tropidurus and Stenocercus as representatives of Tropiduridae, and Diplolaemus as a representative of Leiosauridae). Based on Sudan Black B staining and conventional dissections, the neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral region is described. Among the most outstanding results is the existence of a neuronal pattern of the lumbosacral plexus characteristic of Liolaemidae. In addition, it was found that in the genus Liolaemus the lumbosacral plexus is composed of five pairs of spinal nerves while in Phymaturus, Tropidurus, Stenocercus and Diplolaemus is composed from five to six pairs of spinal nerves (from pre‐sacral, sacral, and caudal vertebrae). We find differences in the origin of the spinal nerves that constitute the plexus. In some cases, the pattern of nerves invo...
is the largest dry forest in South America and the southern component of the continent′s Cis-Ande... more is the largest dry forest in South America and the southern component of the continent′s Cis-Andean diagonal biomes of open formations (Caatinga, Cerrado and Chaco) separating the Amazonia and Atlantic Forests. It occupies territories in the North of Argentina, West of Paraguay and Southeast of Bolivia and enters Brazil as a narrow strip parallel to the Paraguay river in Mato Grosso do Sul (TNC et al. 2005). Its geographic area covers between 800,000 and 1,000,000 m 2 (Prado, 1993), extending from tropical latitudes (18°S) to subtropical regions (31°S). Climatic and edaphic gradients determine two main assemblages with stable plant compositions: the dry Chaco (D-Ch) and the humid Chaco (H-Ch), separated by the Paraguay-Paraná river in the centre (Spichiger, Bise, Calenge, & Chatelain, 2006; Werneck, 2011). These divisions were corroborated by zoogeographic studies of mammalian (López-González,
A total of 55 skeletal characters (continuous and discrete) were analyzed for species of the L. d... more A total of 55 skeletal characters (continuous and discrete) were analyzed for species of the L. darwinii group: L. albiceps , L. chacoensis , L. grosseorum , L. irregularis , L. koslowskyi , L. ornatus , L. quilmes , plus L. inacayali ( L . telsen group) and L. scapularis ( L . wiegmannii group). We report polymorphic intraspecific variation that was not previously taken into account and we describe 21 new characters that provide original information across the group. We detected several morphological synapomorphies for the darwinii group and subclades. Meckel’s cartilage enclosed by dentary outgrowth on lingual side of lower jaw (synapomorphy of the subgenus Liolaemus sensu stricto , and of the patagonicus group of Phymaturus ) occurs also within the L . darwinii group. The morphology of maxillary teeth with three conspicuous cusps can be a potential synapomorphy of the Eulaemus subgenus. As we show in the present study, the morphology of maxillary teeth can have an adaptive value....
... Lobo, F. and RE Espinoza. 1999. Two new cryptic species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) ... more ... Lobo, F. and RE Espinoza. 1999. Two new cryptic species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) from northwestern Argentina: resolution of the purported reproductive bimodality of Liolaemus alticolor. Copeia 1999:122140. CrossRef, CSA. Lobo, F. and RE Espinoza. 2004. ...
In living organisms with sexual reproduction, the presence of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is com... more In living organisms with sexual reproduction, the presence of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is common. The main explanations for this phenomenon are based on sexual selection or the fecundity advantage hypothesis (natural selection). Here, we tested Rensch's rule in species of the viviparous lizard genus Phymaturus; additionally, we tested if there is a pattern of sexual size dimorphism or if it depends upon other morphological traits. We found no evidence for Rensch's rule in these lizards. After testing for multiple or single regime evolutionary models, we found that body size most likely evolved under multi-regime Ornstein-Uhlenbeck evolutionary model; the same was observed for abdomen width in females, a fecundity advantage hypothesis trait. For species with female biased SSD there is a positive relationship between snout-vent length and width of the belly, supporting the fecundity advantage hypothesis. Additionally, the relationship between brood size and brood mass with body size and body mass (respectively) were positive giving strength to the fecundity advantage hypothesis. Finally, our results show males did not show a clear pattern in relation to the sexual selection hypothesis, probably because sexual selection is a complex aspect that involves behavior and color. On the other hand, female body size and reproductive output are related to mean seasonal air temperature and its combination with mean annual air temperature in an evolutionary fashion framework, such as fecundity advantage hypothesis in these lizards.
BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting... more BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research.
With 36 species and at least nine potentially independent lineages (not formally described yet) o... more With 36 species and at least nine potentially independent lineages (not formally described yet) occurring mostly in the Andes and adjacent Patagonia and Puna plateau areas, Phymaturus lizards represent one of the most endemic vertebrate groups of the arid southwestern region of South America. Phylogenetic relationships among species of Phymaturus are inferred using mainly a morphological data set of 206 characters. Also available sequences of mitochondrial DNA for seven terminals were added for a total evidence analysis. Most information is included in the discrete characters block; most characters involve color pattern, osteology and squamation. Continuous characters were taken from body proportions, squamation and skeletons. Among morphological data, binary polymorphic characters were analyzed applying the scaled coding criteria. Continuous characters were entered in the analysis using standardized ranges, a method that allows a simple optimization to estimate distances/costs avoiding the arbitrary coding as discrete characters. For our parsimony analyses we chose the implied weights method, which underweights homoplastic characters. Several runs were made analyzing all the information combined and also separating morphological from molecular datasets. Binary polymorphisms were also analyzed as missing data. All characters affected by sexual dimorphism were analyzed separating the sexes; female information was more congruent with the total evidence analysis. Characters involving continuous and polymorphic information are relevant for searching and building phylogenetic hypotheses in Phymaturus. There exists significant congruence between the molecular information analyzed in this study and previous published analyses. Within both main clades of Phymaturus, northern subgroups are those more recently originated during the genus diversification. Species belonging to the puna subclade of the palluma group are arranged in two natural groups, one distributed in the north (Catamarca and La Rioja provinces), and the other in the south, La Rioja and San Juan provinces. Within the patagonicus group, the majority of the species are arranged in a south-central Chubut clade, eastern-central Chubut clade, central Rio Negro clade and a Payunia clade.
South American Journal of Herpetology, Aug 1, 2010
after the study of a diverse collection of Phymaturus from three argentinian institutions and add... more after the study of a diverse collection of Phymaturus from three argentinian institutions and additional samples collected in the last two years we discovered several populations of uncertain taxonomic status. Based on 93 morphological characters of squamation, color pattern, gular and nuchal folds, precloacal pores, and morphometric data, we conclude that at least four of those are independent lineages which require formal description. characters related to sexual dimorphism and dichromatism as well as the ontogenetic change of several others, from juvenile to adult specimens, are described. according to the most recent revision of the genus (Lobo and Quinteros, 2005a) and considering the descriptions made in the last four years, the taxonomic composition of the genus was raised to 23 species. in this study we provide the formal description of four additional new taxa, including their diagnosis and detailed comparisons with other members of their species groups. Two new species belong to the patagonicus group (provinces of chubut and rio negro, in patagonia between 46° and 41° of latitude) while the other two belong to the palluma group (neuquén and catamarca provinces, western argentina, 39° and 27-26°30' of latitude respectively). with the exception of one case for which four localities are reported, all new species are restricted to their type localities. This fact confirms a common historical distributional pattern for most species of the genus.
We studied the efficiency of thermoregulation in four high elevation Liolaemus species in the And... more We studied the efficiency of thermoregulation in four high elevation Liolaemus species in the Andes of Salta, Argentina; Liolaemus irregularis, Liolaemus multicolor, Liolaemus albiceps and Liolaemus yanalcu. One of the species, L. irregularis, shows a broad distribution being in allopatry in some localities and in sympatry with L. albiceps, L. multicolor and L. yanalcu at different sites. Together with this variation in assemblages, the degree of phylogenetic relatedness is different with L. irregularis being most closely related to L. albiceps than to the other two species (L. multicolor and L. yanalcu). We measured body (T b), microenvironmental (T a , T s), and operative temperatures (T e) in the field, and preferred body temperature (T pref) in laboratory for each one of the species of assemblages. Three out of the four species showed a high thermoregulatory efficiency except for L. yanalcu, a moderate thermoregulator. The species studied here show high T b in the field compared to most of the recorded Liolaemus species. However, the T pref values were similar to other Liolaemus species. No evidence of thermal niche segregation between species in sympatry was observed. Our results suggest that the species studied here, despite living at high elevation and harsh climatic conditions are able to behaviorally or physiologically thermoregulate to achieve T b s close to their T pref , probably because of low predation risk and perhaps low levels of competition.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), May 1, 2015
Comprehensive studies recently published on the evolution and systematics of Phymaturus (morpholo... more Comprehensive studies recently published on the evolution and systematics of Phymaturus (morphological and molecular ones) revealed not only a historical pattern and subclades within the traditional P. palluma and P. patagonicus species groups but also a still not fully understood unsuspected diversity. Several populations in northern and southern Argentina may represent independent lineages that deserve formal description. Two of these populations were studied for the present contribution and are easily distinguished from all the other species in the genus. One of these populations is from Río Negro province and belongs to the P. patagonicus group; it exhibits a unique dorsal color pattern and several individuals are melanic, a characteristic never reported before for the genus, with the exception of P. tenebrosus. A careful examination of melanic individuals revealed the same dorsal pattern as that of non-melanic ones, although it is obscured. We also report the discovery of melanic individuals of two other species that are probably closely related: P. ceii and P. sitesi. The melanism found in the P. patagonicus group differs from the head melanism of males in certain species of the P. palluma group because in the former group melanism is not determined by sexual dimorphism and involves the whole animal. The other population studied in this contribution belongs to the P. palluma group and is described as a new species because its color pattern and scalation differ from those of all the other members of the P. palluma group. Finally, we discuss the position of these new lizard species in the context of the available phylogenetic hypothesis and the occurrence and evolution of melanism in the P. patagonicus group.
Liolaemus gracilis was cited in the categorization of the reptile habitat associations of Buenos ... more Liolaemus gracilis was cited in the categorization of the reptile habitat associations of Buenos Aires province in Argentina as the only Liolaemus lizard inhabiting the rocky grounds of the Tandilia System. We describe a new species of the genus Liolaemus which was previously confused with the widely ranging L. gracilis from the population of this mountain range. We examined samples of populations from coastal sand dunes and from the mountain range of Tandilia. Morphological characters and measurements were taken from specimens of both populations. We recorded ecological and life history notes of the saxicolous form in the field. The new species is an endemic and saxicolous form from Tandilia that can be distinguished from L. gracilis by indistinct or absent light dorsolateral stripes, small and segmental paravertebral spots, and by a throat with a denser, fine and diffuse spotted pattern. The ventral coloration is grayish plumb. Temporal scales are keeled or slightly keeled and the auricular scale is less differentiated. Morphometrically, the new species is larger in snout-vent length and head width but smaller in maximum body width and tail length than L. gracilis. The new species is oviparous and insectivorous. RESUMEN: Liolaemus gracilis es citada en un listado de reptiles y ambientes de la provincia de Buenos Aires de Argentina como la ú nica especie de Liolaemus que habita en suelos rocosos del Sistema de Sierras de Tandilia. Describimos a partir de una població n de estas sierras una nueva especie del gé nero Liolaemus anteriormente confundida con L. gracilis, esta ú ltima de mayor distribució n. Examinamos caracteres morfoló gicos y medimos especímenes de muestras provenientes de poblaciones de las dunas costeras y de las sierras de Tandilia. En el campo recolectamos datos sobre la ecología e historia natural de la forma serrana. La nueva especie es una forma saxícola endé mica de Tandilia que puede distinguirse de L. gracilis por las bandas dorsolaterales claras poco evidentes o ausentes, la manchas paravertebrales pequeñ as y segmentarias y por una garganta con un patró n denso y difuso de manchas finas. La coloració n ventral es gris plomiza. Las escamas temporales son quilladas o levemente quilladas y la escama auricular está menos diferenciada. Morfomé tricamente la especie saxícola tiene mayor longitud hocico-cloaca y su cabeza es más ancha, pero a la vez es más delgada en la mitad del cuerpo y su cola es más corta que la de L. gracilis. La nueva especie es ovípara e insectívora.
We provide descriptions for two new cryptic species belonging to the Liolaemus alticolor group fr... more We provide descriptions for two new cryptic species belonging to the Liolaemus alticolor group from northern Argentina and northeastern Chile. The new species were previously considered conspecific with either Liolaemus walkeri in northeastern Chile or L. alticolor in northwestern Argentina and adjacent Chile. However, the new species differ from these taxa, and all other members of the alticolor group, in a number of characteristics. Liolaemus chaltin n. sp. differs from L. alticolor from the type locality (Tiahuanaco, Bolivia) in the following ways: this new species has a larger body size; a fragmented vertebral stripe; and a pigmented subocular (white in L. alticolor), and is one of just three members of the alticolor group that is oviparous. Liolaemus puna n. sp. differs from all other members of the alticolor group in that male L. puna lack paravertebral markings and dorsolateral and vertebral stripes. Females, however, are similar to other members of the alticolor group but can be distinguished from them by several meristic characters. Liolaemus puna is widely distributed throughout the high-elevation (3680-4400 m) Puna regions (a flat or gently sloping steppe dominated by perennial bunch grasses and small shrubs) in northwestern Argentina and northeastern Chile. Liolaemus chaltin is known only from the Puna of central Jujuy Province, Argentina (3400-3750 m). Based on examinations of the type series of L. alticolor and L. walkeri, we determined that virtually all northern Chilean populations of Liolaemus previously considered to belong to either of these two species should be assigned to L. puna. Thus, the range of L. alticolor is restricted to Bolivia and southern Perú , and the range of L. walkeri is restricted to central and southern Andean Perú. Liolaemus chaltin is oviparous, and L. puna is viviparous, and because both are morphologically similar to L. alticolor, some investigators have suggested that some populations of L. alticolor may be reproductive bimodal. Our studies, however, indicate that these populations represent sympatric populations of the cryptic species described herein. A diagnostic key is provided for the currently recognized members of the alticolor group.
Page 1. Copeia, 1999(1), pp. 122-140 Two New Cryptic Species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae)... more Page 1. Copeia, 1999(1), pp. 122-140 Two New Cryptic Species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) from Northwestern Argentina: Resolution of the Purported Reproductive Bimodality of Liolaemus alticolor FERNANDO LOBO AND ROBERT E. ESPINOZA ...
South American Journal of Herpetology, Jul 2, 2019
The number of species of the genus Phymaturus has increased consistently since 1995, when only 10... more The number of species of the genus Phymaturus has increased consistently since 1995, when only 10 species had been described. Over the last two decades, this number has risen to 46. This group of lizards is characterized by a flattened body and spiny tail; they are viviparous and herbivorous and inhabit rocky regions, using crevices as refuges. For the present study, an integrative taxonomy approach was used with the aim of rigorously assessing the taxonomic status of a population occupying the Auca Mahuida volcanic field. Evidence from genetics, morphology, and biogeography suggests that this population is a separate lineage from all described species. This new species can be distinguished from close relatives by a longitudinal white dorsal line along the midline at the base of the tail. Special emphasis was put on determining if this taxon presented differences from the nearest relatives of the palluma group: P. roigorum and P. tromen. Consistent differences were found.
Nú ñ ez (2004) examined the syntypes of Liolaemus pictus major Boulenger in the British Museum of... more Nú ñ ez (2004) examined the syntypes of Liolaemus pictus major Boulenger in the British Museum of Natural History and concluded, without supporting data, that this taxon is a senior synonym of Liolaemus capillitas Hulse. We show that the evidence does not support Nú ñ ez's (2004) proposal. We first document the complex taxonomic history of L. p. major, the lack of a precise or even definitive type locality, and the implications of the latter on subsequent checklists and research. Second, we note differences between Boulenger's (1885) type description of L. p. major and Hulse's (1979) type description of L. capillitas. Third, we show that the syntypes of L. p. major photographed by Nú ñ ez (2004) do not exhibit the character states of L. capillitas. We conclude that L. capillitas is not a synonym of L. p. major. Based on the available evidence, the syntypes of L. p. major are probably assignable to Liolaemus elongatus from populations occurring in Patagonia (southern Argentina or adjacent Chile). However, the precise identity of the syntypes requires additional study and perhaps a type locality restriction or redefinition of L. elongatus, which is itself in a state of flux. RESUMEN.-Nú ñ ez (2004) examinó los sintipos de Liolaemus pictus major Boulenger en el Museo Británico de Historia Naturale y concluyó , sin datos que lo sostengan, que este taxó n es un sinó nimo señ or de Liolaemus capillitas Hulse. Nosotros mostramos que la evidencia disponible no apoya la propuesta de Nú ñ ez (2004). Primero documentamos la compleja historia de L. p. major, la carencia de una localidad tipo o la restricció n de una, y las implicancias de esto ú ltimo en subsecuentes checklists e investigaciones. Segundo, notamos diferencias entre la descripció n tipo de Boulenger (1885) de L. p. major y la descripció n tipo de L. capillitas de Hulse (1979). Tercero, mostramos que los sintipos de L. p. major fotografiados por Nú ñ ez (2004) no exhiben los caracteres presentes en L. capillitas. Concluimos que L. capillitas no es un sinó nimo L. p. major. Basados en la evidencia disponible, los sintipos de L. p. major son aparentemente asignables a Liolaemus elongatus de poblaciones que se encuentran en la Patagonia (sur de Argentina o adyacentes en Chile). De todos modos, la identidad precisa de los sintipos requerirá de estudio adicional y quizás la restricció n de una localidad o la redefinició n de L. elongatus, especie que por sí misma se encuentra pobremente definida.
Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) is an African species introduced and widely distrib... more Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnès, 1818) is an African species introduced and widely distributed in South America. We report H. mabouia for the first time in the municipal campsite of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (province of Corrientes, Argentina) and in Salvador Mazza (province of Salta, Argentina). These new records increase the known distribution in Argentina of this invasive species, and they are the first from Salta, and only the second from Corrientes.
Only few published studies that describe the neuroanatomy of lizards. Here, we describe the neuro... more Only few published studies that describe the neuroanatomy of lizards. Here, we describe the neuroanatomy of several Iguanian species belonging to three families (species of Liolaemus and Phymaturus belonging to Liolaemidae, Tropidurus and Stenocercus as representatives of Tropiduridae, and Diplolaemus as a representative of Leiosauridae). Based on Sudan Black B staining and conventional dissections, the neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral region is described. Among the most outstanding results is the existence of a neuronal pattern of the lumbosacral plexus characteristic of Liolaemidae. In addition, it was found that in the genus Liolaemus the lumbosacral plexus is composed of five pairs of spinal nerves while in Phymaturus, Tropidurus, Stenocercus and Diplolaemus is composed from five to six pairs of spinal nerves (from pre‐sacral, sacral, and caudal vertebrae). We find differences in the origin of the spinal nerves that constitute the plexus. In some cases, the pattern of nerves invo...
is the largest dry forest in South America and the southern component of the continent′s Cis-Ande... more is the largest dry forest in South America and the southern component of the continent′s Cis-Andean diagonal biomes of open formations (Caatinga, Cerrado and Chaco) separating the Amazonia and Atlantic Forests. It occupies territories in the North of Argentina, West of Paraguay and Southeast of Bolivia and enters Brazil as a narrow strip parallel to the Paraguay river in Mato Grosso do Sul (TNC et al. 2005). Its geographic area covers between 800,000 and 1,000,000 m 2 (Prado, 1993), extending from tropical latitudes (18°S) to subtropical regions (31°S). Climatic and edaphic gradients determine two main assemblages with stable plant compositions: the dry Chaco (D-Ch) and the humid Chaco (H-Ch), separated by the Paraguay-Paraná river in the centre (Spichiger, Bise, Calenge, & Chatelain, 2006; Werneck, 2011). These divisions were corroborated by zoogeographic studies of mammalian (López-González,
A total of 55 skeletal characters (continuous and discrete) were analyzed for species of the L. d... more A total of 55 skeletal characters (continuous and discrete) were analyzed for species of the L. darwinii group: L. albiceps , L. chacoensis , L. grosseorum , L. irregularis , L. koslowskyi , L. ornatus , L. quilmes , plus L. inacayali ( L . telsen group) and L. scapularis ( L . wiegmannii group). We report polymorphic intraspecific variation that was not previously taken into account and we describe 21 new characters that provide original information across the group. We detected several morphological synapomorphies for the darwinii group and subclades. Meckel’s cartilage enclosed by dentary outgrowth on lingual side of lower jaw (synapomorphy of the subgenus Liolaemus sensu stricto , and of the patagonicus group of Phymaturus ) occurs also within the L . darwinii group. The morphology of maxillary teeth with three conspicuous cusps can be a potential synapomorphy of the Eulaemus subgenus. As we show in the present study, the morphology of maxillary teeth can have an adaptive value....
... Lobo, F. and RE Espinoza. 1999. Two new cryptic species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) ... more ... Lobo, F. and RE Espinoza. 1999. Two new cryptic species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) from northwestern Argentina: resolution of the purported reproductive bimodality of Liolaemus alticolor. Copeia 1999:122140. CrossRef, CSA. Lobo, F. and RE Espinoza. 2004. ...
In living organisms with sexual reproduction, the presence of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is com... more In living organisms with sexual reproduction, the presence of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is common. The main explanations for this phenomenon are based on sexual selection or the fecundity advantage hypothesis (natural selection). Here, we tested Rensch's rule in species of the viviparous lizard genus Phymaturus; additionally, we tested if there is a pattern of sexual size dimorphism or if it depends upon other morphological traits. We found no evidence for Rensch's rule in these lizards. After testing for multiple or single regime evolutionary models, we found that body size most likely evolved under multi-regime Ornstein-Uhlenbeck evolutionary model; the same was observed for abdomen width in females, a fecundity advantage hypothesis trait. For species with female biased SSD there is a positive relationship between snout-vent length and width of the belly, supporting the fecundity advantage hypothesis. Additionally, the relationship between brood size and brood mass with body size and body mass (respectively) were positive giving strength to the fecundity advantage hypothesis. Finally, our results show males did not show a clear pattern in relation to the sexual selection hypothesis, probably because sexual selection is a complex aspect that involves behavior and color. On the other hand, female body size and reproductive output are related to mean seasonal air temperature and its combination with mean annual air temperature in an evolutionary fashion framework, such as fecundity advantage hypothesis in these lizards.
BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting... more BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research.
With 36 species and at least nine potentially independent lineages (not formally described yet) o... more With 36 species and at least nine potentially independent lineages (not formally described yet) occurring mostly in the Andes and adjacent Patagonia and Puna plateau areas, Phymaturus lizards represent one of the most endemic vertebrate groups of the arid southwestern region of South America. Phylogenetic relationships among species of Phymaturus are inferred using mainly a morphological data set of 206 characters. Also available sequences of mitochondrial DNA for seven terminals were added for a total evidence analysis. Most information is included in the discrete characters block; most characters involve color pattern, osteology and squamation. Continuous characters were taken from body proportions, squamation and skeletons. Among morphological data, binary polymorphic characters were analyzed applying the scaled coding criteria. Continuous characters were entered in the analysis using standardized ranges, a method that allows a simple optimization to estimate distances/costs avoiding the arbitrary coding as discrete characters. For our parsimony analyses we chose the implied weights method, which underweights homoplastic characters. Several runs were made analyzing all the information combined and also separating morphological from molecular datasets. Binary polymorphisms were also analyzed as missing data. All characters affected by sexual dimorphism were analyzed separating the sexes; female information was more congruent with the total evidence analysis. Characters involving continuous and polymorphic information are relevant for searching and building phylogenetic hypotheses in Phymaturus. There exists significant congruence between the molecular information analyzed in this study and previous published analyses. Within both main clades of Phymaturus, northern subgroups are those more recently originated during the genus diversification. Species belonging to the puna subclade of the palluma group are arranged in two natural groups, one distributed in the north (Catamarca and La Rioja provinces), and the other in the south, La Rioja and San Juan provinces. Within the patagonicus group, the majority of the species are arranged in a south-central Chubut clade, eastern-central Chubut clade, central Rio Negro clade and a Payunia clade.
South American Journal of Herpetology, Aug 1, 2010
after the study of a diverse collection of Phymaturus from three argentinian institutions and add... more after the study of a diverse collection of Phymaturus from three argentinian institutions and additional samples collected in the last two years we discovered several populations of uncertain taxonomic status. Based on 93 morphological characters of squamation, color pattern, gular and nuchal folds, precloacal pores, and morphometric data, we conclude that at least four of those are independent lineages which require formal description. characters related to sexual dimorphism and dichromatism as well as the ontogenetic change of several others, from juvenile to adult specimens, are described. according to the most recent revision of the genus (Lobo and Quinteros, 2005a) and considering the descriptions made in the last four years, the taxonomic composition of the genus was raised to 23 species. in this study we provide the formal description of four additional new taxa, including their diagnosis and detailed comparisons with other members of their species groups. Two new species belong to the patagonicus group (provinces of chubut and rio negro, in patagonia between 46° and 41° of latitude) while the other two belong to the palluma group (neuquén and catamarca provinces, western argentina, 39° and 27-26°30' of latitude respectively). with the exception of one case for which four localities are reported, all new species are restricted to their type localities. This fact confirms a common historical distributional pattern for most species of the genus.
We studied the efficiency of thermoregulation in four high elevation Liolaemus species in the And... more We studied the efficiency of thermoregulation in four high elevation Liolaemus species in the Andes of Salta, Argentina; Liolaemus irregularis, Liolaemus multicolor, Liolaemus albiceps and Liolaemus yanalcu. One of the species, L. irregularis, shows a broad distribution being in allopatry in some localities and in sympatry with L. albiceps, L. multicolor and L. yanalcu at different sites. Together with this variation in assemblages, the degree of phylogenetic relatedness is different with L. irregularis being most closely related to L. albiceps than to the other two species (L. multicolor and L. yanalcu). We measured body (T b), microenvironmental (T a , T s), and operative temperatures (T e) in the field, and preferred body temperature (T pref) in laboratory for each one of the species of assemblages. Three out of the four species showed a high thermoregulatory efficiency except for L. yanalcu, a moderate thermoregulator. The species studied here show high T b in the field compared to most of the recorded Liolaemus species. However, the T pref values were similar to other Liolaemus species. No evidence of thermal niche segregation between species in sympatry was observed. Our results suggest that the species studied here, despite living at high elevation and harsh climatic conditions are able to behaviorally or physiologically thermoregulate to achieve T b s close to their T pref , probably because of low predation risk and perhaps low levels of competition.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), May 1, 2015
Comprehensive studies recently published on the evolution and systematics of Phymaturus (morpholo... more Comprehensive studies recently published on the evolution and systematics of Phymaturus (morphological and molecular ones) revealed not only a historical pattern and subclades within the traditional P. palluma and P. patagonicus species groups but also a still not fully understood unsuspected diversity. Several populations in northern and southern Argentina may represent independent lineages that deserve formal description. Two of these populations were studied for the present contribution and are easily distinguished from all the other species in the genus. One of these populations is from Río Negro province and belongs to the P. patagonicus group; it exhibits a unique dorsal color pattern and several individuals are melanic, a characteristic never reported before for the genus, with the exception of P. tenebrosus. A careful examination of melanic individuals revealed the same dorsal pattern as that of non-melanic ones, although it is obscured. We also report the discovery of melanic individuals of two other species that are probably closely related: P. ceii and P. sitesi. The melanism found in the P. patagonicus group differs from the head melanism of males in certain species of the P. palluma group because in the former group melanism is not determined by sexual dimorphism and involves the whole animal. The other population studied in this contribution belongs to the P. palluma group and is described as a new species because its color pattern and scalation differ from those of all the other members of the P. palluma group. Finally, we discuss the position of these new lizard species in the context of the available phylogenetic hypothesis and the occurrence and evolution of melanism in the P. patagonicus group.
Liolaemus gracilis was cited in the categorization of the reptile habitat associations of Buenos ... more Liolaemus gracilis was cited in the categorization of the reptile habitat associations of Buenos Aires province in Argentina as the only Liolaemus lizard inhabiting the rocky grounds of the Tandilia System. We describe a new species of the genus Liolaemus which was previously confused with the widely ranging L. gracilis from the population of this mountain range. We examined samples of populations from coastal sand dunes and from the mountain range of Tandilia. Morphological characters and measurements were taken from specimens of both populations. We recorded ecological and life history notes of the saxicolous form in the field. The new species is an endemic and saxicolous form from Tandilia that can be distinguished from L. gracilis by indistinct or absent light dorsolateral stripes, small and segmental paravertebral spots, and by a throat with a denser, fine and diffuse spotted pattern. The ventral coloration is grayish plumb. Temporal scales are keeled or slightly keeled and the auricular scale is less differentiated. Morphometrically, the new species is larger in snout-vent length and head width but smaller in maximum body width and tail length than L. gracilis. The new species is oviparous and insectivorous. RESUMEN: Liolaemus gracilis es citada en un listado de reptiles y ambientes de la provincia de Buenos Aires de Argentina como la ú nica especie de Liolaemus que habita en suelos rocosos del Sistema de Sierras de Tandilia. Describimos a partir de una població n de estas sierras una nueva especie del gé nero Liolaemus anteriormente confundida con L. gracilis, esta ú ltima de mayor distribució n. Examinamos caracteres morfoló gicos y medimos especímenes de muestras provenientes de poblaciones de las dunas costeras y de las sierras de Tandilia. En el campo recolectamos datos sobre la ecología e historia natural de la forma serrana. La nueva especie es una forma saxícola endé mica de Tandilia que puede distinguirse de L. gracilis por las bandas dorsolaterales claras poco evidentes o ausentes, la manchas paravertebrales pequeñ as y segmentarias y por una garganta con un patró n denso y difuso de manchas finas. La coloració n ventral es gris plomiza. Las escamas temporales son quilladas o levemente quilladas y la escama auricular está menos diferenciada. Morfomé tricamente la especie saxícola tiene mayor longitud hocico-cloaca y su cabeza es más ancha, pero a la vez es más delgada en la mitad del cuerpo y su cola es más corta que la de L. gracilis. La nueva especie es ovípara e insectívora.
We provide descriptions for two new cryptic species belonging to the Liolaemus alticolor group fr... more We provide descriptions for two new cryptic species belonging to the Liolaemus alticolor group from northern Argentina and northeastern Chile. The new species were previously considered conspecific with either Liolaemus walkeri in northeastern Chile or L. alticolor in northwestern Argentina and adjacent Chile. However, the new species differ from these taxa, and all other members of the alticolor group, in a number of characteristics. Liolaemus chaltin n. sp. differs from L. alticolor from the type locality (Tiahuanaco, Bolivia) in the following ways: this new species has a larger body size; a fragmented vertebral stripe; and a pigmented subocular (white in L. alticolor), and is one of just three members of the alticolor group that is oviparous. Liolaemus puna n. sp. differs from all other members of the alticolor group in that male L. puna lack paravertebral markings and dorsolateral and vertebral stripes. Females, however, are similar to other members of the alticolor group but can be distinguished from them by several meristic characters. Liolaemus puna is widely distributed throughout the high-elevation (3680-4400 m) Puna regions (a flat or gently sloping steppe dominated by perennial bunch grasses and small shrubs) in northwestern Argentina and northeastern Chile. Liolaemus chaltin is known only from the Puna of central Jujuy Province, Argentina (3400-3750 m). Based on examinations of the type series of L. alticolor and L. walkeri, we determined that virtually all northern Chilean populations of Liolaemus previously considered to belong to either of these two species should be assigned to L. puna. Thus, the range of L. alticolor is restricted to Bolivia and southern Perú , and the range of L. walkeri is restricted to central and southern Andean Perú. Liolaemus chaltin is oviparous, and L. puna is viviparous, and because both are morphologically similar to L. alticolor, some investigators have suggested that some populations of L. alticolor may be reproductive bimodal. Our studies, however, indicate that these populations represent sympatric populations of the cryptic species described herein. A diagnostic key is provided for the currently recognized members of the alticolor group.
Page 1. Copeia, 1999(1), pp. 122-140 Two New Cryptic Species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae)... more Page 1. Copeia, 1999(1), pp. 122-140 Two New Cryptic Species of Liolaemus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) from Northwestern Argentina: Resolution of the Purported Reproductive Bimodality of Liolaemus alticolor FERNANDO LOBO AND ROBERT E. ESPINOZA ...
South American Journal of Herpetology, Jul 2, 2019
The number of species of the genus Phymaturus has increased consistently since 1995, when only 10... more The number of species of the genus Phymaturus has increased consistently since 1995, when only 10 species had been described. Over the last two decades, this number has risen to 46. This group of lizards is characterized by a flattened body and spiny tail; they are viviparous and herbivorous and inhabit rocky regions, using crevices as refuges. For the present study, an integrative taxonomy approach was used with the aim of rigorously assessing the taxonomic status of a population occupying the Auca Mahuida volcanic field. Evidence from genetics, morphology, and biogeography suggests that this population is a separate lineage from all described species. This new species can be distinguished from close relatives by a longitudinal white dorsal line along the midline at the base of the tail. Special emphasis was put on determining if this taxon presented differences from the nearest relatives of the palluma group: P. roigorum and P. tromen. Consistent differences were found.
Nú ñ ez (2004) examined the syntypes of Liolaemus pictus major Boulenger in the British Museum of... more Nú ñ ez (2004) examined the syntypes of Liolaemus pictus major Boulenger in the British Museum of Natural History and concluded, without supporting data, that this taxon is a senior synonym of Liolaemus capillitas Hulse. We show that the evidence does not support Nú ñ ez's (2004) proposal. We first document the complex taxonomic history of L. p. major, the lack of a precise or even definitive type locality, and the implications of the latter on subsequent checklists and research. Second, we note differences between Boulenger's (1885) type description of L. p. major and Hulse's (1979) type description of L. capillitas. Third, we show that the syntypes of L. p. major photographed by Nú ñ ez (2004) do not exhibit the character states of L. capillitas. We conclude that L. capillitas is not a synonym of L. p. major. Based on the available evidence, the syntypes of L. p. major are probably assignable to Liolaemus elongatus from populations occurring in Patagonia (southern Argentina or adjacent Chile). However, the precise identity of the syntypes requires additional study and perhaps a type locality restriction or redefinition of L. elongatus, which is itself in a state of flux. RESUMEN.-Nú ñ ez (2004) examinó los sintipos de Liolaemus pictus major Boulenger en el Museo Británico de Historia Naturale y concluyó , sin datos que lo sostengan, que este taxó n es un sinó nimo señ or de Liolaemus capillitas Hulse. Nosotros mostramos que la evidencia disponible no apoya la propuesta de Nú ñ ez (2004). Primero documentamos la compleja historia de L. p. major, la carencia de una localidad tipo o la restricció n de una, y las implicancias de esto ú ltimo en subsecuentes checklists e investigaciones. Segundo, notamos diferencias entre la descripció n tipo de Boulenger (1885) de L. p. major y la descripció n tipo de L. capillitas de Hulse (1979). Tercero, mostramos que los sintipos de L. p. major fotografiados por Nú ñ ez (2004) no exhiben los caracteres presentes en L. capillitas. Concluimos que L. capillitas no es un sinó nimo L. p. major. Basados en la evidencia disponible, los sintipos de L. p. major son aparentemente asignables a Liolaemus elongatus de poblaciones que se encuentran en la Patagonia (sur de Argentina o adyacentes en Chile). De todos modos, la identidad precisa de los sintipos requerirá de estudio adicional y quizás la restricció n de una localidad o la redefinició n de L. elongatus, especie que por sí misma se encuentra pobremente definida.
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