Cryptic multicolored lizards in the Polychrus marmoratus Group (Squamata: Sauria: Polychrotidae) and the status of Leiolepis auduboni Hallowell

The Neotropical genus Polychrus contains seven species of arboreal lizards. The type species for the genus is the widespread Polychrus marmoratus. We compared a few populations of P. marmoratus using 16S and COI mitochondrial gene sequences (1,035 bp total) and found several lineages existing under the name Polychrus marmoratus. Working backwards, using morphology we identify Polychrus marmoratus from the Guiana Shield and resurrect the name Leiolepis auduboni Hallowell for the species present in Trinidad, Tobago, and northern Venezuela. The number of species in the genus Polychrus is raised to eight. However, we also discuss evidence for the existence of other cryptic species withi

Cryptic, sympatric diversity in Tegu lizards of the Tupinambis teguixin Group (Squamata, Sauria, Teiidae) and the description of three new species

Tegus of the genera Tupinambis and Salvator are the largest Neotropical lizards and the most exploited clade of Neotropical reptiles. For three decades more than 34 million tegu skins were in trade, about 1.02 million per year. The genus Tupinambis is distributed in South America east of the Andes, and currently contains four recognized species, three of which are found only in Brazil. However, the type species of the genus, T. teguixin, is known from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela (including the Isla de Margarita). Here we present molecular and morphological evidence that this species is genetically divergent across its range and identify four distinct clades some of which are sympatric. The occurrence of cryptic sympatric species undoubtedly exacerbated the nomenclatural problems of the past. We discuss the species supported by molecular and morphological evidence and increase the number of species in the genus Tupinambis to seven. The four members of the T. teguixin group continue to be confused with Salvator merianae, despite having a distinctly different morphology and reproductive mode. All members of the genus Tupinambis are CITES Appendix II. Yet, they continue to be heavily exploited, under studied, and confused in the minds of the public, conservationists, and scientists

A molecular and morphological characterization of Oliver's parrot snake, Leptophis coeruleodorsus (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) with the description of a new species from Tobago

Murphy, John C., Charles, Stevland P., Lehtinen, Richard M., Koeller, Krista L. (2013): A molecular and morphological characterization of Oliver's parrot snake, Leptophis coeruleodorsus (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) with the description of a new species from Tobago. Zootaxa 3718 (6): 561-574, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3718.6.

The Greater Windward skink, Copeoglossum aurae (Reptilia: Squamata: Mabuyidae), a semi-arboreal lizard of the Eastern Caribbean

No abstract available

Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae, Scarthyla vigilans (Solano, 1971): range extension and new country record for Trinidad, West Indies, with notes on tadpoles, habitat, behavior and biogeographical significance

We report a range extension and new country record for Scarthyla vigilans in Trinidad, West Indies. The species was previously known only from populations on mainland South America. We include notes on behavior, habitat and tadpole development, and discuss the biogeographical significance of the species’ presence in Trinidad, particularly with respect to consequences for understanding colonization events on this Caribbean island

Two traits that are useful in separating the four species of the <i>Tupinambis teguixin</i> group.

<p>First, the shape and size of the scales on the anterior surface of the femur: (A) <i>T</i>. <i>cuzcoensis</i>; (B) <i>T</i>. <i>cryptus</i> (C) <i>T</i>. <i>teguixin</i> (D) <i>T</i>. <i>zuliensis</i>. Second, the upper labial under the anterior corner of the orbit (E, F). The inside corner of the orbit is over the third upper labial in <i>Tupinambis teguixin</i>, and the fourth upper labial in <i>T</i>. <i>cryptus</i>. The supratemporals are numbered. <i>Tupinambis teguixin</i> (E) usually has two supratemporals and <i>T</i>. <i>cryptus</i> (F) usually has three supratemporals.</p

Six specimens of the <i>Tupinambis teguixin</i> Group presently considered <i>Tupinambis teguixin</i>.

<p>(a) Roraima, Brazil (b, c); Guyana (d) Trinidad; (e) Peru, Department Loreto, near the Madre Selva field station, on the Rio Orosa; (f) Tobago. Photographers: (a) GRC; (b, c) Armida Madngisa; (d, f) JCM; (e) Mike Pingleton.</p

Comparison of the seven species in the genus <i>Tupinambis</i>.

<p>Data for <i>longilineus</i>, <i>palustris</i>, <i>quadrilineatus</i> were taken from the literature and on-line photographs.</p

<i>Tupinambis zuliensis</i> sp n. FMNH 2599d.

<p>The specimen is from Enconstrados, Zulia, Venezuela. JCM.</p