Taxonomic Status Of The Neotropical Caecilian Genera Brasilotyphlus Taylor, 1968, Microcaecilia Taylor, 1968 And Parvicaecilia Taylor, 1968 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Siphonopidae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT — We review the taxonomic history and assess the status of three genera of siphonopid caecilians from South America. Evidence from dentition and squamation suggest that Microcaecilia is paraphyletic with respect to Parvicaecilia. To avoid this paraphyly we propose to relegate the latter to the synonymy of the former. We find no evidence warranting any change in the taxonomic status of Brasilotyphlus at this time. We provide a rediagnosis of Microcaecilia and a key to the fourteen currently recognized species.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/122718/1/OP 744.pd